IELTS in New Zealand for Study and Work Visa

The IELTS is an International English Language Testing System which is considered as one of the most popular English test systems compulsory for higher education and global migration. This test is being trusted worldwide since 1989 for providing a secure, authentic, customer focused and global method to measure the true ability of an individual to communicate in English. Around 9,000 educational institutes, professional organizations and government agencies across 135 countries recognize IELTS test score as a valid indicator of the candidate’s English communication skills.

This exam is basically designed to assess the language competence of the candidates who wish to travel abroad for further studies or for work. In New Zealand, IELTS is used as a checker of the English communication proficiency for immigration, professional designations and entrance requirements. It has become world’s popular English proficiency test required to apply for higher education or foreign immigration. This test sets standards for innovation, research and integrity. A candidate can take this particular test as Academic exam or just general training. The type of exam chosen depends on the organization for which you are applying or are planning to apply in future.

How to Register for IELTS in New Zealand?

To register for an IELTS test just proceed by following these simple steps. Or else, you can also download the Information for candidates booklet (PDF, 935KB). IELTS centers have friendly, helpful staff who will help you with the registration process.

1.  Find your nearest IELTS center and check the test dates to find an option best suitable for you. Make sure you register before the deadline for registering for each test date. You can also see the cost of the test at your center in local currency on the IELTS Worldwide Search.
2. Check with your organisation or on the Global Recognition System whether you should take an Academic or General Training test.
3. Take a print out of your IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB) or else ask your test center for a copy. Read the information for candidates, terms and conditions just complete the form and sign it. Make sure you have a valid postal address and use the same name as on your passport.
4.  In some centers, candidates may be able to register for the test online. Refer to the test center's website for further information.
5.  Take a photocopy of your current passport,  this must be valid and not expired. (some centers will accept a national identity card.)
6.  If you want your results to be sent automatically to a university or educational institution, include the correct details in the section on the IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB).
7. Take your application into your IELTS test center with your money. If you send it by mail, please talk to your center about the method of payment.
   

Once you have registered, the test center will confirm your IELTS test date, time and venue. Note speaking test can be taken up to 7 days before or after the test date. On the test day, you must bring the same passport or national identity card that you entered on the IELTS Application Form.

IELTS Test Format and Scoring

IELTS test check your ability in four major skills, namely, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. The test completes for total duration of three hours and is one of the most globally trusted exams. IELTS has been tried and trusted by organizations as well as test takers throughout the world. The format for this exam has not changed much in the last 20 years.

If you are planning to take IELTS in New Zealand, you will be required to take listening, reading and writing tests held on the same particular day. All these tests will be taken on the run without any breaks and with an aim to check your magnificence. The speaking test will be taken either after a break on the very same day as the other three tests or else within a week before or after that. The schedule will be decided for your speaking test according to your test center.  

IELTS Format

IELTS exam is divided into two versions, namely, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training:

IELTS Academic

The Academic version comprises three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. The contents taken are authentic and are taken from books, journals, newspapers, and magazines. These have been selected for non-specialist applicants but are appropriate for those entering university courses or looking for professional registration.

IELTS General Training

The General Training version requires candidates to read extracts from newspapers, magazines, books, advertisements, notices, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in English speaking surroundings.

The Listening and Speaking tests are exactly the same for both the versions. While the reading and writing tests vary in their content depending thoroughly on the version of test you are taking. Both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are assessed at the same level.

IELTS Scores

IELTS is basically designed with an aim to check your English language skills at each level. You will receive scores on a Band Score from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User). You will receive a score for each test section – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The individual scores are then averaged and rounded to give off an Overall Band Score.

Remember, you can score either whole number bands for this exam like, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 etc. or can score half for example, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 bands in each of the four skills in this exam. In case, you are planning for immigration to New Zealand, your overall band score will matter a lot and could be a crucial one. Your band score will also be considered if you are applying for a university or plan to take up a job in English speaking country like New Zealand.