What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is recognised as the preferred language requirement for entry academic courses by all institute of further and higher education in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and for those who want to emigrate to New Zealand and Australia. 

What kind of test is it?
The examination assesses the four essential skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates receive a Test Report Form (TRF) presenting the scores (on each skill and overall) in terms of BAND SCALES. This indicates the level of your ability in using English.

The scores are graded into nine bands from:
BAND 1 - NON-USER
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
to
BAND 9 - EXPERT USER: 
Has fully operational command of the language; appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

All candidates are tested on listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules. There is a choice of reading and writing modules: academic or general training. ACADEMIC modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. GENERAL TRAINING modules are not designed to the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes. It is suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia and New Zealand. 

Where and when can I take the test?

Bangkok:
British Council Bangkok Tel: 66-2652-5480-9
IDP Education Australia (Thailand) Tel: 66-2638-3111

At Bangkok centre, the test is held at Pathumwan Princess Hotel on
M floor both morning and afternoon sessions. It usually takes place three Saturdays per month.

Chiang Mai: Australia Centre Chiang Mai Tel: 66-5381-0552-3
British Council Chiang Mai Tel: 66-5324-2103

IELTS Test Dates 2006

Note: Test dates with asterisk (* mark) are General Training and Academic modules. The others are Academic modules only.

How much does it cost?
5,500 Baht 

How can I apply for the test?

• two recent photographs (2 inches) not over 3 month old, without a hat. 
• a copy of your proof of identity:
  • National Identification Card (Thai candidates)
  • Passport
• the original proof of identity must also be presented
• a complete IELTS application form (available at Customer Services) 

When will I know the results?
You can collect the original TRF from the testing centre 13 days or the second Friday after the test date. Uncollected TRFs will be mailed to those respective candidates on the following Tuesday (please allow a few days for postal delivery). You must bring proof of identity (original passport or Thai ID Card only) if you choose to collect the TRF in person. If someone else will be collecting your TRF for you, a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of authorised person’s identity and a signed letter of authority must be given to our staff at the Registration Point.
Under no circumstances will results be revealed over the telephone.

Remarks
Please note that effective from September 2005, the IELTS Results will be available after 1 pm on the second Friday, or 13 calendar days following your examination. If you have not collected the result will post to you on the following Tuesday.

When can I take the test again?
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS but there must be a gap of 90 days between each test.