The test that opens doors around the world

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is recognised by over 6,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. For a list of organisations that accept IELTS scores, visit http://bandscore.ielts.org Accessible and convenient IELTS is offered up to four times a month in more than 125 countries. Tests are usually on Saturdays or Thursdays. To fi nd out test dates in your area, please contact your nearest IELTS test centre. A list of all IELTS test centres worldwide is available at www.ielts.org The international test IELTS is internationally focused in its content. For example, a range of native-speaker accents (North American, Australian, New Zealand, and British) is used in the Listening test, and all standard varieties of English are accepted in candidates’ responses in all parts of the test. The test that’s tried and trusted IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment, and is supported by an extensive programme of research, validation and test development. The level of the test IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS. Results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). Preparing to take IELTS Make sure you are ready It’s important to familiarise yourself with the format of the test as outlined in this booklet. Further information on the content of the test can be found at www.ielts.org/teachers.aspx You may fi nd it helpful to do a practice test. Offi cial IELTS Practice Materials may be purchased from test centres or online at www.ielts.org/candidates. aspx These materials include a full practice test with answers, and sample Writing and Speaking performances with examiner comments. More samples of IELTS test material and information about the test are available from the following websites: www.ielts.org www.britishcouncil.org/learning-ielts.htm www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/academic-english/ ielts.html www.idp.com/examinations/ielts/about_the_test.aspx www.ieltsusa.org You don’t have to attend a preparation course, but many candidates fi nd that doing so helps them improve their performance. If you would like assistance with test preparation, IELTS centres and language schools around the world offer IELTS preparation courses. Know the IELTS rules and regulations It’s important to familiarise yourself with the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates which is included with the application form. When you sign the application form declaration, you are confi rming that you have read and understood the IELTS rules and regulations and agree to abide by them. Register as soon as possible When you feel you are ready to take the test, you need to register with your nearest IELTS centre. Contact the centre as soon as possible, as the number of candidates who can take the test on a particular date may be limited. You will need to pay the test fee when you register.