IELTS®

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardised and internationally recognised testing system, offering exams for professional or academic purposes. According to the test providers, the certificates awarded are recognised by over 6,000 educational institutions, government bodies, and organisations in 135 countries. Numerous English-speaking universities also accept IELTS certificates as proof of English language proficiency for admission purposes.

The test is developed and administered by three institutions:

• The British Council
• IDP: IELTS Australia
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

An IELTS examination consists of four components:

• Listening (30 minutes)
• Speaking (11–14 minutes)
• Reading (60 minutes)
• Writing (60 minutes)

There are two versions of the test: a General Training Module for reading and writing, and an Academic Module for the written components. If you intend to study at an English-speaking university or wish to register with the General Medical Council or Dental Medical Council in the UK, you should choose the Academic Module. Individuals emigrating to Australia, New Zealand, or Canada generally take the General Training Module.

As the full test takes just under three hours, all four parts are usually completed on the same day. However, the Speaking component (interview) may sometimes be scheduled on a different day.

To register for the test, visit the IELTS section of the  British Council website in Berlin, where you will find information about test centres and can register online. The nearest test centre to Saarbrücken is located in Mannheim.

Please note: our Language Centre does not currently offer an English course specifically designed to prepare students for the IELTS exam. However, you can find detailed information about preparing for the IELTS test here.