IELTS is a secure English-language test that is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations across the globe, from education institutions to employers, as well as government and professional bodies.

IELTS assesses your English-language proficiency across four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking in either an academic, higher education or practical, everyday setting.

There are different test types you can take including: IELTS Academic test, IELTS General Training test and Life Skills (A1, A2 or B1) test. The test type you need to take will depend on your intent. If you want to study in higher education in an English-speaking country, you might need to take the IELTS Academic test.

About IELTS

IELTS - The World’s Most Popular High-Stakes English Language Test

IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in over 150 countries. Co-owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English-language test for study, work and migration, with more than 3.5 million tests taken last year.IELTS assesses all of your English skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking, and is designed to reflect real life use of English - whether for study, work, or play. The IELTS exam is developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment. It has an excellent international reputation and is accepted by over 11,500 institutions worldwide. These include schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies, among many more.There are two versions of the IELTS test: IELTS General Training, and IELTS Academic. The version you should take depends on your visa requirements and your goals for study or vocation.

IDP Education, Co-Owner and Official Test Centre of IELTS

We are a proud co-owner of IELTS. IDP Education offers the IELTS Academic and General Training tests in more than 2,200 test locations across 80 countries. The IELTS test is co-owned and was co-created by IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessment. Since its launch in 1989, IELTS has become the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test.

IELTS Test Format

IELTS is a test of all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. First, you’ll take the listening test, then the reading and writing tests all on the same day; one straight after the other with no breaks in-between. Depending on the test centre, your speaking test may be on the same day as the other three parts of the test, or up to seven days before or after that. The total test time is less than three hours.

Find out more about the IELTS test format.

IELTS Results

There is no pass or fail in IELTS, for both general training and academic versions. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The results from these four parts then produce an overall band score. This unique 9-band system measures scores consistently - wherever and whenever the test is taken. It is internationally recognized and understood, providing you with a reliable international currency. IELTS scores have a recommended validity period of two years. Read more about the IELTS results.

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What is IELTS On Computer?

Test takers can choose between Paper-based IELTS and IELTS on Computer according to their personal preference. Please note that the test content, structure and timing are identical, whether it is taken on paper or on computer for both the IELTS general training and academic versions.

Speak with a person not a computer

If you choose IELTS on Computer, this means you’ll take the listening, reading and writing test components on a computer. The speaking test will remain face-to-face, as we believe this is the most effective way of assessing your speaking skills, while prompting a more lifelike performance. As for all other aspects of the test, these are identical; whether taken on paper or on a computer.All other aspects of the test are identical, whether they are taken on paper or on a computer. Results for IELTS on computer will be available 3 - 5 days* after you finish all components of your test.The Hong Kong IELTS exam is held on selected days only. Registration will close four days before the test date, with places subject to availability.

* Results for IELTS on computer are usually available in 3-5 days after you finish all components of your test. Please note that the result release day will be postponed to the next working day in the event if it falls on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Candidates will be notified if results are not available on the scheduled date.

IELTS On Computer Test Centre Tour

IELTS computer-based test | Visit IDP IELTS test center (Mong Kok)

* Results for IELTS on computer are usually available in 3-5 days after you finish all components of your test. Please note that the result release day will be postponed to the next working day in the event if it falls on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Candidates will be notified if results are not available on the scheduled date.

BOOK YOUR IELTS TEST SESSION TODAY!

Why is the IELTS format fairer for test takers?

You deserve a fair chance to do the best you can. That’s why, unlike other language tests, the IELTS exam gives you a quiet room with no distractions or interruptions for each individual speaking test. . IELTS Australia, Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council all understand that people take different approaches when answering questions. For example, with IELTS, you can choose to answer the questions within the reading test and the writing test in the order that suits you. You can also make changes to your reading answers during the hour used to complete your reading test, whereby in the same way, you can also make adjustments to your writing responses during the hour used to complete your writing test.

Why Choose IELTS?

International EnglishIELTS recognizes both British and American English in terms of spelling, grammar and choice of words. It also incorporates a mix of native speaker accents from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and also the US in the Listening component.International ContentThe IELTS approach is recognized as being fair, reliable and valid to all candidates - regardless of nationality, cultural background, gender or special needs. IELTS general training and academic test questions are developed by a network known as the IELTS item writers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and the US. They are based on real life sources (for example, advertisements, books, newspapers and company policies), in order to ensure they’re always fit for purpose.International ConsultationIELTS has been developed by IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council, and the Cambridge English Language Assessment in close consultation with academics, professional bodies and immigration authorities from around the world.International PartnersIELTS is owned by a global partnership of education and language experts: IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council, and the Cambridge English Language Assessment. These bodies are dedicated to academic excellence, cultural understanding, student recruitment and creating worldwide success.

IELTS Academic Or General Training – Which Test Do You Need?

IELTS offers two types of test - IELTS Academic Exam and IELTS General Training.The IELTS test you take, together with the score you need, depends on both the requirements of your visa and the organization where you plan to study or work.

When to take the IELTS academic test?

IELTS Academic is designed for people planning to study in higher education or those seeking professional registration. It assesses whether you’re ready to begin studying or training in an environment, whereby English is the language used.You may take the IELTS academic test if you want to:

• Study or train at a university or college as an undergraduate.

• Study or train at a university or college as a postgraduate.

• Join a professional association.

When to take IELTS General Training?

IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context.You may take IELTS General Training if you want to:

• Study in secondary education.

• Study or train at a college or training centre below degree level.

• Migrate to an English-speaking country.

How are the IELTS General Training and Academic tests different?

All participants take the same listening and speaking tests, regardless of whether they take IELTS Academic or General Training.The reading and writing tests differ in content, depending on whether you are taking IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.Find out more about the format of each test here.

IDP IELTS Partners

The following partners* are official IDP IELTS Registration Agents:

*Listed according to alphabetical order

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IELTS Examination Venue

IDP Education IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Hong Kong Island (including: Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc.) and Kowloon (including: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, etc.). Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS UKVI on Computer, Life Skills A1 or Life Skills B1). The test centre cannot be held responsible for an incorrect selection.

Please Note

We have noticed some online advertisements on several social media sites claim to provide services for IELTS test takers, such as registering for IELTS, collection of results and making arrangements for a re-mark of the test. We advise all potential IELTS test takers to avoid using such services that are not directly affiliated to IELTS. Once you’ve submitted your IELTS application, it’s time to start preparing. Learn tips, get sample tests, past papers, and more from IDP. We even offer 30 days of free online practice to get you better prepared for your examination. If you have any questions, require special arrangements, or anything else, please speak to your test centre team. They will be more than happy to assist you in any way regarding the IELTS registration and application, as well as information about the test day.Please read "Notice to Test Takers: Special precautionary measures on Test Day"