Get informed with our brochure
Download our comprehensive IELTS guide for all you need to know about the test.
What is the IELTS Exam?
IELTS, what is it: About the IELTS Test in Canada
Find out all you need to know about the world's most popular English language test.
What is the IELTS test?
IELTS, the world’s most popular high stakes English language test.
British Council has been teaching English for more than 85 years and evaluating it through IELTS for over 30 years.
The international English language testing system IELTS is a test developed by the world’s leading experts in language assessment on four key English language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
It is designed to assess the language ability of people who aim to study and work in, immigrate to and integrate into an English-speaking environment.
General Training & Academic
IELTS Academic:
IELTS Academic is for if you’re looking to study at a university, at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, or join a professional association where English is a prerequisite.
IELTS General Training:
IELTS General Training is for if you’re looking to apply to an immigration program such as Express Entry in order to establish yourself in Canada. With IELTS, you can go anywhere in Canada. Every organisation sets its own entry requirements. In some cases both versions of IELTS may be accepted. If you are still in doubt as to which version to take, you should contact the organisations directly in order to check their requirements. For more information on IELTS please download: Which organisations accept IELTS
Scores
You cannot fail the test
IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. You will receive IELTS scores based on each for the four skills on a scale of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can find English language capabilities corresponding to each score here.
Recognised by over 11,000 organisations worldwide
IELTS is recognised by over 11,000 organisations worldwide, including educational institutions, employers, governments, immigration authorities and professional bodies. You can find out the IELTS score you need to access the education, emigration, employment, professional registration or training opportunity of your choice by searching here.
IELTS for Immigration
IELTS was the first test to be recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for immigration and citizenship programs.
Accepted and Trusted in Canada
IELTS is Canada’s preferred high stakes English language test in Canada. Trusted by over 700 Canadian organisations, it was the first test to be recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for such government programs as Express Entry and other Canadian programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IELTS?
What does IELTS stand for?
What is the IELTS exam used for?