Exam Levels & Types

IELTS test format

The IELTS test assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking – in less than three hours.

There are 2 types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. The Listening and Speaking parts are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between.

The Speaking part, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.

Why to take IELTS on computer

Swiss Exams in the partnership with the British Council run IELTS tests across Switzerland, always trying to be close to the students. We offer both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training on computer, thus we can guarantee you fast results in 3-5 days only.

What does IELTS on computer mean exactly

Taking IELTS on computer means you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test using a computer. All aspects of the test are identical to IELTS on paper, including:

• Question types
• Content
• Timings
• Marking

The Speaking test is still face-to-face, as it is the most effective way of assessing speaking skills.

Have a look at this tutorial series by the British Council explaining everything you need to know about IELTS on computer

Benefits of IELTS on the computer

• Faster results in only 3-5 days! Test takers will receive their IELTS on computer exam results faster than with paper based IELTS.
• We offer you together with British Council many locations across Switzerland: Zurich, Lausanne, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Basel, Geneva.
• Test availability: More test dates and test sessions for IELTS on computer, allowing you to choose IELTS at a time convenient for you.
• Easy booking options and greater flexibility.
• Convenience with typing instead of writing, highlighting option, own headphones and volume adjustment for the listening tasks.
• High security

IELTS Academic also has its IELTS Online option.

Who is IELTS for? IELTS for study, migration or work

IELTS is the high-stakes English test for study, migration or work and can be the right test for you.

IELTS for study

Are you planning on studying in an English-speaking country? According to the British Council IELTS certificate is recognised as evidence of proficiency in English by more than 11,000 education and training providers worldwide. Some universities in non-English speaking countries require an IELTS score, where courses are taught in English.

Most people will take the IELTS Academic test to support their study and application to study overseas. But it is important to check the entry requirements of individual organisations before choosing your test.

Students can nominate up to five organisations to which their IELTS test results will be sent automatically and free of charge. There is a fee for sending results to additional organisations. You can request to have us send your results as long as your IELTS scores are valid.

IELTS for migration

Do you want to migrate to an English-speaking country? IELTS is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency for study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, as well as for study and work in the USA.

Each country sets its own IELTS requirements. For up-to-date information, please visit the relevant government websites.

IELTS for work

Looking for work abroad? Organisations around the world rely on IELTS to help them select the right people.

In most countries where English is the main language of communication, evidence of acceptable English language skills is a prerequisite for applicants and international graduates seeking professional registration.

Required proficiency levels vary between organizations, professions, by country and by jurisdiction. It is up to individual professional registration bodies to determine the IELTS band score and version of the test (Academic or General Training) they require.

Are you curious about if a particular organisation takes IELTS results into consideration? Get more profound info from the British Council!

IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Live and work in the United Kingdom! Take the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) to demonstrate your English proficiency. This IELTS test can assist you in obtaining a UK visa. You can take the IELTS Academic exam for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), the IELTS General Training test for UKVI, or the IELTS Life Skills test.