As a globally standardized test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is well-known for its consistency. Every candidate for an IELTS certificate on each day takes the exact same test. But, not all IELTS certificates are the same. The IELTS exam is one of the most widely-used English assessment tests in the world, therefore, it offers multiple variants for multiple purposes. In general, all versions of the IELTS exam follow the same format, but there are a few notable differences. On the page, we’ve laid out the specifics of each of the IELTS variants to help you decide which one is best for you.

IETLS Academic Exam

As the name suggests, the IELTS Academic exam is the standard test given to students who wish to study in an English-language university setting. This is a test designed to assess whether or not you are ready to use English in a formal, academic setting. As such, the listening and reading sections are specifically designed to test your knowledge of slightly more advanced vocabulary and topics - the kind you will be expected to understand in a university setting. You should take the IELTS Academic exam if you:

• Want to study as either an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
• Are applying for a Tier 4 Student Route Visa in the UK.
• Wish to work in a professional English-language setting.

IELTS General Training Exam

For candidates seeking to travel to an English-speaking nation for secondary school, vocational training, or work experience, the IELTS General exam is likely the best choice. This exam focuses on social and everyday workplace usage. Additionally, the IELTS General exam is required for immigrating to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. The IELTS General exam is typically considered the easier of the two versions. You should consider taking the General exam if you:

• Want to study at a pre-university level.
• Want to work in an English-speaking country.
• Move to an English-speaking country.
• Get a new job in your home country.

Academic And General: What’s The Difference?

The two tests follow the exact same format and each contains 4 sections (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) and lasts nearly 3 hours. For both exams, the listening and speaking sections are the same, the only differences are the reading and writing sections. Both reading sections last 60 minutes and have 40 questions; the difference is where the material comes from. The IELTS Academic reading section uses texts from journals, newspapers, and books; whereas the IELTS General uses texts related to advertisements, job descriptions, and other day-to-day examples.

Similarly, the IELTS Academic writing section focuses on describing data and making a clear point, whereas the IELTS General requires you to write a letter and respond to an argument. In both versions, the first text has a minimum word count of 150 words and the second task requires 250 words.

IELTS Life Skills Exam

The IELTS Life Skills exam is designed for candidates who need to prove their English skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The IELTS Life Skills exam is offered at three different levels (A1, A2*, and B1) and covers only the speaking and listening sections. The exam is designed to assess candidates’ ability to function day-to-day at a basic level of English. Unlike the standard IELTS exam, the IELTS Life Skills exam is not graded on a 9-band scale, instead, it is a simple pass/fail exam. Passing the A1 exam will get you an A1 certificate, even if you are at an A2 or B1 level, therefore, it is important to know your current level before attempting the Life Skills exam.

*Currently, the A2 level exam is only offered in the UK.

How Is The IELTS Life Skills Exam Structured?

The IELTS Life Skills exam is only two sections; speaking and listening. The amount of time the test lasts depends on the level but lasts anywhere from 16-22 minutes with no break between the two sections. Candidates are tested in pairs, to allow for natural conversation.

What Is Evaluated?

All candidates are scored on four criteria:

• obtaining information
• conveying information
• speaking to communicate
• engaging in discussion.

The performance of your exam partner will not impact your score.

IELTS For UKVI

For anyone wishing to emigrate to the UK, the type of IETLS test (and score) you will need depends on what type of visa you are applying for. The IELTS for UKVI exam is identical to the standard IELTS exam in every way and is offered in both General and Academic; when you register for your exam, be sure to specify that you want the UKVI exam. Whichever test is right for you, you must sign up for the exam at a location approved by the UKVI office; these are located around the world.

Which Test Should I Take?

This ultimately depends on the type of visa you need. For students wishing to enter directly into a university that is a Student Route Sponsor, the IELTS for UKVI Academic is required (the minimum score varies based on the program). IELTS results are accepted by all British universities. For anyone else, the table below provides a brief outline of what is required for different types of visas.