Guide For Agents: Information For Education and Migration Agents Around The World
Guide For Agents: Information For Education and Migration Agents Around The World
Guide For Agents: Information For Education and Migration Agents Around The World
Each year, more IELTS tests are taken than any other high stakes English language test.
www.ielts.org
Contents Reasons your clients choose IELTS The international English language test Convenient test dates and locations Knowing the test format Understanding the IELTS band scale Minimum IELTS band score requirements Getting the results Helping your clients prepare Further information Contact details 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 10
IELTS makes the world a bigger, more open place. Learning English has transformed me into a citizen of the world.
Analyst at large accounting firm
Search the list of organisations that ask for IELTS results at www.ielts.org/recognition
Find an IELTS test location at www.ielts.org There are over 800 locations worldwide, in over 130 countries.
IELTS is one of the most widely available English language tests in the world. Available up to four times a month in more than 130 countries Test centres have more places available than other high-stakes tests Many test centres are conveniently located within universities and college buildings or within town centres Registering for the test Test takers can register for the test at an IELTS test centre or by mail. Many test centres also offer online registration Tests are available on Thursdays and Saturdays The first step is to find a test centre at www.ielts.org/testcentres The IELTS Application Form must be completed. This is available through each test centre website and at www.ielts.org/testtakers
Test takers must bring their current passport (or national identity card) to the test. This is the only form of identity that will be accepted on the test day. The passport/identity card must be valid/not expired at registration and on the test day Test fees vary from country to country and in most cases are payable in local currency. Details are provided on each test centre website Test takers with special requirements Arrangements are available to IELTS test takers with special requirements including hearing, visual or learning difficulties. These include: Modified and enlarged papers Braille papers Lip reading version of the Listening component Amplification equipment for the Listening component Extra time for the Reading and Writing components and/or use of a computer (e.g. for candidates with dyslexia) A scribe to write answers on a test takers behalf
Key Fact
Each IELTS test is of the same level of difficulty and is marked with the same assessment criteria all over the world. This means that test takers are no more likely to receive a higher band score in one country than another. IELTS examiners, wherever they are in the world, are qualified English language professionals who attend regular training sessions and are required to formally demonstrate their marking proficiency through a re-certification process. The marking performance of the 6000-plus IELTS examiners is systematically and regularly monitored. Examiner marking standards are maintained through the IELTS Professional Support Network, a quality assurance system designed and managed by British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. See also Reliable results, page 7.
Special requirements If your client requires special arrangements to be made, you should advise them to discuss their needs with their test centre as soon as possible Changes to the testing environment require six weeks notice Changes to the test paper can require three months notice Each case is considered individually and will need to be accompanied by medical evidence
IELTS Academic
The Academic version of IELTS measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers, irrespective of their subject focus.
*The Listening and Speaking components are the same for both versions. The Reading and Writing components differ.
Choosing the right version of the test Academic or General Training? The version of IELTS your client should take, as well as the result they need, is determined both by visa requirements and by the requirements of any educational institution or professional organisation to which they intend to apply. If you are unsure which version of the test your client should take, contact the organisation to which they are applying for confirmation.
Students tend to be more focussed and motivated by IELTS. They have clearer goals.
English language teacher, Perth, Australia
Key Fact
The Speaking test Test takers should not be afraid to express their opinions in the Writing and Speaking tests. The examiners role in the Speaking and Writing tests is to assess how well a test taker is able to present ideas and arguments that are appropriate to the question, using good English. In the Speaking test, the examiner will ask test takers to explain or extend on their answers in order to encourage them to demonstrate their English as fully as possible, not in order to judge or challenge their opinions.
Key Fact
Band score 9 IELTS band score 9 should not be equated with native speaker standard because the English used by native speakers varies greatly. In fact, band score 9 represents an Expert User, that is, someone who has fully operational command of the language and makes almost no errors.
I got the band score required by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, paving the way for my immigration to the US.
IELTS candidate from China
Key Fact
The same test standards all over the world
Some test takers falsely believe that by taking the test in a country where English is not the main language of communication that they will have a better chance of being one of the best performers at that test centre therefore increasing their chances of getting a higher score. However, IELTS scores are based solely on test taker performance. The band score awarded to each test taker is not dependent on the results of other test takers in any way.
Right of appeal
An Enquiry on Results service is available to test takers who are not satisfied with their results. Tests are remarked by a Senior Examiner. If the result is changed, the fee for this service is refunded. Applications for an Enquiry on Results must be made to the test centre at which the test was taken within six weeks of the test date.
In Iran I saw the IELTS test as an obstacle! But now that Im studying in Australia I can see the value of taking the test. When Im in a university exam I need to read even more quickly and write my answers in even less time than during the IELTS test. I really think now that the IELTS test was my best friend.
Law student from Iran, studying in Australia
think about taking an IELTS preparation course where test takers will receive feedback on their answers to practice questions.
Re-sitting the test There are no restrictions on retaking the test. If the required score is not achieved, test takers can register for another test as soon as they feel they are ready. Test takers should be advised, however, that they are unlikely to gain a better score unless they work to improve their English and prepare for the test (see above).
Further information
Further IELTS information and resources can be found online at www.ielts.org including:
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Find a test centre search tool Who accepts IELTS? database listing of over 6000 organisations Sample test questions Frequently asked questions Data showing the average performance of takers by nationality and language group Information for Candidates booklet Ensuring quality and fairness in international language testing IELTS Annual Review
BRITISH COUNCIL Bridgewater House 58 Whitworth Street Manchester M1 6BB UK T +44 (0) 161 957 7755 F +44 (0) 161 957 7762 E [email protected]
IDP: IELTS AUSTRALIA Level 8 535 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia T +61 (0)3 9612 4400 F +61 (0)3 9629 7697 E [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONS 1 Hills Road Cambridge CB1 2EU UK T +44 (0) 1223 553355 F +44 (0) 1223 460278 E [email protected]
IELTS INTERNATIONAL 825 Colorado Boulevard Suite 112 Los Angeles CA 90041 USA T +1 323 255 2771 F +1 323 255 1261 E [email protected]
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).