IELTS which is short for International English Language Testing System is a test for English fluency. The two types of training tests are the Academic and General Training modules.
Often, the academic one is for anyone who wants to study, while the general one is for people who want to get trained, get work experience, or migrate to a country that uses English. Around the world, the IELTS is an English proficiency test recognized by universities, immigration departments, and employers. The test examines your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the English language. Some companies and universities in Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States accept IELTS.
So whether you are a first-time test taker or retaker, there are a few things you need to know to ensure you successfully register for your IELTS exam. Below are the ABC steps you need to take for your IELTS registration.
Step A: Know the Exam Details
Before you register for the IELTS exam, seek information about the exam. Let us reemphasize the format of the exams available: the Academic and General tests.
The Academic test is for you if you want to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country.
The General test is for you if you want to work or immigrate to an English-speaking country.
The IELTS exam consists of four sections:
- listening
- reading
- writing
- Speaking
The listening and speaking sections for the Academic and General Training exams are the same. However, the reading and writing sections are different. Respectively, the reading and writing sections of the Academic and General tests are academic and general.
Step B: Determine if you are eligible
There is no official requirement for the IELTS exam. However, you must be 16 or older to take the exam, understand English, and have a valid passport or other government-issued identification.
For example, as a Nigerian, the approved ID document is a Passport or NIN card (not the NIN slip).
Step C: Register for the exam
If you meet the requirement, you can then proceed to register for the IELTS exam online or in person. The exam fee depends on the test center and the exam format. But usually, it ranges from N93,000 – 106,000.
To register online, follow these steps:
- Visit the official IELTS website (www.ielts.org).
- Select the test type and location: Be it academic or general training.
- Create an account on the IELTS website. Fill in your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and email address.
- Choose your preferred test date.
- Make payment using a valid debit or credit card.
- Finally, you will receive a confirmation email containing your test date, time, and location.
If you want to register for the exam in person, follow these steps:
- Visit a test center near you.
- Complete your application form and submit it to the test center.
- Pay the exam fee at the test center using cash or a valid debit or credit card.
- Receive an email containing your test date, time, and location.
Step D: Prepare for the IELTS exam
Now that you have registered for the IELTS exam, the next step is to prepare for the exam. Preparing for the exam involves training yourself with the questions, practicing your language skills, and studying test-taking strategies. Test-taking strategies include time management, guessing, and eliminating wrong answers.
Now you know the exam consists of four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, the listening and reading sections are multiple-choice, while the writing and speaking sections are written and spoken responses.
To prepare for the listening and reading sections, practice reading and listening to English language materials such as books, newspapers, and podcasts. You can also take practice tests and get a tutor.
Conclusion
You now have all the information you need to register for the IELTS exam. You understand the two types of exams available, the exam format, the identification documents, the registration process, and the need to study and prepare for the test.
Check out these seven study tips, create a study plan, follow through with the plans, and ensure you get a tutor to keep you on track.
Best of luck!
