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 to as high as 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 which 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 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.

What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

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.

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 pen.

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.

Which IELTS test do I need to take?

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular English language test for work, study and migration. More than 12,000 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 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.

What is IELTS?

Find out what you need to know about the IELTS test.

Test types

IELTS Academic: for higher education or professional registration
IELTS General Training: for migration, work, or secondary studies

Ways to take the test

IELTS on paper: answer on paper using a pen
IELTS on computer: type your answers on a keyboard

Test sections

Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking

Results

IELTS on paper test: 13 calendar days after the test
IELTS on computer test: most results available within one day
You will receive a Test Report Form (TRF) as official results of your IELTS test
Your TRF can either be in paper form or electronic/online results (eTRF)

Scoring

The IELTS test is scored on a 9-band scale ranging from 0 to 9
IELTS gives band scores as whole or half band scores
You will get a band score for each test section and an overall band score for the entire test
The overall band score is the average of the four section band scores rounded to the nearest half band

Acceptance

IELTS results are accepted for study, work, and migration
IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations in over 150 countries worldwide
IELTS is the only major English test to offer One Skill Retake, which is accepted by more than 1,200 organisations worldwide