Free IELTS Preparation Resources: How to Make the Most of the IELTS Prepare Hub

Not everyone prepares for the IELTS test the same way.

If you’re taking IELTS for the first time, you’ll need different resources from someone who is already familiar with the test and wants to improve their score.

You might already know what skills or tasks you want to spend more time on. Or perhaps you’re looking for guidance on what your gaps are.

The IELTS Prepare Hub is an online test preparation space, designed to help you perform at your best on test day.

All the resources in the Hub are developed or endorsed by IDP, a co-owner of the IELTS test, so you can prepare with confidence knowing they're aligned with the official test format and content.

This guide will help you use the IELTS Prepare Hub to find the study materials that give you the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Before you start preparing for IELTS, it’s important that you know why you’re taking the test. For example, are you planning to study abroad or work in an English-speaking country? Or do you need to take the IELTS test for migration?

You should also find out whether you need to take the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training test and what band score you need to achieve.

These requirements are set by the organisation you’re applying to, so check with your target institution, employer, regulatory body or immigration authority.

Our English self-assessment tool, located at the top of the IELTS Prepare Hub, provides a quick check of your current skills and highlights areas where you may need more practice.

When you open the tool, select why you’re taking IELTS to receive either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training questions. You’ll then answer 20 Listening and Reading questions and receive an instant score, a breakdown of your results and preparation resources to help you improve.

Our IELTS Prepare Hub has a section dedicated especially to first-time test takers.

Start by reading our step-by-step guide to IELTS preparation. It covers nine easy steps, from choosing the right IELTS test for your goals to accessing your test results.

This section also includes:

• IELTS Recognising organisations list: Explore the 13,500+ organisations in over 150 countries that accept IELTS. You can also use the search filter to check if the organisation you’re applying to is on the list.

• IELTS sample tests: Take a practice test to familiarise yourself with the IELTS test questions and on-screen layout before test day.

• IELTS Preparation Library: Use this to search for specific IELTS preparation materials. A great place to start is the podcast section, where you'll find our 10-part IELTS Prepare by IDP video podcast series covering everything you need to know about the IELTS test.

• Free IELTS events: Find out how to register for an online or in-person IELTS Masterclass. This 90-minute, expert-led session takes you through the IELTS test and how to prepare for it, with time for questions at the end.

• IELTS scoring: Learn how IELTS band scores work and how your test is marked.

If you’re taking the IELTS test again, you’ll already be familiar with the test format. This time around, start by understanding what you need to work on to improve your score, rather than completing more practice tests.

Next, use the filters in our IELTS Preparation Library to find materials that can help you focus on your areas for improvement.

Here’s an example to help you get started:

The IELTS Preparation Library makes it easy to create a study plan that works for you.

• Choose from practice tests, podcasts, videos and articles depending on how you prefer to learn.

• Use the search bar to find resources that target specific subskills like pronunciation or paraphrasing.

• Watch recordings of our IELTS masterclasses and webinars in the video section.

• Explore grammar guides in the article section to strengthen language areas like prepositions, verb tenses and the passive voice.

• Focus on specific question types in our practice test section.

You'll also have free access to IELTS Community by IDP through the IELTS Prepare Hub. Explore our online library of common IELTS questions, all answered by experienced IELTS experts.

Whether you want to learn more about the IELTS test format, preparation strategies or test day procedures, you'll find reliable guidance and practical advice to help you get ready.

No matter where you are in your test preparation, the IELTS Prepare Hub offers resources, study tools and information to help you build confidence for test day and support you throughout your English language journey, wherever it takes you next.

Visit the IELTS Prepare Hub and create your personalised preparation plan today.