English Language proficiency tests

IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test..  

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is a test designed to assess English language proficiency for those who wish to study abroad, migrate to an English-speaking country or work in an environment where English is the main language.  

IELTS test content is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased. This gives every candidate a fair opportunity, regardless of factors like nationality, background, gender, lifestyle or location.  

Millions of IELTS tests are taken every year. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the IELTS test is and how it can set you up for success in the next chapter of your life. 

An English proficiency test is a test that checks your English language level. English language tests like IELTS assess how well you can read, write, listen, and speak in English. You may be asked to take an English language test if you want to move to an English-speaking country.

English proficiency tests help educational institutions, employers, professional organisations and immigration authorities check your level of English. Countries like the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand ask for English language test results to make sure you can understand and use English in everyday life, work or study. 

IELTS helps you build the English skills you’ll use every day—whether you’re studying abroad, working for a global company or just navigating daily life. 

“IELTS made my journey from Quảng Trị to London possible. Scoring 8.5 with IDP was the first step that gave me the confidence to apply and gain admission to top business schools. Preparing for IELTS not only strengthened my English proficiency but also equipped me to thrive in a country I had never been to.” - Ngan Le, IELTS Future Award winner 

IELTS test results are recognised by more than 12,500 organisations globally, including governments, educational institutions, employers and professional organisations. IDP is a proud co-owner of the IELTS test and we deliver the test through our network of custom-built test centres. 

Find an IDP IELTS test centre near you. 

Learn more about IELTS Tests 

The IELTS test takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It consists of four sections:  

• Listening (30 minutes) 

• Reading (60 minutes) 

• Writing (60 minutes) 

• Speaking (11–14 minutes) 

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are taken on the same day, one after another, with no breaks in between. Your Speaking test will often be on the same day as your Listening/Reading/Writing test but can be done anywhere from 7 days prior or 7 days after the test, depending on the test centre you choose.   There are different types of IELTS test, depending on your goals: 

• IELTS Academic – for people who want to study at a university or other higher education institutions. You can also take this test to demonstrate your English skills for professional registration. This test assesses how well you can use English in an academic environment. 

• IELTS General Training – for people who want to work in an English-speaking country or live there permanently. This test focuses on language that is used in both daily life and work situations.  

• IELTS for UKVI – for people who want to live, work or study in the UK. IELTS for UKVI is accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English.  You can choose between IELTS for UKVI Academic or IELTS for UKVI General Training. 

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills - for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills for a UK Visa and Immigration application (UKVI) You can choose between three different levels: Life Skills A1, A2 and B1.  

It’s a good idea to check with the organisation you’re applying to and see which test they accept.  More people succeed with IELTS. Every year millions of people choose IELTSas their English proficiency test. Here’s why: 

• IELTS is trusted and accepted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world. 

• IELTS test centres are available in more than 4,000 locations in 140 countries 

• You can choose to do IELTS on computer or on paper in a test centre or take IELTS Online from home. 

• Unlike most other English language tests, IELTS gives you the chance to do a speaking test face-to-face with a real human so can use your results as proof of real-life communication skills. 

• IELTS is the only major English language test to offer IELTS One Skill Retake. This gives you the option to retake any section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) if you want to improve your score without resitting the whole test. 

• IELTS offers a wide range of free preparation resources to help you achieve your desired score.  

“I chose IDP IELTS because of its reputation for fairness and accuracy, along with comprehensive preparation resources. Their flexible scheduling and multiple test locations make the process convenient. IDP’s commitment to supporting test-takers ensures I receive a positive experience, empowering me to reach my goals and dreams.”  - Ching Chau Chan, IELTS Future Award finalist

Visit our IELTS Prepare Hub to find preparation materials you can trust – all in one place.  

At IDP, we give you the flexibility to prepare for IELTS your way with a wide range of test preparation resources to suit different learning styles. Choose from videos, podcasts, articles, practice tests, masterclasses and online courses.  

You can also search for preparation materials by test type, test skill, topic and band score in our IELTS preparation library. 

If you’re not sure where to start your IELTS preparation, try our free English self-assessment tool to get personalised recommendations.

Choosing IELTS means choosing a test designed to prepare you for real-world experiences. We’ll help you make it to your new life – and help make sure it’s the success you dream of. 

Find your closest IELTS test centre.