- Purpose of Test: To assess English proficiency for study in Vietnam, study abroad, work, or immigration to English-speaking countries
- Test Contents: Listening – Speaking – Reading – Writing
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Format: Computer-delivered test
1. Overview of IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely recognized English language proficiency test globally, designed for individuals who wish to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. The test comprehensively assesses all four language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
To date, over 12,500 organizations in 150 countries worldwide recognize the IELTS certificate as a reliable proof of English language ability. Universities, employers, professional organizations, and government agencies often require IELTS results as part of their admission or lícensing processes.
You can find a list of institutions that accept the IELTS test on the website: https://ielts.org/take-a-test/why-choose-ielts/who-accepts-ielts
2. Types of IELTS Tests
Currently, IELTS comprises of 4 main tests:
2.1. IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is for candidates who wish to pursue higher education abroad. This test format is designed to assess whether candidates have achieved the required standard in all four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) and can use English as a medium for study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or work in a professional environment, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, or lawyers.
- Test format: Computer-delivered test at an IELTS test center. The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Test Content: 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing)
- Tests are organised 7 days a week
2.2. IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is for candidates who intend to live and work in an English-speaking country. This format primarily focuses on assessing proficiency, confidence, and fluency in communicating in English in everyday situations that candidates may encounter, especially in a native English-speaking environment.
- Format: Computer-delivered at an authorized IELTS test center. The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Content: 4 skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, however, the content of the Reading and Writing sections of the IELTS General Training test differs from IELTS Academic.
- Tests are organised 7 days a week
2.3. IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (IELTS for UKVI)
IELTS for UKVI is a special IELTS test recognised by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This test is designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who need to study pre-university or college courses or college courses, work, or settle in the United Kingdom.
2.4. IELTS One Skill Retake
IELTS One Skill Retake is a new feature that allows candidates to retake a single skill out of the four – Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking – instead of re-taking the entire test. This feature enables candidates to focus on improving a specific skill to enhance their score efficiently in terms of time and cost.
Note that candidates can only register for IELTS One Skill Retake once for each fill 4-skill IELTS test, and within 60 days from the original test date.
3. Structure of the IELTS Academic Test
The IELTS Academic test comprises of four main components:
| Components | Sections | Test content | Duration |
| Listening
(40 questions) |
Part 1 | A conversation between two people set in everyday social context | 30 minutes |
| Part 2 | A monologue set in an everyday social context | ||
| Part 3 | A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context | ||
| Part 4 | A monologue on an academic subject | ||
| Reading
(40 questions) |
36 minutes | Candidates will read 3 passages and answer a series of questions across 11 different question types | 1 hour |
| Writing | Part 1 | Candidates will be asked to describe events or figures presented through various visual media, including charts, graphs, or tables.
Alternatively, candidates may be asked to describe an object, an event, or how a process works. |
1 hour |
| Part 2 | Candidates will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. | ||
| Speaking | Part 1 | Candidates will be asked general questions about themselves and a few familiar topics, eg. home, family, wok, studies, and interests.
This part lasts 4-5 minutes. |
11 – 14 minutes |
| Part 2 | Candidates will be given a cue card asking them to speak about particular topic. Candidates will have 1 minute to prepare before speaking for a maximum of 2 minutes. | ||
| Part 3 | Candidates will be asked further questions which are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions provide an opportunity for deeper discussion of more abstract issues and concepts.
This part lasts 4 – 5 minutes. |
4. IELTS Academic Test Results
The IELTS Band Scores assess a candidate’s four skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Each skill (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) is scored individually on the standard IELTS scale from 1.0 to 9.0. The overall IELTS score is the average of the scores from the four skills, rounded to the nearest 0.5.
| Band score | Proficiency level | Explanation |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | No information to assess. The candidate was unable to attend the test. |
| 1.0 | Non user | You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 2.0 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 3.0 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 4.0 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language. |
| 5.0 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field. |
| 6.0 | Competent user | Generally, you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 7.0 | Good user | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 8.0 | Very good user | You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well. |
| 9.0 | Expert user | You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding. |
Refer to the IELTS conversion table with PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT below:
| PTE | 23 | 29 | 36 | 46 | 56 | 66 | 76 | 84 | 89 | N/A |
| IELTS | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| PTE | 38 | 42 | 46 | 50 | 53 | 59 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 78 | 84 |
| TOEFL | 40 – 44 | 54 – 56 | 65 – 66 | 74 – 75 | 79 – 80 | 87 – 88 | 94 | 99 – 100 | 105 | 113 | 120 |
5. IELTS Test Fees
IELTS test fees in Vietnam are as follows:
| 1 | IELTS ACADEMIC & IELTS General Training Test Fee | 4.664.000 VNĐ |
| 2 | IELTS for UKVI Test Fee | 5.252.000 VNĐ |
| 3 | IELTS Life Skills Test Fee | 4.414.000 VNĐ |
| 4 | IELTS One Skill Retake Test Fee | 2.940.000 VNĐ |
| 5 | IELTS for UKVI One Skill Retake Test Fee | 3.520.000 VNĐ |
| 6 | DHL Express shipping fee for sending score reports abroad *(max 500gr per address) | 1.400.000 VNĐ |
| 7 | Additional score report issuance fee (after 1 month from result release) | 200.000 VNĐ |
| 8 | Online score report issuance and sending fee (after 1 month from result release) | 100.000 VNĐ |
| 9 | Enquiry on Results (EOR) fee (IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS Life Skill, IELTS One Skill Retake) | 2.268.000 VNĐ |
| 10 | Enquiry on Results (EOR) fee (IELTS for UKVI, One Skill Retake for IELTS for UKVI) | 2.800.000 VNĐ |
| 11 | Test date transfer fee | 800.000 VNĐ |
| 12 | Speaking test rescheduling fee | 900.000 VNĐ |
6. IELTS Test Schedule in Vietnam:
IELTS tests are regularly organized in major cities across Vietnam:
- Northern Region: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh
- Central Region: Da Nang, Hue, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Binh Thuan, Gia Lai, Buon Ma Thuot
- Southern Region: Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Can Tho
To view detailed test schedules and select a suitable date, please visit the official IELTS website: https://ielts.org/take-a-test/booking-your-test
7. Additional Information
- Score validity: 2 years
- Registration methods: Online registration or direct registration at IDP and British Council offices
- Payment methods: Debit Card/Credit Card/ICICI Challan
- Retake policy: Available for registration on the earliest available test date
- Result release time: Approximately 2-3 business day
- Computer-delivered test schedule: Only two test slots per test session:
- Morning: 9:00 – 12:00
- Afternoon: 13:00 – 16:00
IELTS plays a crucial role in the process of studying abroad, applying for work visas, and immigrating to English-speaking countries worldwide. If you are planning for your children to study, work, or settle abroad, don’t hesitate to contact EduMatch today for detailed guidance and support with IELTS test registration!
Company Information:
Education Match
- Address: 5th Floor, Kinh Do Building, No. 292 Tay Son, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Tel: 0986 888 440
- Email: info@edumatch.edu.vn
- Website: edumatch.edu.vn
