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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is a popular language proficiency test used to measure English comprehension. The exam covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills for people planning to work or study in an English-speaking country. Different countries, employers, colleges, universities, and online learning programs require various skill levels. The exam treats all test-taking participants with respect and fairness. Developers worked to avoid introducing cultural bias into the test questions. IELTS accepts all standard English language variations, including Australian and New Zealand, British, and North American English. IELTS is available in more than 1,600 test locations around the world.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) relies on a nine-band scale for scoring. This scaled approach streamlines the process of identifying English proficiency in non-native English speakers worldwide. Scores rank in order from one to nine, one being the lowest (non-user) and nine being the highest (expert). Scores provide an objective overview of each participant’s abilities and help everyone understand their skill level for the desired work or studies in a specific location. The official ruling of a “good score” relies on the host country and the organization’s English skill criteria. Still, the band scoring offers an idea of what most businesses and schools consider “good." According to the scale, seven is "good" and eight is "very good."

The IELTS score is valid for two years, allowing students to take the exam far enough in advance of their visit for work or study. This ensures students and workers have plenty of time to study and take the exam. This two-year timeframe also ensures that if you achieve the necessary score for your institution or employer’s specifications, your test score will remain valid until your visit. Further, with the extended time before your visit that your IELTS score is valid, you can continue to build on your current level of proficiency. Such pursuits allow you to show your dedication, further impressing your prospective employer or chosen college, university, or online learning association. Udemy offers various courses that can help you achieve your desired band score.

If you are proficient in English, you can likely prepare for the exam in less than a month. Before taking the IELTS, you may already have a reasonable idea of your potential band score. Assessing your school’s scoring of your tests, essays, and listening capabilities may give you a good idea of where your band score may fall when you take the test before beginning your studying. You may also take a look at the band score distinctions to assess what score you might earn if you took the test now. Such a step may help you save time, energy, and money. You can start taking preparation courses to help you achieve the band score you need to ensure entry to the country you want to work or study. Udemy offers several courses to help you achieve your desired score.

If you're getting ready to take the IELTS exam, you need to start by identifying your current IELTS band (basically, your proficiency level) and figuring out what band you're aiming for. Most higher-learning institutions ask for a 6.5-7 band, and most IELTS practice courses have band 7+ as a goal. Once you have that goal in mind, identifying your strengths and weaknesses will help you assess how you should prepare. ​For example, if you're a strong writer but need to practice speaking, a course that focuses on the speaking section of the IELTS test might be good for you. Or, if you need to get your band level up across all disciplines (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), you can tap into comprehensive online courses. These courses ​offer quizzes, practice tests, and hands-on exercises to help you prepare for the test's subject and format.