IELTS is an International English language testing system, which provides a standard for English language proficiency in more than 130 countries around the world. It was established in 1989 by the University of Cambridge, British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd. and so far, around 1.4 million individuals from around the world take this test annually.
There are two versions of the test. The Academic version is for those people who wish to take admission in a foreign university; whereas the General training version is for individuals who want to immigrate or to get employed in an English speaking country. Since this is a test that was created by British institutions, therefore it was recognized only in Britain. But now its value is widespread in countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and even the United States.
Over 3,000 institutions from the United States of America recognize this test. In the beginning, only TOEFL was considered as a proof of English language skills. However, now IELTS exam is also considered as an effective and popular proof of English language skills.
The popularity of IELTS in the USA can be proven by the fact that out of eight Ivy League Schools, seven accept this course for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Not only for education but also for study related placements with American universities, this test is valued a lot. Apart from that, in the United States, employers also look out for foreigners who have qualified this test.
This test helps universities, colleges and employers of the US to select students that are proficient in English, so that they face no problems while working, studying or living in the United States. Apart from that, if you are in the United States and you want to take this exam for better prospects, you can take it at any of the numerous test centres in the USA. You can check online for the availability of dates at these centres. Send your application forms to these centres along with the test fee, photos and copy of your passport.
You can then start preparing for this test. This can be done through various IELTS preparation books that are available in the market. These books also have testing material, which you could use for practice. Apart from that, you can also get help from various online resources, as there are numerous websites specializing in IELTS course. Log on to the official website of IELTS to get a look at the official course material of IELTS. This website also provides IELTS practice material, which will help you practice and get a good score in the test.
There are also websites on the internet that offer courses on IELTS. These websites charge a fee for these courses. However, they are of great help for the test preparation. They provide individuals with course materials, guidelines as well as access to plenty of practice IELTS tests. They also provide access to a database of vocabulary as well as feedback on the test that are taken by the individuals. However, as good things come at a cost, therefore you will have to pay for these courses.
There are various English courses in the USA that you can take, if you are not very familiar with the language. Through these courses you will be able to learn English in the USA while taking some time off from work. It is all about how well you manage to do the test in the specified 2 hours 45 minutes duration. So the more you practice, the more chances you shall have of getting good score.