International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. Candidates may choose either the Academic Module or the General Training Module:

• The Academic Module is intended for those wishing to enrol in universities and other institutions of higher education.
• The General Training Module is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, by many academic institutions in the USA, and by various professional organisations.

IELTS characteristics

The IELTS incorporates the following features:

• A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias. The test focuses on "International English", which includes British English, American English and other varieties.

• IELTS tests the ability to speak, read, listen and write in English.

• Two test formats can be chosen from - Academic and General Training.

• Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").

Locations and test dates

There are around 300 test centres worldwide. The number of candidates has grown from about 100,000 in 1999 to about half a million in 2003. The top three locations in which candidates took the test in 2003 were China, India and the United Kingdom for the Academic Category, and India, China and Australia for the General Training Category.
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand.

See also

• TOEFL
• English as an additional language

External links

• Official IELTS Web Site

• DMOZ listing of IELTS related sites