IELTS: What it is and how to register

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardized test of English for  international study, migration and work. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The examination is in two forms: standard academic and general training. The academic IELTS is for those who intend to study outside their home country but not in the UK, where proof of english proficiency is needed whereas the general training and life skills is for those who want to work in the informal areas.

For study, migration or work in the United Kingdom, you will need an IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration).  There is not much difference between the standard academic IELTS and the UKVI IELTS, the only difference is that, the UKVI IELTS has extra security and verification features to aid in visa application.

To write the IELTS, you will need to practice. That is the key to passing the exam. And to pass well, you will need to either study on your own or register with a training centre (which comes at an extra cost to you).

Below is how to register for your IELTS exam.

1. Go to ielts.org

2. Click on 'Book a test'  in the tab

3. Click on 'How to register' to find the IELTS Center nearest to you

4. Select the appropriate country and the IELTS Examination (IELTS for UKVI or Standard IELTS)

5. Select the preferred examination date and pay the appropriate amount (about USD 280 equivalent in your currency)

6. Alternatively, you can use the British Council website in your home country to book for the examination. 


About the examination:

The IELTS exam is in 4 components: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Each component has a band (score) from 0 to 9 with 9 being the maximum score. Depending on were you want to use the IELTS, you will have a particular band (score) you will need normally above 6.5 in all the four components.

Each component has its own specifics and tricks in order to pass successfully.