The Academic Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses should be based on the results of these modules.

The General Training Modules emphasize basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their Secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Test Format

Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing Modules - Academic or General Training. It is the responsibility of the candidate to tell the Administrator which version, Academic or General Training, they need to take.

The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user, with each module consisting of tasks of ascending levels of difficulty. The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. No break is given between the three modules. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other three modules.

Preparing for the test

It is not necessary to attend a preparation course but it is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test. A specimen paper booklet is available from test centres, or directly from Cambridge ESOL or IDP: IELTS Australia. This includes a full practice test with an answer key and a CD of the listening test so that candidates can get some idea of their level and familiarise themselves with the format of the test. There is also a wide range of published preparation materials.

IELTS Test Results

Results are issued by test centres within two weeks of the test. Test centres are not permitted to give results out over the phone nor by fax or e-mail.

A score is reported for each module of the test. The individual module scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an Overall Band Score. Overall Band Scores and Listening and Reading scores are reported in whole and half Bands; Writing and Speaking Band Scores are reported in whole Bands only.

Band 9 - Expert User

Has fully operational cmmand of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Band 8 -Very Good User

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Band 7 - Good User

Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and mis­ understandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Band 6 - Competent User

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 5 - Modest User

Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

Band 4 - Limited User

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Band 3 - Extremely Limited User

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Band 2 - Intermittent User

No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.

Band 1 - Non User

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Band 0 - Did not attempt the test

Test Report Form

The Test Report Form includes a large number of security features, and the authenticity of any Test Report Form can be verified by the test partners. Cambridge ESOL, British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia reserve the right to cancel any IELTS Test Report Form in the event of any attempt to tamper with or misuse the information contained in it.

As a general rule it is recommended that a Test Report Form that is more than two years old should only be accepted as evidence of present level of ability if accompanied by proof that a candidate has actively maintained or tried to improve their English language proficiency.