The objective of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam in the US is the same as it is elsewhere in the world. It measures the proficiency of a non-native speaker in the English language in core areas like reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and their ability to apply these skills across multiple settings in an English-speaking country.
The scores of the exam are a valid indicator that determine a candidate’s employability in the US or academic potential to be allowed admission to various courses in the country. The exam scores are also used by the US immigration authorities.
You can take the IELTS US exam in two formats, as in other countries: Academic and General Training. The former is intended for individuals who are keen to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the US. While the latter is meant for people who wish to work or settle in the US.
The exam is scored on a scale of 0-9, where an average score of 6 or 7 is considered good for admission or employment. Test takers receive their test scores approximately a fortnight after the exam date.
What is the Format of the Exam
The IELTS US exam is divided into 4 sections — Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, and two formats — Academic and General Training.
The total allotted time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The listening, reading, and writing sections are conducted on the same day, while the writing section may or may not be conducted on the same day as the other sections. It could be arranged to be taken 7 days before or after the other tests.
You will have 30 minutes to answer 40 questions in 4 parts in the listening section. The reading test lasts 60 minutes; it is divided into 3 parts and 40 questions. The writing section is also 60 minutes and is divided into two tasks. The speaking test consists of 3 parts and lasts for 11-14 minutes.
Eligibility and Requirements for IELTS US Exam
You are not required to fulfill any specific set of criteria or eligibility requirements to take the IELTS US exam (same as elsewhere). However, you must at least be of 16 years of age at the time of taking the exam. You must also be a holder of a valid government-issued identification document like a passport or driver’s license.
Please also check with the individual school/university/college or organization you are interested to apply to see if they would want you to fulfill any specific criteria for admission or employment.
Prepare well in advance for the exam to score well. You can access many study resource materials and practice tests from the internet and the official IELTS website. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the format of the test and its difficulty level before appearing for it.
Where Can You Take the Exam
There are multiple authorized IELTS exam testing centers throughout the US. It is conducted many times a month. You can check the IELTS US website for testing centers (locations) and test date availability. Remember to register at least a couple of months prior to the preferred test date for adequate preparation and to avoid late registration charges and other formalities.
Though test costs are subject to revisions, the IELTS US exam will typically cost you anywhere between $245-$255 at the time of writing in 2023. Check with your chosen test center to confirm the exam cost and if additional costs do not apply.
You can reschedule the exam date or change the test center for a fee but remember that the IELTS US exam fee is non-refundable.
How to Register for the Exam
Follow the steps given below to register for the IELTS US exam —
- Check for the list of testing centers and their contact information on the IELTS website.
- Check for the availability of test dates and select the test center and exam date that is most convenient for you.
- You can opt for online or offline exam registration. Online registration will require you to create an account with your personal information like name, address, date of birth, email address, phone number, and ID number. Offline registration will require you to visit the testing center of your choice, acquire a registration form, fill up the details, submit it, and pay the exam fee in person.
- After you have finished with your registration (online or offline), you will be required to pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card. They will send you a confirmation email once the payment is processed.
The testing center or the IELTS US customer service will be happy to help you with any queries that you may have regarding the exam or registration process.
Here is How You Can Check Scores
The exam results are released within 15 days of taking the test. You can check your IELTS US test scores by following the given steps.
- Go to the IELTS Results System website.
- Enter your test date, ID number, and Candidate Number as provided to you during the exam registration process.
- Click ‘Login’ to access your scores.
You can view individual scores in the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) as well as an overall band score. The band score ranges from 0-9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 the highest.
Upon request, you can also receive a hard copy of your IELTS test report form (TRF) by mail. Ensure that your mailing address is correct and updated on your IELTS account.
How to Contact for Assistance
Visit the IELTS US website to check the list of authorized testing centers near you. There are multiple of them across the States. When you select your state or city, it will display the list with their contact information.
You can contact the test center directly for any queries regarding available test dates, fees, and registration procedures. Please note that policies and requirements could vary with location and test centers.
Alternatively, you can contact IELTS US customer service by phone or email for any kind of assistance. IELTS US is headquartered at 570 Broad Street, Suite 1003 Newark, NJ 07102. You can reach them by calling 323-255-2771 or writing to stakeholder@ieltsusa.org.
