Choosing your test
IELTS Academic or General Training: which one do you need?
Both tests are scored from 0 to 9 and share the same Listening and Speaking. The difference is in Reading and Writing, and in who accepts the result.
The short answer
- Going to a university or registering for a profession like nursing or medicine? Take Academic.
- Applying for work, training or migration to countries such as Canada, Australia or New Zealand? Usually General Training.
- Always confirm with your university, employer or immigration authority. They decide which test they accept.
What is different
| Part | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Same for both. About 30 minutes, four recordings. | |
| Reading | Three long texts from books, journals and newspapers, written for a general audience but academic in style. | Short texts from everyday life and work, like notices, adverts and workplace documents, plus a longer text. |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a graph, chart, table or diagram in your own words. | Write a letter, such as a request or a complaint. |
| Writing Task 2 | An essay responding to a point of view or problem. Similar for both. | |
| Speaking | Same for both. An 11 to 14 minute face-to-face conversation with an examiner. | |
What about UKVI and Life Skills?
IELTS UKVI comes in Academic and General Training versions. The content is the same; the test is delivered under UK Visas and Immigration conditions and is only for certain UK visa routes. IELTS Life Skills tests Speaking and Listening only. If your visa guidance names one of these, book exactly that test, because a standard IELTS result will not be accepted in its place.
Can I switch after booking?
Changing your test type after booking depends on the test provider's rules and how close the test date is. If you are unsure, ask before you book, not after.
Ready? See open Academic dates or General Training dates.
Ready to pick your date?
See open IELTS dates and seats, then book it in a few steps.