IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is a test of your English for study, work and migration. IELTS checks four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You get a band score from 0 to 9, and there is no pass or fail. More than 12,000 organisations around the world accept IELTS. From mid-2026, almost everyone takes IELTS on a computer, not on paper. This guide explains what IELTS is, how it works and how to take it.
What does IELTS stand for, and who runs it?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It started in 1980 and is one of the most used English tests in the world. It is jointly run by three trusted bodies: the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge. You can read more on the official IELTS test types page and the British Council What is IELTS page.
More than 12,000 organisations accept IELTS, including universities, employers and governments. IELTS is also the only English test accepted by all four main immigration authorities: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
What is IELTS used for?
People take IELTS for three main reasons: to study abroad, to work, or to move to another country. Some also take it for a job at home, or for professional registration, such as nurses and doctors.
The two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training
There are two IELTS tests. You choose the one that fits your goal. The listening and speaking parts are the same in both. Only the reading and writing parts differ.
For study
Take this if you want to go to university or join a professional body. The reading and writing use academic topics.
- For universities and higher study
- Academic reading and writing
- Same listening and speaking as General Training
For work and migration
Take this if you want to work or move to an English-speaking country. The reading and writing use everyday topics.
- For work and visa routes
- Everyday reading and writing
- Same listening and speaking as Academic
Check which test your university or visa needs before you book. Booking the wrong one can waste your fee.
The four parts of IELTS
IELTS has four parts. You take listening, reading and writing on the same day, with no break between them. The speaking test is a real talk with a trained examiner. It can be on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after the other parts.
| Part | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | Understanding spoken English |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Understanding written English |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Two writing tasks |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | A face-to-face talk with an examiner |
You can try a full practice test for each part free on our site. A good place to start is our IELTS Reading practice, then build up the other skills.
How is IELTS scored?
Each part gets a band score from 0 to 9. Your overall score is the average of the four parts, rounded to the nearest half band, such as 6.5, 7.0 or 7.5. There is no pass or fail in IELTS.
The score you need depends on your university or visa. Many ask for a minimum in each skill, not just the overall band. Learn what each band means in our IELTS band scores guide.
From mid-2026, paper IELTS is being withdrawn around the world. Almost everyone now takes IELTS on a computer at a test centre. The test content and scoring stay the same. Computer results also come much faster, often in 1 to 5 days. Read the full story in our 2026 IELTS changes guide.
How do you take IELTS in 2026?
There are two main ways to take IELTS. Most people use IELTS on computer at a test centre, which now gives the fastest results. There is also IELTS Online, which you take at home, but only for the Academic test, and it is not accepted for visas. Whichever you choose, the speaking test is always with a real examiner, in person or by video call at a centre.
Things people get wrong about IELTS
Thinking there is a pass mark
IELTS has no pass or fail. You only need the score your university or visa asks for.
Picking the wrong test type
Academic is for study. General Training is for most work and visa routes. Check before you book.
Thinking speaking is done on a computer
The speaking test is always a real talk with an examiner, even when the rest is on a computer.
Memorising answers
Examiners can tell. Memorised speaking and writing answers lower your score. Use your own words.
Key takeaways
- IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, a test of English for study, work and migration.
- It checks four skills and gives a band score from 0 to 9, with no pass or fail.
- There are two types: Academic for study, and General Training for work and migration.
- IELTS is run by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge, and accepted by more than 12,000 organisations.
- From mid-2026, IELTS is taken on a computer, with faster results.
- The score you need depends on your university or country.
Frequently asked questions
What does IELTS stand for?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It tests English for people who want to study, work or migrate. It checks four skills, listening, reading, writing and speaking, and gives a band score from 0 to 9.
Is there a pass or fail in IELTS?
No. IELTS has no pass or fail. You get a band score from 0 to 9 in each skill, plus an overall score. The score you need depends on your university, employer or visa.
Who runs IELTS?
IELTS is jointly run by three trusted bodies: the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge. It started in 1980 and is one of the most used English tests in the world.
How long is an IELTS score valid?
An IELTS score is valid for 2 years from your test date. Make sure it is still valid on the day you apply to your university or for your visa.
Is IELTS on paper or computer in 2026?
From mid-2026, paper IELTS is being withdrawn. Almost everyone now takes IELTS on a computer at a test centre. Results come much faster this way, often in 1 to 5 days.
Which is easier, IELTS Academic or General Training?
Neither is easier overall. The listening and speaking parts are the same. The reading and writing differ: Academic uses academic topics, while General Training uses everyday ones. Pick the one your university or visa needs.
Sources: the official IELTS website (ielts.org) and the British Council, the joint owners of IELTS with IDP and Cambridge, reviewed in June 2026. Test rules can change, so always check the official IELTS website for the latest details before you book.