IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is conducted to assess a candidate’s proficiency in English language to work or study in a country where the main language of communication is English. And, any individual who wishes to pursue education or seeking work opportunities abroad can apply for the IELTS. However, a candidate appearing for examination must keep in mind that he should be above the age of 16 and should possess a valid passport. Apart, from the above described meagre regulations the IELTS exam conducting authorities, i.e. the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the Cambridge English Language Assessment do not prescribe for any minimum eligibility criteria for IELTS.
The IELTS conducting bodies conduct the test in two formats, namely, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The onus is on the candidate to check the eligibility criteria required by the institution/organization candidate is willing to be associated with and appear for the test accordingly. The IELTS is accepted for university admissions most popularly in UK, Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada. The IELTS examination assesses the candidates appearing for the examination on the basis of four fundamentals of a language – listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Formats of test and Eligibility Criteria for IELTS 2019
IELTS Academic scores are accepted by universities or institutions for higher education in a foreign country where the main language of communication is English. IELTS is considered by many institutions for admissions into their undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, a candidate seeking admission in an institution is required to fulfil the eligibility criteria according to the respective institution before attempting for IELTS General or IELTS Academic. In some cases, IELTS Academic is also considered a criterion to join a professional organization abroad.
Moving on, the IELTS General is required from people who move to foreign countries to pursue vocational education, work experience or engage in training programmes as the test evaluates a candidate’s general English language, which is apt for survival in social and workplace contexts.
As per requirements of IELTS 2019 eligibility criteria, when appearing for IELTS academic for admission in most of the academic across the world require IELTS Academic overall scores over 7.0 Band and with a sectional score of not below 6.5 Band. Further, it is mandatory the people migrating to Australia, Canada, and New Zealand must appear for the IELTS (General Training test) and obtain a minimum score of 6 overall Band. These test scores are accepted by the respective institutions only if the aspirant fulfils other eligibility criteria that are prescribed by the respective governing body.
IELTS Assessment
IELTS is a global standard test, and the IELTS conducting bodies maintain a standard globally. The questions in the examination may vary depending on the location and centres where the test is being conducted but question format does not change according to any geographical location of the candidate.
Score Validity of IELTS Examination
A Test Report of IELTS result is valid for a time period of 2 years from the date when the test is conducted by the respective IELTS test conducting authority. This date is mentioned in scorecard however, If you are unable to comprehend the test date in your scorecard, this date is given at the top, next to the centre number column in the scorecard.
Further, considering the situation when a candidate appears for the test for two consecutive times, both of these tests will also be considered valid until a time period of 2 years from the date when the exam was conducted. However, In this case, candidates are advised not to mix up test results of multiple tests as this practice can cause serious last minute problems. Moreover, if your IELTS Report Form is older than 2 years, you should consider re-taking the exam.
