• There are four sections to the test
  1. listening - 4 sections, 40 questions
  2. reading - 3 sections, 40 questions
  3. writing - 2 pieces of writing, each 150-250 words
  4. speaking
• All candidates take the same listening and speaking tests. For the reading and writing sections there is a choice between:
  1. academic
  2. general training
• Academic is suitable for people who intend to do academic study, perhaps in an English speaking university. General training is suitable for people who want to do non-academic training.

• The IELTS test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• The listening section lasts 30 minutes.
• The reading section lasts 1 hour.
• The writing section lasts 1 hour.
• The speaking section lasts 10-15 minutes.

• Candidates receive a score for each section of the test and an overall score.
• The scores are on a scale from 1 to 9. Half band scores are possible in the overall mark.
• There is no pass or fail mark.
• Results are usually received within 2 weeks.

More information is available at the IELTS website.