IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is a test developed by the world’s leading language experts that proves English language proficiency across four key language skills: listening, reading ,writing, and speaking. IELTS is trusted by governments, employers, and universities world-wide and is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
IELTS General Training is typically for immigration purposes and measures your English language proficiency for practical, everyday contexts.
IELTS Academic is best for those looking to study at a college or university, or join a professional association, and there are minimum English language level requirements.
The IELTS test assesses your levels in all four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – in under three hours and you can choose to take the test on paper or on a computer, depending on what you’re most comfortable with.
You can choose to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on paper. The Speaking test will be face-to-face with a trained Oxford International IELTS Examiner, as we find this is the most effective way to assess your speaking skills.
You can choose to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer, and the Speaking test will be face-to-face with a trained Oxford International IELTS Examiner. With computer-delivered testing, it's exactly the same content and structure, but you'll be sitting in a modern computer lab using the latest technology with technical staff on hand to help.
Please read the following instructions and guidelines. This will ensure that you have a pleasant test day experience and perform to the best of your ability.
“All test takers taking the IELTS on Computer starting April 1, 2024 will no longer receive a paper copy of the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) and will receive an electronic version instead. The eTRF will be available for download via the Test Taker Portal.
Test takers taking the IELTS on Paper will continue to receive paper TRFs mailed to them on the 13th day after their exam date.”
Here is a breakown of what each band score means, developed by the British Council:
Band score | Skill level | Description |
Band 9 | Expert user | You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding. |
Band 8 | Very good user | You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well. |
Band 7 | Good user | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
Band 6 | Competent user | Generally you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
Band 5 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field. |
Band 4 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language. |
Band 3 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
Band 2 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
Band 1 | Non-user | You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | You did not answer the questions. |
The score you need to be eligible for Canadian immigration depends on the program you are applying to. The minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level that is set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a CLB 4, but some programs have higher language requirements. Here is a list of government programs that require proof of English language level:
In order to be eligible to apply for a Canada Student Visa, you must have a band score of 6.0 in each section and an overall band score of 6.0. Learn more about how you can work and study in Canada.
IELTS is recognized on a global scale and is accepted by over 12,000 organizations in over 140 countries, including government departments and immigration authorities, post-secondary institutions, multinational companies, and professional and industry associations.
There are three important types of forms to be aware of:
1. Test Report Form Request Form
2. Credit Card Autorization Payment Form
3. Transfer / Refund Form
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