What is IELTS? Update information on IELTS English exam 2025

IELTS is a prestigious international English language testing system used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. IELTS is widely recognized by more than 11,000 educational institutions, government agencies and businesses worldwide.

Together ETEST English for Study Abroad learn about What is IELTS?? Benefits of IELTS certificate and update the latest information about IELTS exam in 2025 below!

Acronym	IELTS
Type	Standardized test. Available in two formats: “Academic”, “General Training”.
Developer / Manager	British Council, IDP Education, Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Knowledge / skills test	Listen, read, write and speak English.
Purpose	To assess the English proficiency of non-native English speakers.
Duration	Listening: 40 minutes (including 10 minutes for writing and checking answers), Read: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, Speaking: 11–14 minutes. Total: 2 hours, 44 minutes.
Scoring scale	From 0 to 9, odd points up to 0.5.
Validity	2 years
Organization	Up to 4 times a month. Up to 48 times a year.
Country / Region	More than 1000 testing centers in over 140 countries.
Language	English
Number of annual attendees	More than 2.5 million people in 2014.
Conditions / criteria	No formal requirements. For non-native English speakers.
Entry fee	To find out local test fees, search IELTS Worldwide for a test location in your area.
Points used by	Over 9,000 educational institutions, governments, professional registration bodies and employers worldwide.
Website	www.ielts.org

What is IELTS?

IELTS is an abbreviation for (International English Language Testing System), is one international english testing system founded by 3 organizations British Council, organization IDP Education Australia and University of CambridgeThe IELTS exam is highly regarded worldwide and is used as a measure of candidates' English proficiency for the purposes of studying, settling down, working, or studying abroad in many countries.

Admissions bodies and recruitment agencies from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries recognise the IELTS test as a reliable means of assessing a candidate's English language ability.

With over 11,000 universities, colleges and other organisations requiring IELTS, it is playing an increasingly important role in promoting English language learning and personal and professional development opportunities.

What is IELTS certificate?

After completing the exam, you will receive an IELTS certificate showing your scores for each skill (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) and your overall score. Also known as an IELTS certificate. 

The IELTS certificate will show you the results, Band score of each skill according to the IELTS scale from 1.0 to 9.0, in which the overall score is calculated by the average of the 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing) and rounded up to 0.5.

For example: Nguyen Khanh Tuong scored 9.0 points for the skills (Reading) and (Listening), 8.0 points for the skills (Speaking) and 7.0 (Writing), then your total score will be 8.5 points (33 ÷ 4 = 8.25 rounded to 8.5)

Advantages of taking IELTS test

IELTS Certificate Not only is it a standard requirement for acceptance into prestigious universities around the world, but it also plays an important role in providing various advantages:

• Open the door to study abroad: IELTS is a mandatory requirement to study abroad at prestigious universities in many countries such as UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.
• Increase settlement opportunities: A higher IELTS score will help you increase your immigration score and be a big advantage in living long-term in developed countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
• Improve career opportunities: IELTS is an English certificate trusted by many businesses, giving you an advantage in applying for jobs in multinational corporations and advancing your career.
• Develop English skills: The IELTS test preparation process helps you comprehensively improve your English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Some universities may accept IELTS scores to exempt them from the English entrance exam, however, this policy may vary by school and academic year.
• IELTS score requirements for entry to top universities can range from 6.0 and above, depending on the institution, course and country.

IELTS test format

The two common IELTS test formats are divided into Academic and General Training Module:

• IELTS Academic: For candidates intending to study at universities or pursue postgraduate research programs.
• IELTS General Training: For candidates who intend to settle, work, or study abroad.

Both types consist of four parts:

• Listening

• Speaking

• Reading

• Writing

In both the Academic and General modules, the Listening and Speaking sections are tested together. The Reading and Writing sections have different structures and content, depending on the purpose of the test.

IELTS Academic focuses on language used in academic settings, with readings on scientific and social topics and writings that require analysis and evaluation. Meanwhile, IELTS General Training focuses on everyday language, with readings on work and study topics and more practical writing. Both modules take 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete and are graded on a scale of 1 to 9.

In addition, IELTS also includes:

• IELTS UKVI (IELTS for the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) is a form of IELTS that is guaranteed (SELT – Secure English Language Test) and is accepted by the UK government. This is a certificate for those who want to study or settle in the UK. IELTS UKVI can also be used for other English-speaking countries.
• IELTS Life Skills IELTS is a form of life skills assessment, focusing on listening and speaking skills at level A1 or B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Latest IELTS test structure in 2025

The IELTS English test structure was last updated in 2017 and remains the same to this day (2025)However, IELTS Academic and General Training candidates will have slightly different Writing and Reading sections.

The IELTS English test structure will include 4 detailed parts:

• Listening Test: Consists of 4 parts, lasting 30 minutes, with 40 multiple choice questions.
• Speaking Test: Consists of 3 parts, lasting 11-14 minutes, with 3 different test formats.
• Reading Test: Consists of 3 parts, lasting 60 minutes, with 40 multiple choice questions.
• Writing Test: Consists of 2 parts, lasting 60 minutes, with 2 different types of tests.

You can refer to the article for details. IELTS test structure!

How to calculate IELTS test score

IELTS test scores are divided on a scale from 1 to 9. Each skill is assessed and assigned a corresponding score, then the total score is calculated based on the average score of those skills, rounded to the nearest 0.5.

• For the Listening and Reading sections: Both the listening and reading sections consist of 40 questions, and are scored on a scale of 0 to 9. The number of questions in the reading section will differ slightly between Reading Academic and General.
• For the Writing section: In this section, the examiners will use the marking criteria to assess the IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking tests, including:
  • Answer correctly and meet the requirements
  • Coherence and cohesion of text
  • Use vocabulary and grammar
  • Grammatical correctness
• Speaking scoring criteria: The Speaking test is also based on key criteria such as:
  • Pronunciation
  • Use IELTS vocabulary
  • Use grammar
  • Coherence and cohesion of speech

In addition to the overall score, candidates also receive a Band Score, which is a scale to classify the candidate's English proficiency. The Band Score is converted from the overall score according to the official IELTS conversion table.

For example:

• Listening score: 7.0
• Speaking score: 6.5
• Reading score: 8.0
• Writing score: 7.5
• Total score: 29.0

According to the conversion table, the Band Score corresponding to a total score of 29.0 is 7.5.

You can use this scale to convert your IELTS score.

If you want to know more about the scoring criteria and each scale in IELTS scoring, you can refer to the article. IELTS Score Scale!

How to register for IELTS test

Currently, in Vietnam, there are two official organizations that jointly organize the IELTS exam: the British Council and IDP Education. You can register for the IELTS exam in three ways – online, in person or by post.

To register online, you can visit the IELTS website in your country of residence and check the test dates and locations.

Steps to register for IELTS online:

• Step 1: Visit the British Council website (https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/) or IDP Education (https://ielts.idp.com/).
• Step 2: Create an account and log in.
• Step 3: Choose the test format (IELTS Academic or General Training).
• Step 4: Select test date and test location.
• Step 5: Complete the registration process and pay the exam fee.

Note: IELTS test fees may vary depending on the time and location of the test.

For detailed information on instructions on how to register for the IELTS exam, you can follow and follow. Register for IELTS test! 

Regulations on IELTS test cancellation and change

In case you want to cancel or change the exam date, you need to note the following regulations:

• Cancel exam: Cancellations must be made 05 weeks before the registered exam date. Candidates will receive a refund of 75% exam fee in case of valid cancellation.
• Change exam date: Candidates must submit an application to change the exam date 15 days before the registered exam date (free of charge) or 8-14 days before (exam date change fee is VND 800,000). Candidates can only change the exam date once and the new exam date must be no more than 03 months from the old exam date.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the IELTS exam

What IELTS score do I need to be accepted into university?

The required IELTS score may vary depending on the school and program you want to attend. Each school will have its own criteria for IELTS scores, usually ranges from 5.5 to 7.0 or higher. You should check the specific requirements of the school you are applying to.

How many times can I take the IELTS test in a year?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS test in a year. You can register and retake the test whenever you want, but remember that you will need to pay the test fee each time.

How long is the IELTS certificate valid for?

IELTS certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of receiving the result. IELTS English test is not a pass or fail test, but the score is ranked on a scale, and the certificate is issued based on the score you achieve.

How do I prepare for the IELTS exam?

Preparing for the IELTS English test includes practicing listening, reading, writing and speaking English. You can take test preparation courses, use test preparation materials, and practice with sample problems. At the same time, familiarize yourself with the test format and practice your test-taking skills under time pressure.

Who creates the IELTS test?

IELTS test is given by Cambridge ESOL, a prestigious and internationally recognized institution, part of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Where should I study IELTS with prestige and quality?

IELTS not only is it an important English test, but it also opens the door to many opportunities to study, work and travel in English-speaking countries around the world. To prepare for this exam effectively and achieve the best results, studying at a reputable, quality English center is very important.

Hopefully, the useful information in this article has helped you understand clearly. What is IELTS? If you are looking for a IELTS learning center reputation and quality, I want to introduce to you ETEST English for Study AbroadWith a team of teachers with many years of experience in teaching and IELTS examining, teaching methods focusing on developing thinking and diverse courses, ETEST English for Study Abroad will be the ideal place for you to prepare for the IELTS exam confidently and effectively.

Special, ETEST English for Study Abroad Committed to providing students with a comfortable learning environment, reasonable tuition fees and the best quality of service. Please register IELTS course today to start your journey to success in conquering your IELTS certificate!

IELTS 1 on 1

Learn more IELTS learning roadmap:

• IELTS 4.5 learning path
• IELTS 5.0 learning path
• IELTS 5.5 learning path
• IELTS 6.0 learning path
• IELTS 6.5 learning path
• IELTS 7.0 learning path
• IELTS 7.5 learning path
• IELTS 8.0 learning path
• IELTS 9.0 learning path