Types of IELTS Exam: Which Test is Best for You in 2025?

Types of IELTS Exam: The IELTS exam full form is the International English Language Testing System. The IDP Education conducts the exam which is a globally recognized English proficiency test designed to assess the language skills of non-native English speakers. Candidates who wish to study, work, or migrate to popular English-speaking countries can take the IELTS exam to demonstrate their language proficiency to maintain living and studying in the country. The IDP IELTS exam has major two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

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Types of IELTS Exam

IELTS Academic

• Focuses on academic language and skills.
• Suitable for university admissions and professional organizations.
• Assesses a candidate’s ability to handle complex academic concepts and terminology.

IELTS General Training

• Focuses on social and workplace communication.
• Suitable for immigration and employment purposes.
• Tests basic survival skills in a broad range of contexts.

IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)

• Purpose : Designed for individuals applying for a UK visa for work, study, or migration purposes.
• Test Eligibility: Anyone above 16 years of age.
• Test Format :
  • Listening (30 minutes)
  • Reading (60 minutes)
  • Writing (60 minutes)
  • Speaking (11–14 minutes)
• Total duration : approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Mode of Delivery: Available in computer-based and paper-based formats
• Test Centers: Conducted only in UKVI-approved test centers with enhanced security measures.
• Validity : Test results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
• Test Results : Results are available within 3 to 13 days depending on test mode.

IELTS Life Skills

Key Features:

• Purpose : Designed to assess English speaking and listening skills for UK visa and immigration purposes.
• Test Levels:

• • A1 Level: For family, spouse, and partner visa applications.
  • A2 Level: For visa extension applications (only applicable in the UK).
  • B1 Level: For indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and citizenship applications.
• Test Format: Includes tasks such as listening to a recording, engaging in discussions, and responding to questions.
• Test Duration: Approximately 16–22 minutes, depending on the level.
• Eligibility : Candidates applying for UK visas requiring proof of English proficiency at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A1, A2, or B1 levels.
• Mode of Test: Conducted in person at authorized IELTS test centers worldwide.
• Instruction Language : English only.
• Scoring: Results are available within 7 days.
• Validity of Test Result: Typically valid for 2 years.
• Test Centers: Available in major cities approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

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Fees for Different Types of IELTS Exam

Choosing the Right Types of IELTS Exam

• IELTS Academic : Students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate courses in various prestigious universities abroad can take the Academic test. Additionally, professionals seeking registration in regulated fields such as medicine or engineering or researchers planning to collaborate with academic institutions can appear for the IELTS Academic Test 2025.
• IELTS General Training : Individuals applying for migration to countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK can apply for the IELTS GT test. This test is beneficial for people seeking work experience or vocational training.
• IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration): Applicants applying for Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 4 UK visas who need proof of English proficiency for UK immigration purposes can take the UKVI test.
• IELTS Life Skills : This test is ideal for individuals applying for UK family or spouse visas. Moreover, candidates seeking British citizenship or permanent residence can take this test.

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