Four IELTS tests, explained simply
What each test is for, who takes it, how it differs and how it is scored.
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic
University study and professional registrationPurpose
Shows that you can use English in a university setting.
Who it is for
Students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, and professionals who need registration to practise.
How it differs
Reading uses academic-style texts. Writing Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, graph or diagram. Listening and Speaking are the same as General Training.
Listening, Reading and Writing are normally taken in one session. Speaking may be on the same day or within the scheduling window. Arrangements depend on the test provider.
How it is scored
Each module gets a band from 0 to 9, and you also get an overall band. The overall band is the average of the four, rounded by IELTS rules. Your university decides the band it needs, sometimes for each module.
IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training
Migration, work experience and trainingPurpose
Tests the everyday English you need in social situations and at work.
Who it is for
People migrating to countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK, and those going for work experience, training, or study below degree level.
How it differs
Reading uses everyday and workplace texts. Writing Task 1 is a letter. Listening and Speaking are the same as Academic. Each organisation decides whether it accepts one in place of the other.
Listening, Reading and Writing are normally taken in one session. Speaking may be on the same day or within the scheduling window. Arrangements depend on the test provider.
How it is scored
The same 0 to 9 bands as Academic, for each module and overall. The immigration body or employer sets the score you need, often for each module.
IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI
UK visa applications (Academic or General Training)Purpose
Accepted by UK Visas and Immigration as proof of English for people who want to live, work or study in the UK. It is a Secure English Language Test.
Who it is for
Applicants whose UK visa needs a four-skill English test, such as study, Skilled Worker and Health and Care routes.
How it differs
UKVI accepts only tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, which adds an extra layer of security. For applications outside the UK, ask the organisation whether regular IELTS is what they want.
How it is scored
The same bands from 0 to 9. The UK government requires the score in every component, and the number depends on your visa:
- B1 level visas4.0 in each component
- B2 level visas5.5 in each component
- C1 level visas7.0 in each component
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
UK family, settlement and citizenship routesPurpose
Proves your English speaking and listening only, at CEFR level A1, A2 or B1. It is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test.
Who it is for
People on UK routes that ask only for speaking and listening, such as certain family visas, settlement and British citizenship.
How it differs
There is no Reading or Writing. You choose the level your visa needs. It is not meant for university admission or for visas that need a full four-skill score.
How it is scored
You receive a Pass at the level you sat, and no band score. The level you need depends on your visa route.
The IELTS band scale at a glance
Used by IELTS Academic, General Training and IELTS for UKVI. Life Skills uses Pass instead.
Athovia is an independent IELTS preparation provider and is not the official IELTS test administrator. Test formats, delivery options and requirements may change. Always confirm current details with the official IELTS website, your test provider and the organisation that will read your score.