Meaning of IELTS
IELTS is an acronym for International English Language Testing System and it is conducted to test the English language proficiency of non-native speakers.
Those who need it.
About the IELTS test: The IELTS test is needed by non-native speakers of English who would like to relocate to native-speaking countries of English for work, study, and immigration purposes.
The different types
There are different types of IELTS test conducted every year. They include
- Standard IELTS Academic and General training for those who are traveling to countries like Canada, USA, or Australia, basically countries and organizations that require people to take the test except for the UK.
- UKVI IELTS Academic and General Training: These types are needed specifically by organizations and schools in the UK, and they are conducted in closed locations in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja.
- IELTS Life Skills: The IELTS Life Skills are for people who need to prove that they are proficient in listening and reading in English. We have the A1 and B1 life skills. A1 is required for UK Visa application for family, spouses or partner visa, while B1 is needed for citizenship or settlement visa.
Those in charge of the test
The British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English are the three partners in charge of the test.
The four skills tested
The Standard IELTS and UKVI tests will test the four communication skills:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
Test Format
The test can be administered on paper or a computer. The paper-based test takes about 13 to 14 working days for the result to be released, while the computer-delivered test takes 3 to 5 days.
The major difference between these formats is that the computer-delivered test has more test venues and the result is released earlier than the paper-based test.
Difference between the Academic and General training Tests.
The Academic IELTS test, either standard or UKVI, is taken by those who want to relocate for study purposes, or for work purposes in a professional organisation in an English speaking country. Medical doctors are also required to write it when they want to relocate.
The General Training IELTS test is taken by those who want to travel to English speaking countries to study below degree level or to work.
