Two Types of IELTS Test
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.
What’s the difference?
There are different uses for these exams and around 3/4s of candidates choose to sit the Academic test. Importantly there are 2 key differences in the exam. The Academic and General training IELTS have different Reading papers and different Writing part 1 papers. The rest is the same.
IELTS UKVI
The actual test taken is the same as IELTS tests for all other purposes and includes the same: content, format, scoring and level of difficulty. Test Report Forms will be slightly different in order to show that you have taken the test at an UKVI approved test centre.
The IELTS UKVI Academic and General Training tests are suitable for you if you’re applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the United Kingdom.
IELTS for UKVI tests are designed to meet specific administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office and are taken only at a UKVI approved test centre.
Two modes
Paper-based IELTS requires you go to an official IELTS test centre to sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the
Reading – turn pages – write in answers – circle and underline text
Listening – turn pages – write in answers – write on question papers – transfer time for answers
Writing – write your answers in either pen or HB-pencil – write on question paper
Computer-delivered IELTS requires you go to an official IELTS test centre in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in. The you then submit their answers through the use of a keyboard and a mouse
This test requires you to sit the exam at a computer.
Reading – scroll down the left with questions on the right – drag and drop, click or type in the answers – highlight and notate text.
Listening – type in the answers while listening – two minutes at the end to check questions – have around three minutes including instructions at the beginning and around 30 – 60 secs between question types to read through the questions.
Writing – your question is on the left and you type in the box on the right – there is a word counter – not all centres give you pen(cil) and paper so make sure to ask
Find your nearest test centre check here.
Both paper based IELTS and computer delivered
The Speaking section is completed face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner. It is carried out within the week before or after the other tests, or on the same day. Your test centre will advise.
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them.
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
