IELTS Versions Explained

What versions of IELTS are there?

IELTS offers a range of tests. They include IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS for UKVI. IELTS for UKVI Life Skills assesses only speaking and listening source: ielts.org.

In Academic and General Training, Speaking and Listening are the same. Reading and Writing differ source: ielts.org.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is likely the right choice if you plan to study in a country where English is spoken. It assesses whether you are ready to begin studying in English, with vocabulary familiar in an academic setting. You can also take it for professional registration source: ielts.org.

You can take it at a test centre or online source: ielts.org.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training suits people who want to migrate to a country where English is spoken. It also suits people who want to train or study below degree level. It assesses everyday English for social and workplace situations source: ielts.org.

You take it at a test centre source: ielts.org. Academic or General Training compares the two in detail.

IELTS for UKVI

UK Visas and Immigration accepts IELTS for UKVI tests as proof of English if you want to live, work or study in the UK. It accepts only tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre source: ielts.org.

IELTS for UKVI comes as an Academic test and a General Training test source: ielts.org. The score you need depends on your visa. IELTS for UKVI explained covers the route rules.

IELTS for UKVI Life Skills

Life Skills is for people who need to prove their speaking and listening in a UK application. That includes staying with a relative, spouse or partner who already lives in the UK permanently. It also includes making the UK your permanent home if you already live there, and becoming a British citizen. It is one test covering speaking and listening source: ielts.org.

It is not scored. You get a Pass or a Fail source: ielts.org. It comes at three levels: A1, A2 and B1 source: ielts.org.

Which versions can you take online?

IELTS Online is for Academic only, and only in some countries source: ielts.org. If you take General Training, or need a score for a visa, you must attend a test centre source: ielts.org.

For the other ways to take IELTS, and the mid-2026 delivery change, see computer or paper.

One Skill Retake is an option, not a version

One Skill Retake is available for both Academic and General Training. It is open only if your full test was IELTS on computer source: ielts.org. See One Skill Retake for the rules.

Which version do you need?

The organisation asking for your score decides. Which IELTS do I need? shows how to work it out.

All facts on this page were checked on ielts.org on 27 October 2026.