The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an international test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. The test is intended for those who want to enroll in institutions of higher education and for professionals who want to study or practise in an English-speaking country; as well as for those planning to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes. It is jointly managed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council and IDP Education Pvt. Ltd. IELTS is one of the two major English-language tests in the world, the other being the TOEFL. The score/grade of the test is accepted by Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African institutions, over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organisations across the world. Knowledge/skill tested - Listening, reading, writing and speaking of the English language Purpose - To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers Duration - Listening: 40 minutes, Reading: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, Speaking: 15 minutes. Total: about 3 hours. Score/grade validity 2 years #v&spublishers