Quick

guide 

to IELTS
success

Your short guide

to achieving your
target score with
the IELTS General
Training test
Do you want to work, live, or
study in an English-speaking
country? To achieve these
goals, you’ll need to prove your
English language ability to visa
authorities, universities, 

and employers. IELTS can help
you do just that.
 Who
What is recognises
IELTS? IELTS?
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, 
 IELTS is recognised virtually everywhere and by a diverse range
is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. of institutions and organisations. This widespread recognition
IELTS tests are international benchmarks for measuring English has made IELTS the certification of choice for millions of test-
in social, academic, and professional contexts. takers every year. Here’s how IELTS is used by the following
English-speaking countries. These countries are just an example
Who needs to take 
 of what you can achieve with IELTS. You can find more
information here.
the IELTS test?
IELTS is for anyone looking to prove their English language The United Kingdom
ability. Two main tests are available:
If you're looking to move to the United Kingdom, the IELTS 

The IELTS Academic test — This test assesses your English for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is a version of the test that
proficiency in academic environments like universities and has been approved for visa applications to the UK. This test is
colleges. If you want to pursue a higher education at an English- available in both Academic and General Training formats.
speaking institution, then you most likely need to take the IELTS
Academic test.
The IELTS General Training test — This assessment measures
Canada
English proficiency in workplace and social situations. The IELTS IELTS is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
General Training test is aimed at people wanting to train or Canada (IRCC) as proof of English language proficiency. If 

study below degree level, work in or emigrate to an English- you want to apply for a study permit, work visa, professional
speaking country, or get a job where English proficiency 
 registration or permanent residence in Canada, you will likely be
is required. required to present your test result as part of your application.

What’s in the IELTS test? Australia

Whichever test you take, you’ll get a score from 1 to 9 

for each of the four sections. You’ll be tested on your: Student, immigration, and general skilled migration visas all
require proof of English language proficiency. For employers
Listenin and the Australian immigration authority, IELTS is a preferred
Readin English language test.
Writing
Speaking
United States of America
Many visa categories in the USA require proof of English
language ability. IELTS is accepted by US institutions and
employers.

New Zealand
Proof of English ability is required for work, skilled migrant, 

and student visas. IELTS is recognised and respected
throughout New Zealand and is often the preferred test 

of universities and employers.

British Council IELTS Guide 01

Why you Global recognition
With 90 years of experience in English education and a presence

should
in 100+ countries, the British Council is a globally recognised
authority in English language teaching and assessment. 

Our expertise ensures you’re in safe hands.

choose
Exclusive IELTS preparation
resources

the British
When you book your test with the British Council, you gain 

free access to the biggest library of IELTS preparation resources
available. This includes access to our IELTS Ready Premium
preparation offering, which includes webinars, masterclasses,

Council
key English lessons, and over 40 practice tests. Book your test
early to 

make the most of these resources.

for your
Trusted and transparent
IELTS is jointly run by the British Council and our services 

are trusted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide.

IELTS test Flexibility and choice

Depending on your location, you can take the test on paper or
on computer at a test centre. The IELTS Academic test can also
be taken online from the comfort of your home.
The British Council is the best
choice for taking the IELTS Simple booking and testing
rom booking your test to receiving your results, we have
test for a variety of reasons.
F

systems in place to guide you every step of the way.

Partner with us for:
Convenient dates and locations
All official British Council IELTS test centres are modern,
comfortable, and conveniently located. Test dates are scheduled
throughout the year, letting you pick the date that best suits
your calendar.

Stress-free experience
On the test day, you'll find the environment to be welcoming
with friendly and supportive staff to guide you, ensuring 

a smooth, enjoyable test experience.

Professional and friendly staff

Our classes are led by highly trained educational specialists.
IELTS tests are run by experienced staff who ensure your test
day runs smoothly.

O ne Skill Retake
When you take IELTS on computer with the British Council you
also have access to the One Skill Retake option. This means you
can retake a specific section of the test, rather than the entire
test, saving time and money if you only want to improve your
score in a single section. Check here to see if One Skill Retake 

is available in your country.

British Council IELTS Guide 02

How to 

prepare for
your IELTS test
Like anything worth doing, IELTS success can be achieved
through hard work and preparation. At the British Council, 

we offer many test preparation resources to help you
understand the test format, improve your English skills,

and build your confidence.

IELTS Ready
Our comprehensive IELTS test preparation offering, which
includes study resources, practice tests, and masterclasses.
IELTS Ready comprises two options: IELTS Ready Member, 

with study resources and practice tools free of charge, when
you subscribe, and IELTS Ready Premium, which provides a
personalised study plan and 40+ practice tests, complimentary
upon booking your test with the British Council. Book early to
make the most of these resources.

Practice tests
These practice tests will introduce you to the IELTS test format,
and help you become familiar with the types of tasks you will 

be asked to undertake on test day.

IELTS tips and videos

Tips from past test takers aimed at improving your
performance. Practice materials can be found in each section.

IELTS Coach
Group classes and one-to-one sessions with an expert English
language teacher. Coaching is available 24/7 and can focus on
improving specific problem areas.

EnglishScore tutors
Personalised online tutoring from certified teachers. These one-
on-one classes will help you prepare for your test whether it's a
week, or a few months away.

IELTS Face-to-face courses

Courses designed to help prepare you for your IELTS test,
covering all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Check your local British Council website to see if these courses
are available in your country.

British Council IELTS Guide 03

 Steps for completing your IELTS test

1 2

Book the test Confirm 


Choose how to take your IELTS test and 
 test times
book online. Take your test at an official 

test centre. 
Receive a confirmation of
booking detailing the test
start time and venue
address. Your Speaking
test will be scheduled 

on the same day or within
a 7-day window of your
other test.

3 4

Prepare
 Take

for the test the test
Study with IELTS Ready, IELTS Put your hard work to good use by taking 

Coach, and the many free the test. To prove your identity, don’t forget 

resources we provide. to bring the same ID you used to register for
your IELTS test.

5 6

Get your results Apply with

Your results will be available 13 days after 
 your results
your IELTS on paper test or 3–5 days after 

your IELTS on computer test. You will receive Use your TRF tor eTRF to apply
an official Test Report Form (TRF) or a digital to the institution of your
version (eTRF). choice.

British Council IELTS Guide 04

Tips on
preparing 

for IELTS
Familiarise yourself with
the test and band scores
Learn the test format and the question types to expect. Learn
what each of the IELTS band scores means and decide which
score to work towards.

Follow a 

structured plan
Guide your preparation with a study plan. Get a personalised
plan by signing up to IELTS Ready.

Learn from many

preparation resources
Don't limit yourself to just one preparation resource. 

For example, mixing webinars, practice tests, and coaching 

will get you better results than relying on just one resource.

Self assessment
Take practice tests to assess your progress. This will also help
you get used to the test.

Get feedback
If possible, seek expert feedback — especially on your writing
and speaking skills. This is where our IELTS Coach sessions 

can help.

Be consistent 

and follow a 

healthy routine
Studying consistently, eating well, and getting enough sleep 

will improve your concentration and performance.

British Council IELTS Guide 05

 What do the IELTS
scores mean?
Band score Skill level Description

You have a full operational command of the language. Your use 


Band 9 Expert user of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show
complete understanding.

You have a fully operational command of the language with 


only occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may
Band 8 Very good user misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle
complex, detailed argumentation well.

You have an operational command of the language, though 


with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and
Band 7 Good user misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, you handle
complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

Generally, you have an effective command of the language despite

some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.
Band 6 Competent user You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly
in familiar situations.

You have a partial command of the language and cope with overall
meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many
Band 5 Modest user mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in
your own field.

Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You

Band 4 Limited user frequently show problems in understanding and expression. 

You are not able to use complex language.

Extremely
 You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar
Band 3 situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
limited user

You have great difficulty understanding spoken 


Band 2 Intermittent user and written English.

Band 1 Non-user You cannot use the language except for a few isolated words.

Did not attempt


Band 0 You did not answer the questions.
the test

British Council IELTS Guide 06

Frequently Which IELTS test will I need 

to live and work in an English-

asked

speaking country?
The IELTS General Training test, in most cases.

questions Which IELTS test will I need 


to study in an English-
speaking country?
Most universities accept the IELTS Academic test.

What is a good IELTS score?

The score you need depends on your goal. Make sure to check
the specific requirements of the country, university, course, or
job you're interested in.

How long is my IELTS 


score valid?
Your IELTS score is valid for two years from the date of the test.

When will I receive my 


IELTS test results?
Your Test Report Form or eTRF will be available 13 days after
your IELTS on paper test or 3–5 days after your IELTS on
computer test. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts 

and an Online Results Service.

How do I send a copy of 


the Test Report Form to 

an immigration authority?
You can send your eTRF digitally to as many organisations as
you please. We can send up to five additional copies of your
physical TRF directly to institutions you are applying to. If you
would like us to do this, please include the relevant addresses
on the test taker portal within two years of taking the test.

Where can I find IELTS

practice tests and other
preparation material?
You can find free practice tests and other preparation material
on our site.

Taking the Don't put off your dreams any longer.

Book your IELTS test with the British

next step Council now, and take an important

step toward your future.

B ritish Council IELTS Guide 07