What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is a multilevel test designed to assess the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is the language of communication.
IELTS is recognised and accepted by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
Is IELTS for me?
You may need IELTS for entry into study programmes in institutions such as schools, colleges and universities. Also, if you are looking to work, migrate or register with professional bodies, you may need to take the IELTS test. IELTS is usually taken for a specific purpose, and you should find out if it is a requirement.
What is the structure of the test?
There are 4 components to the IELTS test:
Listening
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Content: 4 sections, 40 questions. Each section is heard once only.
- Question types - chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, summary completion, sentence completion, short-answer questions.
- Skills assessed: understanding of main ideas; understanding of specific factual information; recognising opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker; following the development of an argument.
Reading
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Content: 3 sections, 40 questions.
- Question types - chosen from the following: multiple choice, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), identifying a writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions.
- Skills assessed: understanding of main ideas; understanding of specific factual information; recognising opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker; following the development of an argument.
Writing
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Content: 2 tasks. 2 parts.
- Question types: Academic Writing - Task 1: you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. Task 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. General Writing - In Task 1, you are presented with a situation and are asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal or semi-formal/neutral in style. Task 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
- Skills assessed: content, the organisation of ideas, the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar.
Speaking
- Duration: 11-14 minutes
- Content: 3 parts.
- Question types: introduction and familiar topics, a specific topic with follow up questions, discussion based on the topic,
- Skills assessed: the ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences and situations by answering a range of questions; the ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organising ideas coherently; the ability to express and justify opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues.
You can find a more detailed description here, and details regarding rules and regulations in the Notice to Candidates.
Preparation material
Feel free to browse our range of official preparation materials and also IDP's resources and samples.
FAQs
Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?
Are all parts on the same day?
The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. You will sit the Speaking test on the same day, and only in exceptional circumstances up to 7 days before or after your test date.
What if I'm late due to situations beyond my control?
If you experience difficulty on a test day, please inform us immediately. Depending on the situation, we may be able to offer you a test on the next available test date.
In what order are the test parts?
You will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.
What should I bring on the test day?
You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. We will provide you with pencils and paper.
You must leave all of your personal belongings outside the examination room in a secure area. Mobile phones, pagers and smart watches must be switched off and left with your personal belongings.
If you keep mobile phones or electronic devices with you, you will be disqualified.
Exam location
The exam session will be held in Estoril, Lisbon.
The location is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking for those who are driving.
The venue is equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable and stress-free exam experience for all candidates.
Computer-based exam
Cambridge English computer-based exams are administered in a secure and controlled environment. The exam questions are displayed on a computer screen, and candidates use a mouse and keyboard to answer them. The exam software is designed to provide a user-friendly experience, allowing candidates to navigate between questions and edit their answers as needed. The exam content is the same for both computer-based and paper-based formats, but the computer-based format offers advantages such as faster results delivery, and the ability to listen to audio and watch videos directly on the screen. During the exam, candidates are monitored by trained invigilators and the exam software has security features to prevent cheating.
Cambridge English computer-based exams provide a convenient, efficient, and secure way for candidates to demonstrate their language proficiency. With user-friendly software and reliable exam delivery, candidates can focus on their performance and achieve their goals with confidence, knowing that they are taking an exam that is recognised by educational institutions and employers worldwide.