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More than 12,500 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System), the most widely recognised English language proficiency test in the world. The IELTS test is jointly owned by the IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge English.
On a nine-band scale ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (experienced user), the test evaluates four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS can be taken in Saudi Arabia in IDP’s testing locations across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and more. IELTS on computer test results are accessible within one to five days. The validity of the IELTS test certificate is two years.
What does IELTS stand for?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. IELTS is used around the world for a variety of purposes, including for study, work, and migration.
Who needs IELTS in Saudi Arabia?
People in Saudi Arabia take the IELTS test for many reasons.
Study
Students in Saudi Arabia take IELTS to meet English language requirements for international universities.
Work
Professionals need IELTS for career opportunities abroad.
Migration
IELTS is commonly required for visa and immigration authorities in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand.
What are IELTS test types?
IELTS has different test types which you can choose from depending on your goals.
IELTS Academic
If you’re seeking higher education or professional registration, you can take the IELTS Academic test.
IELTS General Training
If your goal is to study secondary education, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country, IELTS General Training test is the right test for you.
IELTS for UKVI
If you want to go to the United Kingdom, you will need to take the IELTS for UKVI test. This can either be the IELTS Academic for UKVI test, the IELTS General Training for UKVI test, or the IELTS Life Skills A1 or B1 test.
IELTS Life Skills A1
Life Skills A1 tests your Listening and Speaking skills at the level of A1 in the Common European Framework (CEFR). The combined Listening and Speaking test lasts between 16 and 18 minutes and will take place with an examiner and one other test taker. The second test taker’s performance will not affect your test results. The results can be used to apply for certain visa types for the UK.
IELTS Life Skills B1
Life Skills B1 is a secure English-language test (SELT) accepted by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration Department as proof of your English-language proficiency. The test assesses your Listening and Speaking skills over a 22-minute test with an examiner and one other test taker. The second test taker’s performance will not affect your test results.
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
To help you feel confident going into your IELTS test, IDP developed IELTS One Skill Retake. OSR allows you to retake any one part of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking without redoing all four parts.
You're eligible to book IELTS One Skill Retake after you have recently completed a full IELTS on computer test and received your IELTS test score from an eligible test centre. You must book your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by various universities and professional bodies.
How is the IELTS test structured?
The IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will always take the Listening, Reading, and Writing parts all on the same day, one after the other, with no breaks in between.
Your Speaking test is usually scheduled on the afternoon of the test day; however, it can be scheduled within seven days before or after that. You will be contacted by your local IELTS test centre to inform you of the date and location of your Speaking test.
Skill | Duration | Question count | Format |
Listening | Around 30 minutes & 10 extra minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. | 4 recorded texts, monologues and conversations. | Section 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context, e.g. a conversation in an accommodation agency. Section 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities. Section 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment. Section 4: A monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture. |
Reading | Around 60 minutes | 40 questions | IELTS Academic Reading Test: Includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. IELTS General Training Reading Test: Includes three passages with tasks. It requires you to read extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. |
Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks | IELTS Academic Writing Test Task 1: You will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and you will be asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. Task 2: You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. * Responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style. IELTS General Training Writing Test Task 1: You will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style. Task 2: You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay. |
Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | 3 parts | Task 1: You will be asked to answer general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. Task 2: You will be given a card and you will be asked to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner then asks you one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test. Task 3: You will be asked further questions connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. |
Understanding IELTS band scores
IELTS scores are made to be simple and easy to understand. IELTS results are on a 9-band scale; they are known as band scores on a scale from 1 to 9, 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. All formats of IELTS use the same scoring system.
9 | Expert user | The test taker is proficient in the language in all operational senses. Their usage of the English language is proper, correct, and fluent, demonstrating full comprehension. |
8 | Very good user | The test-taker has complete command of the language, except for a few occasional unsystematic errors and incorrect usage. In unfamiliar circumstances, they could misinterpret some information. They are capable of handling complex and detailed argumentation. |
7 | Good user | Although there are occasional errors, incorrect usage, and misinterpretations in specific contexts, the test-taker has a solid grasp of the language. They typically recognise complex thinking and can manage sophisticated language well. |
6 | Competent user | Despite mistakes, misuse, and misunderstandings, the test-taker has a strong understanding of the language. In familiar settings, they can use and comprehend reasonably complex language. |
5 | Modest user | Despite having a limited understanding of the language, the test taker usually understands the overall meaning in most circumstances. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field or industry. |
4 | Limited user | Basic competency is restricted to situations that the test-taker is familiar with. They generally show understanding and communication issues. They are unable to speak in complex sentences. |
3 | Extremely limited user | In extremely familiar situations, the test taker can only express and comprehend the generic meaning. Communication breakdowns happen frequently. |
2 | Intermittent user | The test taker faces great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | The test taker doesn’t have the ability to use the language except for a few isolated words. |
0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
How to take the IELTS test in Saudi Arabia
You can choose to take IELTS on a computer for both the General Training and Academic tests. You will do the Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test using a computer. All answers will be typed on the screen. You will also be able to write notes on a notes sheet during the Listening test.
Feature | IELTS on Computer |
|---|---|
Availability | Daily |
Results | 1-5 days |
IELTS test fees in Saudi Arabia
IELTS test fees vary depending on the test type. You can register for your IELTS test online or at any IDP KSA branch. You must upload a clean colour scan or photo of your passport to do this, then use your credit card to finalise the payment.
You can pay for your IELTS test using the following modes:
Online using a credit card.
In cash if you register at any of our IDP IELTS branches.
Via bank transfer.
Where can I take IELTS in Saudi Arabia?
IDP has more than 2,000 test locations in over 50 countries, as well as a wide range of IELTS test dates for your convenience.
To explore IELTS test availability in more cities in Saudi Arabia, click here.
IELTS test results – Where do I get them?
You will be able to view your IELTS results online for 28 days. However, this should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance.
You can access your IELTS results through your IDP account. You will need your passport or ID number (the same number you used when you registered for the test) to access your results online.
Why choose IDP for your IELTS test in Saudi Arabia?
IDP is a proud co-owner of the IELTS test. IDP offers flexible test dates and convenient locations, as well as IELTS preparation materials to help test takers feel confident and prepared on their test day.