Immigration · 6 min read
IELTS Academic vs General Training: Which Test Do You Need?
Booking the wrong IELTS module is one of the most expensive mistakes candidates make, because the result simply will not be accepted. The good news is that the decision is usually made for you by the organisation you are applying to. Here is which test each goal needs, and what actually differs between the two.
By IELTSimulator Editorial Team
IELTS preparation content team
Reviewed by IELTSimulator Content Review Team
Immigration requirements checked against official government and regulator pages
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Updated
Which test each goal needs
| Goal | Test |
|---|---|
| Canada Express Entry, PGWP and citizenship | General Training |
| University study (undergraduate or postgraduate) | Academic |
| Nursing and medical registration (NMC, NMBA) | Academic |
| UK visas | IELTS for UKVI, Academic or General Training as your route specifies |
| Australian visas | Academic or General Training |
| New Zealand skilled residence | Academic or General Training |
If two goals are on your path, for example study in Australia and then permanent residence, Academic often covers both. For Canada, it does not: Express Entry accepts only General Training.
What is the same
Listening and Speaking are the same test in both versions. The band scale, the timing of each section and the four Writing criteria are also the same. If you sit the test on a computer, the interface is the same too; see computer-based IELTS vs paper.
What is different: Reading and Writing
| Section | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Three long texts from books, journals and magazines | Shorter everyday and workplace texts, then one longer text |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a graph, table, map or process (150 words) | Write a letter (150 words) |
| Writing Task 2 | Essay (250 words) | Essay (250 words) |
Task 2 counts for more of the Writing score in both versions, so essay practice pays off whichever you take. The Task 2 structure guide applies to both, and the Task 1 structure guide covers the Academic visual.
Is General Training easier?
The texts are more familiar, but the scoring is not more generous. IELTS converts Reading raw scores to bands differently for each version, so you usually need more correct answers in General Training for the same band. Choose by what your application accepts, never by which looks easier.
How to practise for each
- Both versions: practise Listening with one play only, and Task 2 essays under time.
- Academic: practise Reading with long passages and Writing Task 1 with charts and maps.
- General Training: use official General Training samples for the letter and the workplace reading texts.
IELTSimulator's Reading and Writing tests follow the Academic format; Listening matches both versions.
Decide in three questions
- Are you applying to Canada for permanent residence, a PGWP or citizenship? Take General Training.
- Are you applying to a university or a health regulator? Take Academic.
- Is it a visa for the UK, Australia or New Zealand? Check the visa page; most accept either, and the UK needs the IELTS for UKVI version.
Still unsure? Look up your route in the IELTS score requirements by country, which links to each official page.
IELTS questions answered
Which IELTS test do I need for Canada PR?
IELTS General Training. Express Entry does not accept IELTS Academic.
Which IELTS test do I need for university?
Universities usually ask for IELTS Academic. Check your course's English requirement.
Is IELTS General Training easier than Academic?
Its reading texts are more everyday, but you usually need more correct answers for the same Reading band, so it is not simply easier.
Are Listening and Speaking the same in both tests?
Yes. Only Reading and Writing differ between Academic and General Training.
Official sources
Format and scoring claims in this guide were checked against these primary sources.
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