International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP... Wikipedia
- Acronym: IELTS
- Type: Standardised test (either computer-delivered or paper-based). Available in 2 modules: "Academic" and "General Training". The IELTS test partners also offer IELTS Life Skills, a speaking and listening test used for UK Visas and Immigration.
- Developer / administrator: British Council, IDP Education, Cambridge Assessment English.
- Knowledge / skills tested: Listening, reading, writing, and speaking of the English language.
- Purpose: To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
- Year started: 1980 (as ELTS), 1989 (as IELTS)
- Duration: Listening: 40 minutes (including 10-minute transfer time in paper-based test), Reading: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, Speaking: 10-15 minutes, Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Score / grade range: 0 to 9, in 0.5 band increments
- Score / grade validity: 24 Months
- Offered: Up to 4 times a month. Up to 48 times a year.
- Countries / regions: More than 4,000 test centres in over 140 countries
- Languages: English
- Annual no. of test takers: Over 3.5 million in 2018
- Prerequisites / eligibility criteria: No official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers.
- Fee: Around 250 USD
- Scores / grades used by: More than 12,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 140 countries
- Website: ielts.org
- Data source: DuckDuckGo