IELTS Academic vs. General Tests | How are IELTS Test Types Different?

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System, which is designed to help people move to a native English speaking country. Some reasons people move to these countries include work, study, or migration. It is one of the most popular English language tests in the world. Every year, more than 3 million people take the IELTS exam. If you are planning to take IELTS, you should probably understand the difference between general and academic tests. Continue reading to learn about IELTS Academic vs. General exams.

Difference Between IELTS General and Academic

Let’s find out how IELTS General and Academic are different. They are separate types of tests with two different purposes.

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is for people who plan to study at a university or college as undergraduate or graduate students or people who plan to join or enter a professional institution. it tests the level of comprehension and the ability to understand and present complex ideas. These skills are crucial when attending or entering a higher education or professional institution. If you need to work in a professional setting, such as a doctor, nurse, teacher, or lawyer, you must take IELTS Academic test.

So, the IELTS Academic exam can be more challenging than the IELTS General test. The average total band score for IELTS Academic test is about 5.9, and for IELTS General is about 6.2. The average scores also back up the assumption that IELTS Academic test tends to be more difficult.

IELTS General Training Exam

If you want to take an English exam for non-academic and everyday English, the IELTS General is the right choice. You could use your IELTS General test score to enter a secondary school, a college, or an education training center.

If you are taking the test just for migration, you don’t need to take the IELTS Academic test. Usually, the IELTS General test is good enough in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, for more accurate information, check with the school, institution, or migration agent to find out which IELTS test you need to take.

Organizations that Recognize IELTS Scores

Wondering which organizations look at IELTS scores? More than 11,000 organizations in 140+ countries accept IELTS. Let’s take a look at the list of organizations that you can apply to with your IELTS score.

• Universities
• Schools
• Training Colleges
• Tertiary Institutes
• Government departments and agencies
• Professional and industry bodies
• Companies and employers

IELTS Test Sections (General & Academic)

The IELTS test comprises the following 4 sections.

1. Writing
2. Reading
3. Listening
4. Speaking

The listening and speaking sections are the same for both IELTS Academic and General tests. However, the two exams have different writing and reading sections. The IELTS Academic test’s writing and reading sections contain topics that can test skills needed in universities or professional institutions.

• Find out the IELTS Writing tips (for both academic & general)
• Find out tips for IELTS General Reading
• Find out tips for IELTS Listening 
• Find out tips for IELTS Speaking

IELTS Academic vs General Test Score

See the below chart to understand the number of correct answers needed for each IELTS band score.

For more specific IELTS band score information per section, see below. It will tell you how your scores are graded.

• IELTS Reading band score
• IELTS Listening band score
• IELTS Speaking evaluation

FAQs About IELTS Academic vs General

Here are some commonly asked questions about the difference between IELTS general and academic tests.

How difficult is the IELTS General test?

The IELTS General Training test is one of the easiest English proficiency exams. It doesn’t mean it’s easy to get all the answers correct. However, if you study, it isn’t too hard to get a band score higher than 7.

Is IELTS General the same as Academic?

No, IELTS general and academic are two separate tests with different purposes. The IELTS General Training test examines your proficiency in everyday English. On the other hand, the IELTS Academic test examines your academic English proficiency. More specifically, IELTS Academic test checks if you can comprehend and use English that is used in higher education or professional organizations.

IELTS Academic vs General, which is easier?

Because academic English requires more knowledge and skills than everyday English, the IELTS general exam is easier than the IELTS Academic test.

What is the difference between IELTS general and academic?

The biggest difference between IELTS general and academic tests is the purpose of the exam. IELTS general tests knowledge of general (or every day) English; IELTS academic tests knowledge and skills related to academic English. To serve each purpose, IELTS general and academic have completely different writing and reading sections.

Do I need Academic or General IELTS for Canada?

If you are planning to go to a Canadian university or work in a professional field, you will probably need to take IELTS Academic test. However, it highly depends on the institution and organization, so you must directly check with the school or company to find out which test they require. If you are planning to migrate to Canada, IELTS general is good enough.

IELTS Academic vs General: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on the IELTS test? Have you ever taken IELTS academic or general? What was the purpose of taking the test? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you. If you are planning to take IELTS in the future, check our study resources for IELTS and get a high score!