The IELTS test: what it is and how it works
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international test of English. Universities, employers and immigration offices accept it. Results are given as a band from 0 to 9.
Facts checked on: October 29, 2026
Academic and General Training
| Academic | General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Study abroad, some professional registration | Work, migration |
| Listening and Speaking | Same | Same |
| Reading | Long academic-style texts | Everyday texts: notices, guides, articles |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a graph or diagram | Write a letter |
The four sections
| Section | Time | What's in it |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | ~30 minutes | 4 parts, 40 questions; audio plays once |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 passages, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Task 1 (150+ words) and Task 2, an essay (250+ words) |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Face-to-face with an examiner, 3 parts |
Listening, Reading and Writing run on one day with no breaks — about 2 hours 45 minutes. Speaking may be the same day or another day. Your overall band is the average of the four.
Each section in detail and what to expect on test day.
What each band means and how it's calculated.
How to register in Uzbekistan
- Choose an organiser: the British Council or IDP. The test and certificate are the same.
- On their site, pick a city, a date and the test type (Academic or General Training).
- Upload a copy of your passport or ID card. Bring the same document on test day.
- Pay. Payment options depend on the organiser: Payme, Click, Uzum, bank card and others. The British Council gives you a few working days to pay; miss it and the seat is released.
- Wait for the confirmation email with your test time and address.
In Uzbekistan IELTS is taken on computer. Take your mock tests on a computer too, so typing an essay feels normal.
Results and certificate
- Computer-delivered results usually arrive in 1–5 days.
- The certificate (Test Report Form) is usually accepted for 2 years.
- If you disagree with your band, you can request an Enquiry on Results. It costs money, but it is refunded if your band changes.
- Some centres offer One Skill Retake for a single section. Not all do — ask your centre.
Common questions
How long is an IELTS certificate valid?
Most universities and agencies accept results for 2 years. Some set their own limit — check with the place you are applying to.
How long does the IELTS test take?
Listening, Reading and Writing take about 2 hours 45 minutes with no breaks. Speaking adds 11–14 minutes, sometimes on another day.
British Council or IDP — which is better?
Neither: the test is the same, marked to the same standard, and the certificate carries the same weight. Choose by date, city and price.
What IELTS score do I need?
It depends on where you are applying. Many universities ask for 6.0–7.0. Check the requirement on the university's or agency's site.
Try the test before the real thing
A full mock in real exam order, with a timer and AI grading. Your first day is free.