The General Training test looks at your English-language capabilities in a work or social environment. If you plan to study in secondary education, enroll in vocational training, move abroad for work or migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, you might need to take an IELTS General Training test.
The test assesses your English-language proficiency across four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. While the Listening and Speaking part of the IELTS General Training test are the same as the IELTS Academic test, the Reading and Writing parts differ.
IELTS on Computer: More Test Dates, Faster Results
We are pleased to announce that from 28 June 2026, all IELTS tests will be delivered on computer, providing a faster, more efficient and streamlined testing experience. IELTS Life Skills will continue to be available on paper.
IELTS on Computer offers the same test format, questions and scoring as IELTS on paper. IELTS on Computer also provides significant benefits to test takers at no additional cost:
Faster results: Typically receive your results in 1–2 days
Faster booking: Book your test as late as one day before registration closes
More test dates: More choice and flexibility for you
One Skill Retake: Retake just one skill, not the whole test, if you need to improve your score.