Almost anyone can take IELTS. There is no qualification requirement and no strict age limit, although IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16. You do not need a degree, a job, or a minimum English level to book the test. You only need a valid passport or accepted ID, and you can take the test as many times as you want.
Eligibility for IELTS is simple, so the real work is preparation. When you are ready, take a free IELTS practice test to see where you stand, check your overall band with the band score calculator, and find test dates and fees on our IELTS exam dates page.
Minimum age
16
Recommended
Qualifications
None
Any background
Attempts
Unlimited
No waiting period
ID needed
Passport
Or accepted ID
Eligibility to take IELTS is not the same as the score you need
Anyone can sit IELTS. Whether your result is enough is a separate question, set by the university, employer or visa body you apply to. This page covers who can take the test. The score you need is set by your goal.
Who can take IELTS?
Almost anyone can take IELTS. There is no rule about your nationality, gender, religion or background. You do not need any qualifications, and you do not need to be a student. People take IELTS to study, to work, to migrate, or to register for a profession. The test simply measures your English, so the decision to take it is based on your own goal and the requirement of the university, employer or visa body you are applying to.What is the minimum age for IELTS?
The recommended minimum age for IELTS is 16. IELTS is open to all ages, but it is not recommended for anyone under 16. There is no maximum age, so you can take IELTS at any age above 16. If you are a school student aged 16 or over, you can take the test, whatever your school year. The age guidance is about the content of the test, which is written for adults, not a strict legal limit.What qualifications do you need for IELTS?
You need no qualifications to take IELTS. There is no minimum education level, and you do not need to have passed any school exam. Some guides wrongly say you must have completed Class 10 or Class 12, but that is not true. Anyone can register, whatever their academic background. You do not need a minimum English level to book the test either, although you should prepare well to reach the score your goal needs.How many times can you take IELTS?
You can take IELTS as many times as you want. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and there is no waiting period between them. You can book another test as soon as you get your result. If only one of your four skills was low, you can use the One Skill Retake to re-sit just that section, within 90 days of your test. So a weak result is not the end of the road, because you can simply prepare and try again.What documents do you need to register for IELTS?
You need one valid identity document to take IELTS. In most countries this is a valid passport. Some countries also accept a national identity card. You must use the same document to register and to enter the test on test day, and the test centre will check it. So choose your ID carefully when you book, and make sure it is valid and not expired. The exact ID accepted can change by country, so check the rule for your country before you register.Are you eligible for both IELTS Academic and General Training?
Yes, the eligibility is the same for both versions. You are free to take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, and the choice is based on your goal, not on any eligibility rule. You take Academic for university study and for many professional registrations. You take General Training for many work and migration routes, and for some school and training programmes. You can read more about the two versions on the official IELTS website.IELTS for candidates who need access arrangements
IELTS supports candidates with disabilities and medical needs. If you are D/deaf, blind, have low vision, or have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, the test centre can arrange support. This can include extra time, large print, a Braille paper, or other help. You usually need to contact your test centre well in advance, often about 6 weeks before the test, and provide evidence of your needs. So if you need an adjustment, ask your centre early so they have time to arrange it.| Requirement | IELTS rule |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 recommended (not recommended under 16) |
| Maximum age | None |
| Qualifications | None needed |
| Nationality | Any |
| English level to register | None |
| Number of attempts | Unlimited, no waiting period |
| ID needed | Valid passport, or accepted national ID |
Check the ID rule for your country before you book
The accepted ID can differ by country, and you must bring the same ID you registered with. A wrong, mismatched or expired ID can stop you sitting the test, so confirm the rule with your test centre and check your document is valid.
Common mistakes about IELTS eligibility
1
Thinking you need a degree or a school pass
No qualification is required for IELTS. You do not need a degree, or a Class 10 or Class 12 pass. Anyone can register, whatever their background.2
Thinking there is a maximum age
There is no upper age limit for IELTS. The only age guidance is a recommended minimum of 16, and the test is not recommended below that age.3
Thinking you can only take it a few times
Attempts are unlimited and there is no waiting period. You can book again as soon as you get your result, or re-sit one skill within 90 days.4
Confusing test eligibility with the score you need
Anyone can sit IELTS. The score that counts as enough is set by your university, employer or visa, not by the test itself.Frequently asked questions
Can I take IELTS without a degree?
Yes. You do not need a degree, or any qualification, to take IELTS. There is no minimum education level. Anyone can register, whatever their background. IELTS only measures your English, so the test is open to students, graduates and working people alike.
Can a school student take IELTS?
Yes, a school student aged 16 or over can take IELTS, whatever their school year. There is no qualification requirement, so you do not need to have finished Class 10 or Class 12. IELTS is not recommended for students under 16, because the test content is written for adults.
Is there a maximum age limit for IELTS?
No. There is no maximum age for IELTS. You can take the test at any age above the recommended minimum of 16. People take IELTS at many stages of life, for study, work, migration or professional registration.
How long must I wait to retake IELTS?
There is no waiting period. You can book another IELTS test as soon as you get your result. There is also no limit on the number of attempts. If only one skill was low, you can use the One Skill Retake to re-sit that section within 90 days of your test.
What ID do I need for IELTS?
You need one valid identity document, usually a valid passport. Some countries also accept a national identity card. You must use the same document to register and on test day, and the centre will check it. Make sure your ID is valid and not expired, and check the exact rule for your country.
Is the eligibility different for IELTS Academic and General Training?
No. The eligibility is the same for both versions. You choose Academic or General Training based on your goal, not on any rule. Academic is for university study and many professional registrations. General Training is for many work, migration and training routes.