How Much Time Do You Need To Prepare For IELTS Exam?

English Language proficiency test which is known as International English Language Testing System or IELTS is collaboratively conducted by British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education Australia. Over 150 countries around the world and over 10,000 organisations have recognised and accepted IELTS as a standard test and a proof of English language proficiency for immigration, education and professional purposes for non-native speakers of English who have studied English as the second language. Academic test and General Test are the two major test formats of IELTS. English language competency and ability of students who are applying of higher education are assessed under academic IELTS test whereas general IELTS is used for other visa purposes such as to measure the English language proficiency of applicants going to English speaking countries for work experiences and training programs. Academic IELTS test is used to determine whether a student is ready to carry themselves effectively in training or learning activities in an English speaking country or environment. General IELTS is obligatory in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand for a work visa as a proof that the applicant can effectively communicate in the work environment and it further assesses his or her basic survival skills in an English speaking social context.

An applicant’s / a candidate’s proficiency in English and the type of test will determine the preparation time for the IELTS exam. One to two weeks are required in order to make a candidate to be familiarised with the test format and to arrange required materials for the preparation of the IELTS exam. If a candidate is fortified with good English language skills, then it is just a matter of two to three months preparation to achieve the desired level of score for the exam. On the other hand, if a candidate is weak in his or her English then it would need more time to improve his or her language skills required for IELTS test. For example, if a candidate’s level of English is at the score of 4 points right now and in order to achieve the score of 8 points, the candidate would need to commit more time to practice and prepare for the test. Therefore, the candidate will have to attain more coaching classes and preparation time would be dragged longer than one expected.

A candidate should be more focused on basic grammar, writing skills, reading speed and test strategies when preparing for the IELTS exam. If all English language aspects such as reading, writing, speaking and listening are well versed, it would be much easy for a candidate to achieve a good score in IELTS exam. A candidate should be well prepared and dealt differently with each of the four bands of IELTS to score higher points at the exam.