IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The test is recognized and accepted by universities, employers, immigration authorities, and other professional organizations worldwide. The IELTS assesses four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking - and is available in two formats:
a. Academic IELTS: designed for students who wish to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country.
b. General Training IELTS: designed for individuals who wish to work or train in an English-speaking country or emigrate to an English-speaking country.
Both formats of the IELTS are paper-based or computer-based, and the test is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band representing a level of English proficiency. The test is usually completed within a timeframe of 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the format and the specific requirements of the institution or organization that requires the test. The IELTS is recognized globally as one of the most reliable and widely accepted measures of English language proficiency.