Test and develop your skills

IELTS! It’s all about you, your life, your future!

What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. If you want to study or work where English is the language of communication, IELTS is the ideal test for you. Whether you want to migrate or to study or practice your profession, IELTS is vital in preparing you for your future.
IELTS is jointly owned by The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

International recognition?
Trusted and recognised by education institutions, government agencies, employers and professional organisations all over the world.
Over 3000 institutions and programs in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. The current recognition list can be found on the IELTS USA page.
IELTS is also required as proof of your language abilities for immigration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Further information on international recognition of the IELTS Test can be found here.

Preparation courses?
Our IELTS preparation course aims to prepare you fully for the academic module of the exam, giving you the confidence necessary to perform well. These courses are held every month and are conveniently timed to finish before the IELTS written / speaking papers. For more details, click here.

What is the test format?
The test is made up of four parts:

Listening - 30 minutes
Reading - 1 hour
Writing - 1 hour
Speaking - 15 minutes

Test modules
IELTS is available in two formats – Academic and General Training. The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of these Modules.
The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes, but emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Please check the entry requirements of the receiving organisation, before choosing the Academic or General Training module.

If you have queries or wish to make a complaint/ suggestion please contact us:
Tel: 02 942 43 01 (Examinations Services Centre: open Monday-Thursday 0900-1700 hrs & Fridays 0900-1200 hrs) or 02 942 43 44 (Customer Services Centre: open Monday-Friday 0900-1800 hrs)
Fax: 02 942 43 06
email: exams@britishcouncil.bg

Road to IELTS