What is the IELTS Academic Test?
The IELTS Academic test is designed for people who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or who need to meet the English-language requirements for professional registration.
The test assesses your ability to use English in academic and everyday situations. It consists of four tests:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
The total test time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes, although the Speaking test may be held on a different day depending on the test centre.
If you are taking IELTS for work, migration or other non-academic purposes, you may need the IELTS General Training Test instead. Check which test you need before you start preparing.
IELTS Academic test format
🎧 Listening
4 parts | 40 questions | about 30 minutes
You listen to four recordings, including conversations and monologues, and answer 40 questions.
→ Learn more about IELTS Listening
📖 Reading
3 sections | 40 questions | 60 minutes
The Academic Reading test contains three longer texts taken from books, journals, magazines and other sources suitable for an academic audience.
→ Learn more about IELTS Academic Reading
✍️ Writing
Task 1: report | at least 150 words
Task 2: essay | at least 250 words
In Academic Writing Task 1, you describe and summarise visual information, such as a graph, chart, table, process or map. Task 2 is an essay in which you respond to a point of view, argument or problem.
→ Learn more about Academic Writing Task 1
→ Learn more about Academic Writing Task 2
🗣️ Speaking
3 parts | 11 to 14 minutes
The Speaking test is the same for Academic and General Training IELTS. You have a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, including questions about familiar topics, a short individual talk and a two-way discussion.
How is IELTS scored?
You receive a band score from 0 to 9 for each of the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Your overall band score is calculated from the average of your four individual scores.
Your score can be reported as a whole band or a half band, such as 6.0, 6.5 or 7.0.
For example, if your scores are:
- Listening: 7.0
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 7.0
your overall band score is 6.5.
The score you need depends on why you are taking IELTS and the organisation or visa route you are applying for, so check the requirements for your particular situation.
What score do you need?
There is no single pass mark for IELTS. The score you need depends on why you are taking the test and the requirements of the organisation, employer, university or immigration authority you are applying to.
If you are taking IELTS for work, migration or a visa, check the current requirements for your particular route before you book your test.
How should you prepare?
The best way to prepare for IELTS is to understand the test, identify your weaknesses and practise regularly. Don’t just keep doing full practice tests. Use your results to find out what you need to improve, then work on those skills.
I’ve created free lessons for all four IELTS skills, including explanations, strategies, practice activities and model answers.
Start with the skill you need to improve most:
Not sure where to start? Follow my 28-day IELTS study plan for a simple day-by-day route through the free resources.
Frequently asked questions about IELTS Academic
What is the IELTS Academic test?
IELTS Academic is designed for people who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or who need to meet English-language requirements for professional registration. It assesses your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
The Listening and Speaking tests are the same in both versions. The Reading and Writing tests are different. Academic IELTS is generally intended for higher education and professional registration, while General Training IELTS is commonly used for work, migration and other non-academic purposes.
How long is the IELTS Academic test?
The four tests take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in total. Listening, Reading and Writing are normally completed on the same day, while the Speaking test may take place on a different day depending on the test centre.
How is IELTS Academic scored?
Each of the four skills is scored from Band 0 to Band 9. You receive a band score for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, as well as an overall band score calculated from your results in all four skills.
Is IELTS Academic difficult?
IELTS Academic can be challenging, particularly if you need a high band score. However, you do not need perfect English to get a good result. Understanding the test format, learning the skills required for each question type and practising effectively can make a significant difference.
What band score do I need for IELTS Academic?
The required score depends on the university, course, professional body or organisation you are applying to. Many institutions require an overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, but requirements vary, and you may also need a minimum score in each individual skill. Always check the requirements for your specific application.
Should I take IELTS on paper or on computer?
IELTS is moving to computer-based testing, although availability varies by country. The test questions, format, timing and scoring are the same whether you take IELTS on paper or on computer. The main difference is how you enter your answers.
If you prefer handwriting, Writing on Paper is being introduced in selected countries. You take Listening and Reading on computer, but complete the Writing test by hand.
If you are comfortable typing, the computer-based test may be a good choice because results are available more quickly, usually within a few days.
Before booking, check which options are available at your local IELTS test centre.
Can I take IELTS Academic online?
IELTS Academic is available online in some countries, but availability and acceptance can vary. Check with the organisation you are applying to before booking an online test.
About Fiona
Fiona is an IELTS trainer, ex-examiner and course creator based in the UK. She has a Master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Distinction) and over 35 years of teaching experience. She has helped thousands of IELTS candidates develop the language and exam skills needed to achieve their target scores.
