The International English language Testing System (IELTS) is a world-renowned examination for anyone whose second language is English. It is considered to be a vital criteria by the immigrant officers for anyone who is determined to study, work or settle in foreign countries like the UK, Canada, Australia. The test assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the English language which makes it easier for them to perpetuate their life in foreign countries.
4 pivotal proficiencies that are tested are listening, reading, writing and speaking. All IELTS scores range between 0 and 9. The candidate receives a band score for each skill and an overall aggregate of the bands in each segment. One must achieve a respectable total of 7 at least in each test separately to showcase their skills in the English language.
There are two forms of IELTS tests. Applicants must choose the type that is relevant to their immediate purpose for applying.
IELTS ACADEMIC:
This test is for aspirants seeking admission to overseas universities for undergraduate or postgraduate courses. It assesses the ability to study or train in an environment where English language is used dominantly. Some consider the exam to be frivolous but it is to be mentioned that the exam makes the students comfortable and helps prepare for a significant level in the English language. This would help them adapt quicker when they move to foreign nations.
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING TEST:
This test is primarily for professionals who are contemplating to permanently settle in an English-speaking country globally. The test assesses the candidate’s comfort level in using English in everyday scenarios. This is crucial as the place where they are about to embark on a prolific journey would require a significant level of the language. A satisfactory score helps the candidate in improving their chances of settling in countries just the UK, Canada and Australia.
IELTS is accepted as an assessment of English proficiency for the purpose of study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, as well as for study and work in the USA. The IELTS band requirements usually vary. Although IELTS is known to be the standard English proficiency test, one must not blindly apply for the exam. This is for a simple fact that not all Universities may ask their students to submit their score. Different universities have different criteria.
The pay grade of the test varies from ₹13800-18000 based on the countries and councils.
The test is a computer-based test without a limit on number of attempts for appearing. One may appear till they achieve the desired result.
IELTS does not assess a candidate on how they performed in their 12thgrade examinations.
The only requisite for appearing in the IELTS exam is a minimum age of 16 years. However, there is no upper age limit for appearing. The examination is open to all without any discrimination for gender, race or nationality.
A candidate can appear for the exam as many times as they deem necessary. There are no restrictions about the number of times they can apply for the IELTS examination.
A candidate must register for IELTS when they wish to take the test. The test can be taken either online or offline.
The test is conducted around 48 times in a year on pre-defined dates. A candidate can choose the date out of these as per their requirement and availability.
Registering for IELTS is simple. A candidate must-
Step 1: Visit the official website of IELTS
Step 2: Click the ‘Register for Test’ button.
Step 3: Select preferred time, date and location.
Step 4: Submit personal details like name, date of birth, mobile number and email.
Step 5: Provide registration details like the number of years the candidate has been studying English, the country they intend to migrate to, etc.
Step 6: Select the name of the colleges where the test results will be sent.
Step 7: Check the information provided.
Step 8: Make payment using a credit/debit card.
Step 9: Print the acknowledgment receipt.
Note: If a candidate wishes to register offline, they must download and print the application form. The completed form then needs to be submitted at the nearest test centre.