Types of IELTS Exam
| Test Type | Purpose | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses | Students aiming for higher education abroad |
| IELTS General Training | Relocation for secondary education or employment | Individuals planning to move to Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand |
| IELTS for UKVI | UK Visa and Immigration purposes | Individuals planning to move to the UK |
| IELTS Life Skills | Proving English listening and speaking skills for a UK Visa | Individuals required to demonstrate language proficiency for UK Visa requirements |
Candidates can choose from various types of IELTS tests based on their purpose of moving abroad:
- IELTS Academic Test: Designed for students aiming to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses in English-speaking countries, this test assesses readiness for higher studies in English.
- IELTS General Training Test: Tailored for individuals relocating to Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand for secondary education or employment, this test evaluates basic survival skills in a workplace setting. Both tests comprise four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
- IELTS for UKVI: Required for individuals planning to move to the UK, this test is approved by the UK government for visa and immigration purposes. It includes IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS for UKVI General Training, and IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, and B1), focusing on English listening and speaking skills for UK visa requirements.
Candidates can also opt for two types of IELTS based on the mode of examination:
- Computer-based Test: Introduced in 2017, this test involves answering Reading, Listening, and Writing sections digitally, with results available within 5-7 days.
- Paper-based Test: Utilizing pencil and answer sheets, this traditional format requires completing task responses within the provided time. The Speaking section typically occurs 7 days before or after the main test, with results published within up to 13 days.
Types of IELTS Exam 2024: Sections, Patterns & More
Depending on the purpose of moving abroad, candidates can appear for any of the following types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic Test, IELTS General Training Test, IELTS for UKVI, and IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, & B1). The most prominent ones are, however, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
In this article, we will discuss the types of IELTS exams in detail!
Types of IELTS Exam
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