IELTS General Training test

IELTS General Training is for people who wish to live and work abroad in an English-speaking country. It focuses mainly on assessing a person’s proficiency, confidence and comfort when communicating in English in daily situations that you are likely to encounter in a native English-speaking environment.​

Take this test if you would like to: 

• Emigrate to English-speaking countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK. 

• Study or train below degree level (read about IELTS Academic here) 

• Work in an English-speaking country, or get another job in your own country 

• Opening doors to a new future

Need fast results? Take the IELTS General Training test on computer.

The IELTS General Training test uses the types of English you come across daily. It will measure English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations. For example: 

• In the Speaking part of the test, you will be face-to-face with an examiner, in a private and quiet room. It is an informal conversation, and your examiner can slow down, repeat and clarify questions (and won’t ‘time out’ on you!). 

• In the second section of the Writing Task in the IELTS General Training test, you might have to write a letter to a friend or family member about a topic you may encounter on a weekend catch-up. You may also respond to a topic of conversation and justify your position on a topic. 

• An IELTS General Training Reading question may have four short passages from everyday texts, like an advert or a news article.  

• In the Listening part of the IELTS General Training test, you will hear from a person discussing an everyday topic.  

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IELTS General Training for migration 

You may also need IELTS General Training for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. Why? Because the test features everyday English language skills that you will need in social and workplace environments. 

Many visa options are available If you would like to live, study or work in Australia, Canada, the UK or New Zealand. These may include skilled or sponsored work visas or business visas. Some of these may lead to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.

IELTS is the most widely accepted proof of English language proficiency for study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. By choosing IELTS, you will establish yourselves with an English language test that sets you up to succeed from day one in your study, work and migration goals. 

IELTS General Training for school or college 

The IELTS General Training test is suitable for those applying to study below degree level, including an English-speaking school or college, or even work experience or other employment training. 

Why would I not take IELTS Academic?

IELTS offers two test options: IELTS Academic test and IELTS General Training test. The General Training test isn’t “easier.” It has a different focus. With the IELTS Academic test, you can demonstrate the proficiency you need for academic English study. The test measures if you are ready to begin studying in English. Therefore, it features vocabulary that is familiar within an academic setting. But, if you're not going to university, you might be able to do the General Training test. 

Always check with your migration agent, education consultant or workplace to find out which IELTS test you need.  

What’s the difference between IELTS General Training and Academic?

IELTS General Training for work 

If you are looking for a job, you can use IELTS to show your employer you have the English language skills they need. Many employers accept IELTS General Training. That's because it tests your everyday English skills.

As the world’s most popular English language test, more than 12,000 organisations in 150 countries will trust your IELTS results. So, if you want to work for a top multi-national company in the finance/accounting industry, like Ernst and Young Australia, Deloitte, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), you can use IELTS. Or, if you want to score a job in high demand in Canada, show them your IELTS results.

Whether you are looking for work in hospitality, retail, education or government, a good IELTS certificate result can help you achieve your career aspirations! 

Which industries ask for IELTS? 

Many registration bodies that accept IELTS represent the health care professions, including industries such as nursing, medicine and pharmacy, where English language competence is of critical importance. Other professional bodies that may require an IELTS result include accounting, engineering, law and veterinary practice. In addition, many other employers from finance, government, construction, energy, aviation and tourism also require IELTS. 

Professional registration 

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. 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 Training) they require. 

IELTS for vocational training 

IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context and the tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. 

This is why an IELTS test score is often a prerequisite for vocational training in construction, hospitality and leisure, and tourism industries. 

Organisations that accept IELTS 

IELTS Preparation material 

With IDP, you can access a wealth of IELTS training resources that no one else provides. So prepare your way using a range of videos, articles, practice tests and the new IELTS by IDP app. Whether you’re using your laptop, phone or paper and pen, IDP gives you all the tools you need to put your best foot forward in your test and beyond.  

Free IELTS General Training practice material 

• We have the most extensive range of IELTS General Training test preparation online. Access a free IELTS General Training online module when you book your test. Find out how. 

• Practice completing IELTS General Training tasks under test conditions. Review your answers to model answers and gain valuable test practice experience with these free practice tests. 

Download a sample test paper: 

1. Writing Task: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task 

2. Reading task: General Training Reading sample task – Sentence completion 

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