IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
is an international English language examination valid for two years. About 1.4 million people choose this exam annually to test their knowledge in general or academic English and to continue their education and professional development at one of the six thousand world institutions that officially recognize the results of IELTS. The exam is administered by three world educational organizations: the British Council, IDP, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University. IELTS consists of two modules:
♦ Academic – this module is for people who would like to apply for a bachelor’s or master’s program at an international university.
♦ General – this module is for people who would like to work in a country where the official language is English (Australia, UK, New Zealand, Canada, USA).
The exam checks the candidates’ skills in the four language areas – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The parts of the Reading and Listening skills are the same for all applicants, and the parts for Writing and Reading differ depending on whether it is the Academic or General Module of the Exam. The exam lasts about 2 hours 45 minutes.