IELTS Exam Guide

Comprehensive guide to understanding the IELTS exam structure and achieving your target band score

Band Score Overview

Scoring System

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 in 0.5 band increments. Your overall band score is the average of your four skill scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band.

Band 9:Expert User
Band 7-8:Good/Very Good User
Band 5-6:Modest/Competent User
Band 0-4:Limited User

Total Test Duration

Total Time:2 hours 45 minutes

The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are completed in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to a week before or after the other tests.

Test Structure

IELTS Band Descriptors

Detailed criteria for each band score across all four skills

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