IELTS Test
IELTS Overview

IELTS Test - An Overview

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is, alongside Cambridge English Qualifications, the most important English language test in the world. IELTS is trusted by thousands of employers, professional associations, governments, and educational institutions across the globe. 

It is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the international benchmark for assessing language skills.

IELTS offers two test options: IELTS Academic test and IELTS General Training test. 

With the IELTS Academic test, you can demonstrate the proficiency you need for a university programme in English and it features vocabulary that is familiar within an academic setting. If you’re not going to university, the IELTS General might be a better choice!

However, the General Training test is not “easier”, it just has a different focus. 

Always check with your migration agent, university or workplace to find out which IELTS test you need and which score is required!

The following exams and tests can all be taken with us at The Cambridge Institute in Vienna. Click on the relevant exam for more details:

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
Proficient user
Independent user
Basic user
C2
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1
B2 First for Schools (FCEfS)
This qualification shows that a student has the language skills they need to communicate in an English-speaking environment. B2 First for Schools is targeted at the same level as B2 First but with content aimed at school-age learners rather than adults.
B2 First for Schools
FCEfS
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PETfS)
This qualification shows that a student has mastered the basics of English and now has practical language skills for everyday use. B1 Preliminary for Schools is targeted at the same CEFR level as B1 Preliminary but with content aimed at school-age learners rather than adults.
B1 Preliminary for Schools
PETfS
A2 Key for Schools (KETfS)
This basic-level qualification is a great exam to take if you're new to learning English and a good place for older children to start learning English too. An A2 Key for Schools qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations. This A2 Key for Schools is targeted at the same level as A2 Key but with content aimed at school-age learners rather than adults.
A2 Key for Schools
KETfS
A2 Key (KET)
This basic-level qualification is a great exam to take if you're new to learning English. An A2 Key qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations.
A2 Key
KET
B1 Preliminary (PET)
This qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.
B1 Preliminary
PET
B2 First (FCE)
This is Cambridge's most popular exam, accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions worldwide. A B2 First qualification proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English.
B2 First
FCE
C1 Advanced (CAE)
This certificate is an in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for. The C1 Advanced certificate is proof of high-level achievement in learning English.
C1 Advanced
CAE
C2 Proficiency (CPE)
This certificate is Cambridge's highest-level qualification. With this certificate you can show the world that you have mastered English at an exceptional level and that you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.
C2 Proficiency
CPE
Linguaskill (A1-C1)
Linguaskill is a modular online test with Reading & Listening (combined), Writing and Speaking, focusing on either General English or Business English topics. One test for all levels from A1 to C1!
Linguaskill
Linguaskill
IELTS (A1-C2)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is, alongside Cambridge English Qualifications, the most important English language test in the world. IELTS is trusted by thousands of employers, professional associations, governments, and educational institutions across the globe. IELTS offers two test options: IELTS Academic test and IELTS General test.
IELTS
IELTS
4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0

Important Information

Here you will find a summary of the most important information about the IELTS test at our Institute.
Time & Locaction
Registration
Test format
Results

IELTS takes place at The Cambridge Institute, Mariahilfer Straße 121b, 1060 Vienna.

All exam parts take place on the same day, the Speaking either before or after the written components. You will receive your timetable after you have booked the test. Please keep the entire day free.

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You will take all components on the computer
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Timetable available immediately after you have booked the test
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All day
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Here you can register for the IELTS General or IELTS Academic at The Cambridge Institute Vienna. 

Possible payment options are: credit and debit cards, EPS as well as Apple and Google Pay.

Please be aware that you will need to upload a valid form of ID document. It must be valid at the time of booking and on the test day. 

If you are under 18, your parents will also need to complete the Parent Consent for Candidates under 18 Form. 

IELTS is not recommended for anyone under 16. 

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Online Registration
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ID required
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IELTS has been designed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment to accommodate people of any nationality, with any language background. The tests are constantly being further developed by a global research team.

Ther are two versions of the test: IELTS General and IELTS Academic. 

IELTS tests all four key language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). The Speaking and Listening tests are the same in both the General and Academic version, but the Reading and Writing tests are different. 

The overall test duration is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. You will take the Listening, Reading and Writing immediately after each other and with no break in between. 

The Speaking will either take place before or after the written components. 

Exam Centre 3

Please always check with your university or other institution which IELTS score (1-9) they require.

The results for IELTS will generally be available within 1 and 5 days, usually on day 2 after the test. 

You can check your IELTS result here. Please note that your results available online are not official. They are provisional only until you receive your official Test Report Form (TRF) from us. 

You will be notified by email once your TRF is ready for collection. 

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1-5 days
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Test Report Form (TRF) to be picked up
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University Recognition & Acceptance of Professional Registration Bodies

In most countries where English is the main language of communication, evidence of acceptable English language skills is required for applicants and international graduates seeking professional registration. The same applies to applications to universities and universities of applied sciences.

Required proficiency levels vary between organisations and professions by country and jurisdiction. It is up to individual professional registration bodies to determine the IELTS band score and test type (Academic or General) they require.

Therefore, please always make sure you know about the type of test and score you need before you take the IELTS.

IELTS is respected and accepted by more than 12,500 organisations in over 150 countries – find out more here.

 

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The IELTS by IDP app

In addition to our tailor-made IELTS preparation with our native speaker teachers, you can also prepare using the IELTS by IDP app, a personalised app experience, based on your level of skill. It is available for 14 days and includes:

  • 16 expert guided tutorials
  • 11 practice questions with model answers
  • 3 interactive quizzes
  • an exam Task 2 Writing essay

Download the app here or get in touch with us to learn more about our IELTS preparation options with our teachers at office@cambridge.at or +43/1/5956111.

IELTS by IDP App

One Skill Retake

IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake one of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you need to improve in just one area. We know most test takers get the scores they need first time, but if you feel you haven’t performed to your best in one area, IELTS One Skill Retake can help you get back on track You can take the IELTS One Skill Retake if:

  • you have completed a full IELTS on computer test

  • you sit your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your full IELTS test

Stay informed of the institutions that now accept IELTS One Skill Retake for admission and registration here. 

Always check the website of the organisation you intend to apply to for more information about eligibility requirements.

You will receive a new Test Report Form (TRF) when you take IELTS One Skill Retake. This new TRF includes the new result for the one skill you've retaken. It also lists the other three scores from your original test. Please not that you can only complete your retake once per full IELTS test. 

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