Which IELTS test do I need to take?

The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular English language test for work, study and migration. More than 11,500 organisations trust IELTS as a reliable indicator of true-to-life ability to communicate in English.

IELTS assesses a test taker’s English language proficiency across four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Delivered on either a computer or paper, IELTS is the only high-stakes language test recognized for migration across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. With a focus on human conversations, IELTS was a pioneer of four-skills English language testing more than 30 years ago. IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing today.

IELTS Test Types

Types of IELTS tests are categorized according to the purpose of taking IELTS

The IELTS Academic test is suitable for those wanting to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes. The test measures if you are ready to begin studying in English. It features vocabulary that is familiar with an academic setting.

The IELTS General Training test is suitable for those applying to study below degree level. This includes an English-speaking school or college. It can also be taken for work experience or other employment training. IELTS General Training is also required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The test features everyday English language skills that you will need in social and workplace environments.

*If your destination for studying or working is UK, you might need to choose IELTS UKVI.
Please check the condition with your organisation or visa agency.

IELTS Fees

- IELTS Regular (Paper / Computer): 7,350 THB

- IELTS UKVI (Paper / Computer): 7,990 THB

- IELTS Life Skills: 6,300 THB

IELTS Test Format

Candidates are tested on all four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking, respectively. Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking tests. However, the IELTS Reading and Writing tests are different in the Academic and General Training tests.

Ask IELTS

What does IELTS for UKVI, SELT and CEFR mean?

IELTS for UKVI, sometimes called SELT, is the same  as any other  IELTS  test, but with additional security  measures  required by the UK Government.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a  6-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

If  you  wish to migrate, study or work in the UK, you may be required to take the IELTS for UKVI test. Use the  UK Government visa check list  to find out whether you need to take an approved test  and  what level you need to achieve. 

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

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 plan 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.

What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the exact 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 you have taken an IELTS for UKVI test at an approved test centre.

What is the difference between IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer?

If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts using a computer.

If you choose to take the  IELTS on paper,  you will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts on paper.

The Speaking test for both paper and computer  are  face to face with an examiner. This is the best way  to measure  your  speaking skills  as it takes a more  realistic  approach: a life-like conversation with an examiner.

Will I handwrite or use a computer in my IELTS test?

This depends on whether you take an IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer test. If you take IELTS on a computer, you type your writing, reading and listening answers using a keyboard. In an IELTS on paper test, your answers are written in pencil.

Does each IELTS test vary in difficulty?

In the IELTS Reading test for example, if the test is more difficult, the band score is adjusted. Also, it can depend on how familiar you are with the topics.