IELTS

Full Name
International English Language Testing System

Examination Board
Cambridge

Purpose    
The main use of IELTS is to test students who want to go on to a British or Australian university.  It is also becoming more popular as a general test of English language skills.

Price
£88 approx

Level of English
You can take IELTS at any level but as you can only retake it every 3 months, it is better to wait until you are at least Intermediate level (Excel English Level 3). 

Frequency
Year round on demand

Enrolment time
1-2 weeks notice BUT centres get very booked up in summer when 8 - 10 weeks is more normal

Preparation time
Depends on the required final grade.  Allow 12 weeks minimum to improve one grade.

Type of exam
Paper based. Interview & Listening sections

What is tested
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening

Results
Grades given from 1 - 9.  1 = Elementary; 9 = Advanced
Foundation programmes require 4.5 or 5.0
Undergraduate programmes require 5.5, 6.0 or 6.5 depending on the course and university
Postgraduate programmes require 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 or 8 depending on the course and university

Time to get results
3 weeks from date of examination