International English Language Testing System
International English Language Testing System

IELTS Eligibility 2023: Eligibility for IELTS Exam and Required Documents

The IELTS Exam is an English language proficiency test recognized by top colleges in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK. Check how to be eligible for the test, the needed documents, and other prescribed requirements.
IELTS Eligibility 2023

IELTS Eligibility 2023

IELTS Eligibility 2023: The IELTS exam, also known as the International English Language Testing System, is a recognized language proficiency test accepted in countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK. Many competitive schools in these countries consider IELTS scores as part of their admission criteria. While interested applicants often inquire about eligibility requirements, it is important to note that the conducting bodies of IELTS, including IDP IELTS, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English, do not prescribe specific eligibility criteria for registration and exam participation.

Also Check: IELTS Registration

Proving English proficiency and abilities is essential to study in English-speaking countries. That is why, apart from taking aptitude tests like GMAT and GRE, applicants would be required to submit a separate language test score. That is when the IELTS exam plays a vital role as it is globally recognized by more than 11,000 businesses, universities, schools, and immigration organizations, 3,400 of which are located in the USA itself. Read on to thoroughly understand the eligibility requirements of IELTS.

IELTS Eligibility 2023

As discussed above, IELTS does not have any official prescribed requirements. Anyone can take the IELTS exam, regardless of age, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or background. As a consequence, there is no minimum eligibility standard set by the IELTS administering authority. Therefore, the IELTS exam is open to everyone who wants to pursue higher education or work abroad. However, before applying, candidates should thoroughly review the organization's or institution's limited eligibility conditions.

Lower Age Limit: The minimum age at which one can appear for the exam is 16 years. To be eligible, candidates need to be above 16 years of age with a valid passport. Students who are 16 and below will have no use in the IELTS exam as completing high-school education is another requirement. 

Upper Age Limit: There is no specified upper age limit for IELTS. Applicants above 16 years of age can register for the exam. Many working professionals who have worked in the industry for several years and are above 30 years of age, looking for an academic or work opportunity abroad also register for the test.

Qualification: There is no educational qualification for the test. Applicants just need to have completed basic school-level studies to register for the test.

IELTS Exam: Special Requirements

IELTS test centres make every attempt to assist test-takers with accessibility needs. IELTS offers a complete service for test takers who have special requirements, including specific learning impairments, hearing issues, vision difficulties, and medical conditions. This is done to ensure that the language ability of all test takers is assessed fairly and objectively.

These services include:

  • Braille papers
  • Listening test lip-reading version
  • Speaking task cards in Braille or Enlarged Prints
  • Special Listening CD with necessary pauses and stops
  • Extra time devoted to people with medical conditions and infant feeding

Also Read: IELTS Slot Booking

IELTS Exam: Documents Needed

To register and appear for the IELTS exam, applicants will be asked to submit the required documents. To successfully complete the IELTS registration process, students need to submit these documents and also carry the same submitted documents on the test day to the test centre.

Documents Required to Complete the Registration Process

  • Valid Passport- The only identification document that is considered valid is the passport of the individual. Other national IDs like one’s Adhaar card can be used but it is recommended to use the passport. Having an updated and recent passport is essential and a great requirement.
  • Personal Information- candidates will be asked to fill up some personal details and they are advised to thoroughly re-check the given information and make sure it matches the information mentioned in their IDs.

Documents to Carry on the Test Day

The most crucial item to bring on the day of the IELTS test is identification, either a passport or a national ID depending on which candidate used while registering for the test. The same form of identification is required for the IELTS Speaking test as well.

Before entering the test centre, the test staff will check IDs and documents, and the IELTS Speaking Test examiner will check them again. However, on the day of the exam, students don't need to carry any passport photos because the IELTS test centre will take the picture when applicants register.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are 12th marks important for IELTS?

No minimum score in the 12th grade is required to take the IELTS, according to IDP. No matter what grade you had in the 12th grade, you are still eligible to take the IELTS.

Who is eligible for IELTS?

There is no prescribed set of eligibility requirements by the conducting bodies. Although to be eligible for the exam, applicants will at least need to be 16 years of age.

What is IELTS's lower age limit?

The lower age limit to take the exam is 16 years of age. Candidates must be over 16 and have a current passport to be eligible. Students under the age of 16 will not be able to take the IELTS exam because they must also finish high school.

Can working professionals give the IELTS exam?

Yes, IELTS is given by numerous industry experts and working professionals. The IELTS exam provides applicants with two testing options, which are IELTS Academic Test and IELTS general training test. IELTS General training is for working professionals looking for work opportunities abroad.

What are IELTS special requirements?

IELTS makes every effort to help candidates who require accessibility. For test takers with special needs, such as particular learning disabilities, hearing problems, vision problems, and medical concerns, IELTS provides a comprehensive service. 

What is IELTS One Skill Retake and who is eligible for it?

This is a new exam policy which enables students to re-attempt any one particular section of the test instead of retaking the entire exam. Anyone who has registered for the exam and has attempted it once is eligible for the One Skill Retake policy. 

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