For anyone looking to study or work in an English-speaking environment, you will likely be required to take a placement exam. For this purpose, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most commonly given exams to assess a candidate’s ability to use English in a real-world setting. The IELTS exam is a difficult test that covers every aspect of the English language, as such, it can be hard to feel confident that your current level is good enough. We’ve put together a list of questions you should ask yourself before you take the IELTS exam.

What’s Your Current Level Of English?

This is the first thing you need to ask yourself before you think about taking the IELTS exam. However, evaluating our own skills is often quite difficult, we don’t notice our own mistakes. If you are using English every day in a school or work setting, it’s very easy to assume that you already have the skills you need; but there is a large gap between being comfortable with day-to-day use and being “proficient”. The IELTS speaking section makes up only ¼ of the total exam, you will need to know how to use all forms of grammar, as well as prove an extensive vocabulary.

So, what level of English is “good enough”? Luckily, there are a few ways to assess your readiness for the IELTS exam.

• IELTS Practice Tests

The IELTS practice exam is the best way to assess your readiness for the real exam. It is important to take the practice test under the same time restrictions as the actual test, as the IELTS is very strictly timed. If you can reach your desired band score three times in a row, you are definitely ready for the real thing.

• CEFR Placement Exam

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the standard measurement of language ability in Europe. It is graded on a scale of A0 (total beginner) to C2 (fully proficient). There are free CEFR placement tests offered by Cambridge University that will give you a very accurate measurement of your English level. Your CEFR level roughly correlates to your IELTS score, as seen in the table below.

If your CEFR level is enough to meet or exceed your desired band score, then you are ready for the IELTS exam.

• Experience

If you’ve been living, working, and/or studying in an English environment for a few years and have no issues with living your life in English, then you are probably ready to attempt the IELTS exam. Even in this case, though, it’s a great idea to take at least one practice test to familiarize yourself with the pace and format of the IELTS exam.

How Comfortable Are You In English?

Even if you have an advanced level of textbook knowledge, you may still struggle on the IELTS exam. There is generally very little time to think during the test, you are expected to be able to know the answer on the fly. So, how can you test your abilities in “real-world” English?

• Can you understand at least 80% of a full movie in English?

Further, can you then explain the full movie to someone else, in English, for at least 5 minutes?

• Can you read a newspaper like USA Today?

This paper provides a great benchmark for your English reading comprehension as it’s not as complicated as something like the New York Times or Wall Street Journal.

• Are you translating in your head?

The IELTS is fast. Very fast. You won’t have time to translate as you go, you need to be able to think and react in English.

What Score Do You Need?

The IELTS exam is not a pass/fail test. Everyone who attempts the exam is given a band score between 1.0 (non-user) and 9.0 (fully proficient user) in increments of 0.5. There is no such thing as a “passing” score and it impossible to truly “fail” the exam. However, depending on why you are taking the exam, you may be required to achieve a certain band score to be accepted to certain programs or institutions. Candidates looking to enter a basic University program will need a lower band score than those enrolling in postgraduate studies. Likewise, different countries have different minimum band score requirements for different types of visas.

It is important to know exactly what score you need, not to pass the test, but to gain admission into whatever program/institute to which you are applying. In general, a band score of 7.0 is considered a “good” user and is the most common band score requirement for many universities.

Should I Take The IELTS General Or Academic?

This will ultimately depend on exactly why you’re taking the IELTS exam. If you’re trying to get into a college or university, you will almost certainly need to take the Academic exam, whereas if you are applying for a visa or you plan on migrating then the IELTS General is the best choice.

Practically speaking, the tests are functionally identical. Both take the same amount of time, have the same 4 sections and number of questions. However, there are differences. While the speaking and listening sections are identical in both exams, the reading and writing sections are different and cover different topics; though the format is the same. The Academic exam is often considered slightly more difficult than the General exam, so if you don’t need to take the Academic version just take the General.

Are You Ready?

Hopefully, by now you’ve got a rough idea of what level you’ll need to be at to get the band score you want. With enough practice and dedication, anyone can achieve a high band score on the IELTS exam. It’s important not to rush into the test, take your time and make sure ready.