IELTS by British Council

Prove your English with IELTS

Prove your English with IELTS

English is the third most spoken language in the world, with around 380 million native speakers, and is spoken by over 1.5 billion people globally. Proving advanced English skills is crucial for anyone wishing to work, live, or study in an English-speaking country.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most popular English language tests worldwide, used to assess language proficiency for studying, working, or traveling in English-speaking countries. Over three million people take the IELTS test each year. The IELTS certificate is recognised by more than 12,500 employers, universities, schools, and immigration authorities in over 140 countries around the world.

IELTS Test Options

Depending on your individual language goals, you can choose between two test options: 

  • IELTS ACADEMIC This test evaluates the English skills required for an academic environment. It is ideal for students and professionals aiming to study or work in an English-speaking academic setting.
  • IELTS GENERAL TRAINING This test focuses on English skills relevant to everyday, practical contexts. It is suitable for individuals planning to work, live, or travel in an English-speaking country.

For detailed information about IELTS, you can download the comprehensive IELTS Brochure.

Learn more

Registration

The Cambridge Institut Munich is an authorised IELTS test centre and offers test dates at regular intervals throughout the year.

In order to register for your IELTS test, please click on the button below.

For any questions regarding your registration or any other administrative inquiries, please contact British Council directly:

IELTS registration
British Council Germany
+49 30 22026990
contactexams@britishcouncil.org

 

Book IELTS Test

Prepare for IELTS

To support you in the best possible way, we offer IELTS preparation as individual training sessions (1 participant – 1 trainer).

The course times can be arranged flexibly according to your preferences (subject to trainer availability).

Individual training sessions provide the perfect opportunity for intensive preparation on the exam format and techniques.

If you would like to further improve your general English skills, you can also find suitable language courses here.

IELTS Results

Understanding IELTS Scores

Understanding IELTS Scores

The test evaluates the ability in four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS uses a band score from 0-9 for each skill, and an overall band score reflecting the proficiency in English. A high score in IELTS reflects your ability to understand fully and communicate effectively in English.

Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements. The score you need will depend on what you are looking to do in your destination country, i.e., work or study.

The IELTS score is valid for two years from the date that is written on the IELTS certificate.

IELTS Band Scores

 |  Expert user
The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

 |  Very good user
The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

 |  Good user
The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

 |  Competent user
The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

 |  Modest user
The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

 |  Limited user
The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

 |  Extremely limited user
The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

 |  Intermittent user
The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

 |  Non-user
The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

0  |  Did not attempt the test 
The test taker did not answer the questions. 

Questions and Answers

When it comes to IELTS, Cambridge Institut Munich functions as a facility provider for British Council. We offer you a professional test location for the completion in accordance with IELTS regulations.

If you have any questions about the exam, check out the Q&A below or contact British Council Berlin.

How do I register? 

Please click here to register and chose your preferred date. For any questions regarding the registration, please contact British Council Berlin.

When will I receive my results? 

If you have taken IELTS online, you will find the test results within 3-5 working days after the exam day online on the Test Taker Portal.

For more information regarding the results and the certificates please contact British Council Berlin.

Are there any breaks? 

No, there are no scheduled breaks. You are allowed to use the restroom, but you will not be given any extra time. Also, it is forbidden to use the restrooms during the listening part, while the instructions are being given and in every last 10 minutes of Reading and Writing. Only one candidate can leave at a time. 

How long does the exam take?

In a whole, the written test takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, including Listening (30 Minutes), Reading (1 hour) and Writing (1 hour). The speaking part will take 10- 15 minutes. 

How does the speaking part take place?

As the other parts of the exam, the IELTS speaking test will be hold online. In our testing point, you will be connected to a speaking examiner via video conference. All required equipment will be provided by our testing point.

Find out more about the IELTS Speaking Part.

What do I need to bring on exam day? 

Please make sure to have your ID/passport with you on exam day. It is important to bring the same ID/passport that you have registered with for IELTS. In case you do not have the same ID/passport before, contact British Council Berlin in advance of the exam day. If British Council has not been informed about any changes prior to the exam day, we are unable to admit you to the test. 

What if any other contact details have changed? 

For any other type of changed contact details, please contact British Council Berlin in advance of the exam day. If British Council is not informed about any changes until the exam day, we are unable to admit you to the test.

Am I allowed to take personal belongings with me into the examination room?

No. You are only allowed to take your passport and a transparent bottle of water with you. You can lock any personal belongings and electronic devices in lockers provided by our testing point.

What does the computer-based IELTS look like in detail?

You find some sample papers provided by IETLS here and a short video from British Council where the Listening and Speaking tests are explained in detail.

How can I prepare? 

Based on our long-lasting experience in teaching and improving English Skills, Cambridge Institut Munich has developed a 3-day compact online course for IELTS preparation. IELTS Academic Booster and IELTS General Training Booster help you to push yourself up to the results you aim at.