About IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is now available online, is a test of English for people who do not speak English as their first language but intend to study or train in English. It tests reading, writing, listening and speaking ability and provides results in an easy-to-understand band score (the score is out of 9). It is a basic entry requirement for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at English-speaking universities.

Who administers IELTS?
IELTS is jointly managed by The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), The British Council and the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges (IDP). It is administered by UCLES (Cambridge, England).

Who accepts IELTS?
IELTS is accepted globally by nearly all English speaking academic institutions. You can check for the specific institution and the respective requisite score at: bandscore.ielts.org

What is the test?
There are four parts to the test, taken in the following order:

• Listening: 4 sections, 40 items (30 minutes)
• Reading 3 sections, 40 items (60 minutes)
• Writing 2 tasks (150 and 250 words) (60 minutes)
• Speaking (10-15 minutes)

The Speaking Test consists of 3 sections:

• Section 1: Introductions and General Questions
• Section 2: Short Presentation
• Section 3: Discussion

When and where can you take the test?
There are normally two test dates every calendar month. The examination takes place at various different venues in major cities throughout Greece. Be sure to book a test date well in advance, especially during busy periods such as May to July. More specific information about the booking process can be found at the British Council website: www.britishcouncil.org

When are the results available?
Results are normally sent out to candidates via SMS text messages, email and post, and to the institutions to which they have applied, if required, thirteen (13) days after taking the test.
Tests are marked by highly qualified English language teachers who are further trained and certificated by the British Council.
Tests and results are also monitored by UCLES to make sure standards are maintained.

FAQ

Where and when can I sit the IELTS examination?
The British Council is in charge of all the test bookings and the administration of the IELTS all around the world. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the British Council website in your home country and/or contact the British Council directly. The test dates will also be found on the website. Generally the test is held every two weeks, and your results are available after 13 days.
Here is a link to the British Council IELTS online registration: ielts.britishcouncil.org.

Can I re-sit the IELTS if I do not attain my desired score?
Yes you can. You can sit the examination as many times as you wish though it is advisable to prepare and practice assiduously to avoid re-sits. If you have done the correct and proper preparation then there should not be any unpleasant surprises. There is also the cost of re-sitting: at the time of writing the examination fee for the IELTS is 190 euros.

I am dyslexic and/or I have another disability that slows me down. Is it possible to apply for extra time?
Yes it is indeed possible. The British Council is very accommodating in special needs cases and will do everything possible to provide the necessary conditions. However, you must apply much earlier and you must have all the medical documentation ready when you make your application. Once the British Council has reviewed all the documentation it will decide how much extra time – 50% to 100% – you will be granted. Therefore, you should contact the British Council directly.

Is the IELTS examination recognized globally?
10 years ago it was not – there were many universities in the US that insisted on only the TOEFL. However, in the interim period the IELTS examination has gained almost global recognition as a valid test for English Language for academic purposes. Today the IELTS is accepted by almost all universities and colleges, and is also recognised in the professional workplace. To be absolutely sure, you can check to see whether the university you are applying to is included in the IELTS recognition list which can be found here: www.ielts.org/institutions/global_recognition.aspx.

Which practice materials should I use?
There are literally hundreds of IELTS publications on the market. We would recommend that you prepare thoroughly via the Tree Foundation Tutorial College and use the official test books published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), and which can be found here: tinyurl.com/Cambridge-Students-Answers.

Is the IELTS easier than the TOEFL?
No, it is not. It is a similar test: the IELTS is a paper and pencil test, and the interview is with a human being; the TOEFL iBT is an Internet based test, which is conducted on a computer and there is no interview as such with a human being, but instead you are asked questions to which you reply via a microphone – what you say is recorded and then reviewed. Our opinion is that the IELTS is a fairer and more valid test as it replicates real life contexts more faithfully that the TOEFL iBT. Generally, however, those who have sat both the IELTS and TOEFL iBT have done equally well.

What is the difference between the Academic and the General IELTS?
Universities and colleges will always require the Academic IELTS for undergraduate, postgraduate degrees, MBAs and PhDs. The General IELTS may be sufficient for an employer or public agency for proof of English proficiency. You will have to verify this with your employer.

How long is the IELTS valid for?
The IELTS, as all certificates of tests in the English language, is valid for 2 years.

How long will it take me to prepare for the IELTS?
Well, that is a rather difficult question to answer with an exact time period. It all depends on what your current level of English is. If you are pretty proficient then you may only require a few weeks of preparation; if your English level is relatively low, let’s say intermediate level, then you may require a few months, assuming that you also work hard. The easiest way to find out is to contact us.

Important links

The IELTS official webiste at www.ielts.org
The British Council at www.britishcouncil.org

Practice materials – Recommended textbooks

We recommend that you use all the official IELTS publications, all of which are available from Cambridge University Press.

IELTS vs TOEFL

Both the IELTS and the TOEFL are English language assessments that students from international schools are required to take in order to be admitted to a UK or US University, as well as many other institutions worldwide. Although the tests are more or less of the same level, there are very important differences between them.

The IELTS is a paper based examination, comprised of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The first three sections are taken on the same day whereas the speaking is taken on a different day. The IELTS is graded out of 9 and most Universities usually require a grade 6 or above.

The TOEFL is a computer based examination, also including Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing sections. It is graded out of 120 and all sections are taken on the same day. Universities usually accept students who score a 75 or above.

For more details, please view the table below: