The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) format

There are two types of the IELTS test:

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing components differs depending on which test you take.

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them.

The Speaking component, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.

Your test centre will advise.

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Exam info:
Type
Standardised test. Available in 2 modules: "Academic", "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 English
Language Assessment.

Knowledge / skills tested Listening, reading, writing and speaking of the
English language.

Purpose To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English
speakers.

Duration Listening: 40 minutes (including the 10-minute transfer time),

Reading: 60 minutes,

Writing: 60 minutes,

Speaking: 11–14 minutes.

Total: 2 hours, 55 minutes.