# IELTS Overview Page: https://cambridge.at/en/ielts-test/ielts-test ## 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**](https://ielts.idp.com/about/who-accepts-ielts/organisations-that-accept-ielts) **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: Cambridge exams by level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): - [B2 First for Schools (FCEfS)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/b2-first-schools): **Level:** B2 – C1 · 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. - [B1 Preliminary for Schools (PETfS)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/b1-preliminary-schools): **Level:** B1 – B2 · 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. - [A2 Key for Schools (KETfS)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/a2-key-schools): **Level:** A1 – B1 · 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 (KET)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/a2-key): **Level:** A1 – B1 · 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. - [B1 Preliminary (PET)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/b1-preliminary): **Level:** B1 – B2 · This qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use. - [B2 First (FCE)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/b2-first): **Level:** B2 – C1 · 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. - [C1 Advanced (CAE)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/c1-advanced): **Level:** C1 – C2 · 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. - [C2 Proficiency (CPE)](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/c2-proficiency): **Level:** C2 – C2-End · 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. - [Linguaskill](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/linguaskill): **Level:** B1 – C2-Mid · 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! - [IELTS](https://cambridge.at/en/cambridge-certificates/ielts): **Level:** B1 – C2-Mid · 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. ## Register here! Click on the link below to register for your IELTS test at The Cambridge Institute Vienna. - [Book your IELTS test at The Cambridge Institute Vienna here](https://cambridge.at/en/ielts-test/ielts-registration) - [to the FAQs](https://cambridge.at/en/ielts-test/ielts-test-day-faqs) ## IELTS Preparation Courses Below you will find our upcoming **IELTS preparation courses** in small groups. We also offer individual Private Lessons for an even more tailored and/or intensive test preparation. Contact us for more details! ### IELTS Preparation Course If you need an **official IELTS score** for university, work, or relocation, preparation matters: IELTS is as much about test strategy, timing, and task familiarity as it is about English. This course with one of our professional English native speaker teachers helps you turn your current level into the score you actually need. **Key facts** - Duration: 5 weeks - Schedule: 2x per week, 3 hours per session (fixed times) - Level: B2-C1 recommended (placement test mandatory) - Group size: 3-8 students - Coursebook included! **Course focus** - Skills-based training in all four papers: Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking - Smart progression: more skills work early on, increasing exam practice towards the end - Exam technique: timing, task strategies, typical pitfalls, and score-boosting routines - Grammar refresh: essential tense review early in the course + guided homework - Homework support: structured Reading & Writing tasks for steady progress **Who is this course for?** For learners preparing for **IELTS Academic** or **IELTS General Training** who want a clear plan, expert guidance, and realistic exam practice over five structured weeks. After the course, you can take the exam at our centre: as an **authorised IELTS Test Centre**, we take care of the registration for you, accompany you through the exam day and are happy to hand out your IELTS certificate! - IELTS Preparation Course (online): Wed, 4 Nov 2026 – Fri, 4 Dec 2026, 09:00-12:00 - Schedule: Wed, 4 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Fri, 6 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Fri, 13 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Wed, 18 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Fri, 20 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Wed, 25 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Fri, 27 Nov 2026 09:00-12:00; Wed, 2 Dec 2026 09:00-12:00; Fri, 4 Dec 2026 09:00-12:00 - IELTS Preparation Course (online): Mon, 30 Nov 2026 – Wed, 30 Dec 2026, 18:00-21:00 - Schedule: Mon, 30 Nov 2026 18:00-21:00; Wed, 2 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Mon, 7 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Wed, 9 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Mon, 14 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Wed, 16 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Mon, 21 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Wed, 23 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Mon, 28 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00; Wed, 30 Dec 2026 18:00-21:00 - IELTS Preparation Course: Mon, 11 Jan 2027 – Wed, 10 Feb 2027, 18:00-21:00 - Schedule: Mon, 11 Jan 2027 18:00-21:00; Wed, 13 Jan 2027 18:00-21:00; Mon, 18 Jan 2027 18:00-21:00; Wed, 20 Jan 2027 18:00-21:00; Mon, 25 Jan 2027 18:00-21:00; Wed, 27 Jan 2027 18:00-21:00; Mon, 1 Feb 2027 18:00-21:00; Wed, 3 Feb 2027 18:00-21:00; Mon, 8 Feb 2027 18:00-21:00; Wed, 10 Feb 2027 18:00-21:00 - IELTS Preparation Course: Tue, 23 Feb 2027 – Fri, 26 Mar 2027, 18:00-21:00 - Schedule: Tue, 23 Feb 2027 18:00-21:00; Fri, 26 Feb 2027 16:00-19:00; Tue, 2 Mar 2027 18:00-21:00; Fri, 5 Mar 2027 16:00-19:00; Tue, 9 Mar 2027 18:00-21:00; Fri, 12 Mar 2027 16:00-19:00; Tue, 16 Mar 2027 18:00-21:00; Fri, 19 Mar 2027 16:00-19:00; Tue, 23 Mar 2027 16:00-19:00; Fri, 26 Mar 2027 16:00-19:00 ### IELTS Crash Course For anyone who wants a **fast, structured overview and the** **most important IELTS exam strategies**. This training is ideal for people who don’t have time for a longer preparation course but still want **professional guidance with English native speaker teachers**. The **IELTS Crash Course** lasts **4 full hours** and covers: - An **overview** of the IELTS test format, scoring, and typical pitfalls - **Condensed strategies** for Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing - A clear focus on “What earns you the **most points**?” - A small take-home pack of **follow-up exercises** for independent study and further preparation after the training - IELTS Crash Course (online): Tue, 20 Oct 2026, 17:00-21:00 - Schedule: Tue, 20 Oct 2026 17:00-21:00 ## Important Information Here you will find a summary of the most important information about the IELTS test at our Institute. ### Time & Locaction 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. - You will take all components on the computer - Timetable available immediately after you have booked the test - All day - Cambridge Institute Vienna ### Registration [Here you can register](https://cambridge.at/en/ielts-test/ielts-registration) 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. - Online Registration - ID required ### Test format 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. ### Results **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](https://ielts.idp.com/results/check-your-result). 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. - 1-5 days - Test Report Form (TRF) to be picked up ## 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](https://ielts.idp.com/about/who-accepts-ielts/organisations-that-accept-ielts). ![Cambridge English Mortar Board Hats 2](https://cambridge.at/assets/galleryImages/Cambridge-English-Mortar-Board-Hats_2.jpg) ## 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](https://ielts.idp.com/lp/ielts-by-idp-app) or get in touch with us to learn more about our IELTS preparation options with our teachers at [office@cambridge.at](mailto:office@cambridge.at) or +43/1/5956111. ![IELTS by IDP App](https://cambridge.at/assets/galleryImages/textwithpictureelement/IELTS-by-IDP-App.png) ## 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](https://ielts.org/take-a-test/why-choose-ielts/who-accepts-ielts). **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. ![IELTS IDP 2250x2250 FB Template V1](https://cambridge.at/assets/galleryImages/textwithpictureelement/IELTS_IDP_2250x2250_FB_Template.V1.jpg) ## Preparation needed? Are you interested in preparing for an IELTS test? No matter whether you need to build up your language skills extensively beforehand or just need to fine-tune them. Whether learning in homogeneous small groups or in the form of private lessons. Whether online or in-school - we will find the right preparation for you! Make an appointment for a free placement test and a consultation. Our consultants will be happy to advise you! [Contact us](https://cambridge.at/en/contact)