Question 1

What is the cost of the Academic test?

Accepted Answer

The Academic and General Training test fee is S$406, the IELTS UKVI test fee is S$441, and the IELTS Life Skill test fee is S$285.

Question 2

What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?

Accepted Answer

If you plan to migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, taking an IELTS General Training test makes sense. Or if you are planning on studying in secondary education, or enrolling in vocational training, this might still be the right choice.

But if you plan to study in higher education or want professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take an IELTS Academic test.

Question 3

What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

Accepted Answer

IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are exactly the same test in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. The only difference is an IELTS for UKVI test is approved by the UK Home Office for work, study and migration purposes.
If you take an IELTS for UKVI test, your test report form will be a little different to show that you have taken an IELTS for UKVI test at an approved IELTS test centre.

Question 4

What accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

Accepted Answer

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used in both the General Training and Academic tests.

Question 5

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?

Accepted Answer

The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.

If you take IELTS on computer, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

Question 6

Are the questions tested before they get used in the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

Of course!  Every test question that appears on the IELTS test is designed, screened and tested by Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) to ensure it meets standard requirements before being released as test material. This can take up to two years to ensure every question complies with our high standards  for  all test takers.
Our research  ensures  IELTS remains fair and unbiased for anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality, background, gender or lifestyle. Our highly trusted  team  ensures every version of the test is of comparable difficulty. 

Question 7

Can I use my IELTS Academic results for migration purposes?

Accepted Answer

IELTS Academic and General Training are two wholly separate types of test, for two different purposes. While some individual organisations may accept an Academic result in the place of a General Training one, this decision is up to them. You will need to contact your specific organisation to learn more.

Question 8

How can I book my IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

You can book the IELTS test on our online booking system in a location that is convenient for you.

Question 9

I am a native speaker. Why do I need to take the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS may be a requirement for entering your desired course in an educational institution. It is also used in many countries as a part of their migration assessment. If you are not sure as to why you might need to sit the IELTS test or about the score you need, contact the organisation you are applying to.

They will be able to provide further information, including whether native speakers need to complete the IELTS test. Even if English is your primary language, you will still need to prepare for the test.

Question 10

How old do I have to be to take the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age you can take IELTS varies by your location. In most countries there is no (minimum or maximum) age limit for the IELTS test. 
That being said, it  is not recommended that anyone under the age of 16 sits the test. Test takers under 18 will be chaperoned to  the test rooms,  from the test rooms, and  while  they  undertake their Speaking test. 

IELTS Academic

IELTS General training

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS Reading test: how to manage your time?

Grammar 101: Affect vs. Effect

Grammar 101: Understanding verb tenses

IELTS Academic test

Learn More

Ask IELTS

Featured news and articles

IELTS Academic

IELTS General training

IELTS for UKVI

Access prepare hub

English self-assessment tool

Get your results

IELTS Community by IDP

Dara Dragon