Your Definitive Guide to IELTS Success
Last updated: 11 September 2025
Welcome. We know that preparing for a high-stakes test like IELTS can feel complicated and stressful. As a former NMC Registered Nurse and the co-founder of TEO Academy, I’ve seen first-hand how critical clear communication is when futures are on the line. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to give you the clarity and confidence you need to succeed. It’s the first step in turning your international ambitions into reality, backed by our commitment to expert, personalised instruction. You can learn more about our mission and our team on the TEO Academy About Us page.
1. Understanding the IELTS Exam
Trusted by over 12,500 organisations globally, IELTS assesses your English skills in realistic situations. There are two main versions of the test.
Choosing the Right Test: Academic vs. General Training
- IELTS Academic: For those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country.
- IELTS General Training: For those planning to work, train, or emigrate to countries like the UK, Canada, or Australia.
Inside the IELTS Exam: Test Format and Structure
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Listening (30 mins): Four recordings with corresponding questions.
- Reading (60 mins): Three long passages with tasks.
- Writing (60 mins): Two tasks, including an essay and either describing a chart (Academic) or writing a letter (General).
- Speaking (11-14 mins): A face-to-face interview with an examiner.
2. The 9-Band Scoring System Explained
Your overall score is an average of the four test sections. This table breaks down what each band level means for your proficiency.
| Band Score & Title | Description of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 9 - Expert User | Full, operational command of the language. Appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding. |
| 8 - Very Good User | Fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Handles complex argumentation well. |
| 7 - Good User | Operational command, though with occasional inaccuracies. Generally handles complex language well. |
| 6 - Competent User | Effective command despite some inaccuracies. Can use and understand fairly complex language in familiar situations. |
| 5 - Modest User | Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning but likely to make many mistakes. |
| 4 - Limited User | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Frequent problems in understanding and expression. |
| 3 - Extremely Limited User | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. |
| 2 - Intermittent User | Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 - Non-user | No ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words. |
| 0 - Did not attempt | No assessable information was provided. |
3. IELTS Score Requirements by Country
Minimum requirements vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown of typical scores needed for common routes.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Requires the specific IELTS for UKVI version.
- Student Visa: 5.5 overall & in all skills.
- Skilled Worker Visa: 4.0 overall & in all skills.
🇨🇦 Canada
Uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
- Minimum (CLB 7): IELTS 6.0 in all skills.
- Competitive (CLB 9): IELTS 8.0 (Listening) & 7.0 (others).
🇦🇺 Australia
Higher scores grant more points for skilled migration.
- Student Visa: Typically 6.0 overall (no band < 5.5).
- Skilled Migration: 7.0 ("Proficient") or 8.0 ("Superior").
🇺🇸 United States
Over 3,400 institutions accept IELTS.
- Most Universities: 6.0 to 6.5 overall.
- Top-Tier Universities: 7.0 to 7.5+ overall.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the IELTS exam scored?
A: IELTS is scored on a 9-band scale for each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). Your overall band score is an average of these four scores. For example, if you scored 6.5, 7.0, 6.0, and 7.0, your overall score would be 6.5 (26.5 divided by 4 is 6.625, which is rounded down).
Q: How long is an IELTS score valid for?
A: Your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years from the test date. You must ensure your score is valid when you submit it to any organisation, such as a university or immigration authority.
Q: Which IELTS test do I need for a UK visa?
A: For most UK visas, including the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to take a specific 'IELTS for UKVI' test. This can be either Academic or General Training, depending on your visa route, and it must be taken at a secure, Home Office-approved test centre.
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