More than three million International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests were taken in the past year, reflecting the growing importance of the world’s leading test of English for international higher education and migration.
IELTS is the most widely used test of English for migration to the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It is recognised by more than 10,000 universities, schools, employers and immigration bodies, including all universities in the UK and Australia and many of the leading institutions in the USA.
Established in 1989, and jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment, IELTS is now a household name in many countries around the world.
The success of IELTS rests on the high quality of the test, which measures the four key languages skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. It is backed by dedicated research teams in the UK and Australia, and administered by centres in more than 140 countries around the world.
James Shipton, Head IELTS at the British Council, said: “The continued growth of IELTS that we’ve seen around the world is testament to the popularity of the test with test takers, and to the trust that organisations place in IELTS to provide scores that are a reliable indicator of a person’s ability to communicate in English.”
About the test
Test takers are measured in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (the lowest) through to 9 (the highest band).
IELTS offers a choice of two test versions, to serve both academic and non-academic purposes. IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers, irrespective of their subject focus. IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. IELTS General Training is suitable for immigration purposes to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
A sample of government and professional associations who recognise or require applicants to hold an IELTS test result include:
· Citizenship and Immigration Canada
· Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection
· UK Visas and Immigration
· Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and National Council of
State Boards of Nursing, USA
· International Monetary Fund
British Council was established in Kuwait in 1955 and has strengthened the ties and relations between the UK and Kuwait ever since. Sixty two years of examinations delivery has allowed thousands of Kuwaiti and expatriate students to reach their goals in education and move towards inspiring career and study opportunities. Through their work, the British Council has touched the lives of many young people and has provided opportunities to grow and build connections.
BC conducts IELTS test every week and we have 19 registration centres across Kuwait where candidates can register for IELTS with British Council.
For more information on the British Council IELTS and details on registering and preparing for the IELTS test, please visit the British Council IELTS website at http://www.britishcouncil.com.kw/en/exam/ielts