IELTS
Why take the IELTS exam?
✔ You want to study abroad, and to enroll in the educational institution you are interested in, you need to pass the IELTS exam.
✔ You want to emigrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or a European country that requires proof of English language proficiency.
IELTS exam is not for you:
✘ If you want to improve your language skills and get a non-expiring certificate that you will be able to attach to your CV, the IELTS test is not for you because it is only valid for two years.
If you are interested in acquiring a non-expiring internationally recognized certificate that you can always attach as proof of your English language knowledge, the Cambridge English Qualifications (e.g. B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of English language and a certificate that does not expire.
The duration of the IELTS preparation course is 3 terms, i.e. 12 months, and 90-minute classes are taught via Skype or face-to-face twice a week. The preparation course content is well-targeted and effective. Teaching materials used in the preparation course consist of a baseline program (a coursebook) and Practice Tests and Past Papers along with other relevant online resources, that from the very beginning of the course familiarize students with the type of exercises present in the exam itself. All of this will help you track your progress as well as have an insight into your achievement in every part of the exam. After determining which skills or areas need more attention at the very beginning of the course, we will adjust the program so that you can master them as efficiently and as successfully as possible.
ABOUT IELTS exam
IELTS is an exam for those who want to study, live or work in English-speaking countries. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and shows the language level at which you can communicate with native English speakers and successfully use all four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
IELTS has two types, i.e. two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests assess your English language skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking:
The IELTS Academic exam is suitable for those wanting to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes.
The test measures if you are ready to begin studying in English. It features vocabulary that is familiar within an academic setting.
The IELTS General Training exam is suitable for those applying to study below degree level. This includes an English-speaking school or college. It can also be taken for work experience or other employment training. IELTS General Training is also required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test features everyday English language skills that you will need in social and workplace environments.
You can register for IELTS exam quickly – the exam is organized in Belgrade at the British Council throughout the year. The results are available 13 days after the exam and you can view them online, and on the same day the certificates are sent by mail to those candidates who live outside Belgrade, while those from the capital can pick them up at the British Council office.
IELTS on Computer
IELTS Academic and General Training exams on Computer provide more options to the test takers and stakeholders, while retaining all of the test’s current security, trust and integrity.
With IELTS on Computer, there are more test dates available, test takers can choose IELTS at a time convenient for them, and they will receive their results in three to five days.
It is important that you choose the right option so that you feel comfortable and confident when you take the test. You need to decide whether you prefer to read the texts and write your answers on a computer, or on paper.
WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION
IELTS is an exam that is recognized and trusted worldwide. It is accepted by educational institutions in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Europe and other countries where it is necessary to provide proof of English language knowledge. A large number of organizations around the world accept the IELTS certificate for a variety of purposes, such as immigration, employment, and participation in different professional training programs.
On the Internet, you can view the Global Recognition System, an interactive database where you can search for all those educational institutions, professional bodies, companies, etc. that recognize and/or require IELTS exam all around the world.
IELTS exam format
There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure that you prepare for the correct test type.
The 4 sections of IELTS exam are:
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (11 – 14 minutes)
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them.
The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS results and validity
All candidates receive a Test Report Form on their success and knowledge of English in the form of a grade from 0 to 9 – from the lowest to the highest level. The report includes 4 grades, one for each part of the exam and the overall grade. This report is usually valid for two years.
You will receive one copy of your Test Report Form, or two copies if you are applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can arrange for your test center to post this to you, or you can pick it up in person.
The table below shows how IELTS results correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels scale and Cambridge English Qualifications:
| IELTS result | CEFR level | Cambridge English Qualification |
| 8.5+ | C2 | C2 Proficiency |
| 7.0 / 7.5 / 8.0 | C1 | C1 Advanced |
| 5.5 / 6.0 / 6.5 | B2 | B2 First |
| 4.0 / 4.5 / 5.0 | B1 | B1 Preliminary |
| 3.0 / 3.5 | A2 | A2 Key |
* Please note that the IELTS results listed in the table represent the overall grade in the exam and do not refer to the grades achieved in individual sections of IELTS exam.
Register for the IELTS preparation course!