International English Language Testing System
AcronymIELTS
TypeStandardised test. Available in 2 modules: "Academic", "General training". The IELTS test partners also offer IELTS Life Skills, a speaking and listening test used for UK Visas and Immigration.
Developer / administratorBritish Council, IDP Education, Cambridge Assessment English.
Knowledge / skills testedListening, reading, writing and speaking of the English language.
PurposeTo assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
Year started1980; 39 years ago (1980)
DurationListening: 40 minutes (including the 10-minute transfer time),
Reading: 60 minutes,
Writing: 60 minutes,
Speaking: 11–14 minutes.
Total: 2 hours, 55 minutes.
Score / grade range0 to 9, in 0.5 band increments.
Score / grade validity2 years
OfferedUp to 4 times a month. Up to 48 times a year.
Countries / regionsMore than 1,200 test centres in over 140 countries
LanguagesEnglish
Prerequisites / eligibility criteriaNo official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers.
FeeTo find out the test fee in local currency, use the IELTS Worldwide search to identify a local centre.
Scores / grades used byMore than 10,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 140 countries
Websitewww.ielts.org