There are two modules of the IELTS; Academic Module and General Training Module: IELTS Academic is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country.

IELTS General Training is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

The IELTS test comprises four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. An IELTS result or Test Report Form is issued to all test takers with a score from “band 1” (“non-user”) to “band 9” (“expert user”). There is also a “band 0” score for those who did not attempt the test. Scores are reported in the range of band from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The average produces the overall band score. You can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test for the individual module and the overall test. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.