IELTS or International English Language Testing System is basically an exam which tests your English language skills.
The exam tests 4 components:
1. Reading
- This section has 3 passages followed by questions.
- You have 1 hour to finish this section.
- Time management is the key here.
2. Listening
- In this section, you will listen to an audio and you have 40 questions to answer.
- The audio is divided into small parts/sections. Before each part, you are given a certain amount of time to go through the relevant questions.
- You can write the answers as you listen to the audio in your question paper.
- After the entire audio is played, you have 10 minutes to transfer the answers to your answer sheet.
- The entire listening section lasts for about 30 minutes.
3. Writing
- This section has 2 tasks.
- Task1: You will be given a chart, table, graph or a diagram and you need to summarise it in your own words.(Minimum word limit:150)
- Task2: You are asked to give your opinion about a particular problem.(Minimum word limit:250)
- You have 1 hour for this section.
4. Speaking
- This section is held separately, i.e. on a different day and at a different location.
- There is an examiner sitting in front of you and it is like a two way conversation.
- This section lasts for around 15 minutes.
IELTS Registation Bodies:
1.British Council
2. Australian Education Office(AEO)
You can take the test organised by either of the 2 bodies. It is a standardised test and there is no difference between the two.
Types of IELTS:
1. IELTS General
2. IELTS Academic
In order to qualify for PLAB, you need to take the ACADEMIC version only.
Categories of Academic IELTS:
1. IELTS Academic
2. IELTS UKVI Academic
Both the tests are essentially the same and you can use the score from any of the two to qualify for PLAB. However, when you apply for Tier 2 or the work visa, ONLY the IELTS UKVI version is accepted.(they consider this version to be more secure;overall score required for Tier 2 visa is just 4).
Hence, it is advisable to give the UKVI version during your first attempt and then go on for the academic one in your subsequent attempts(in case you fail to get the requisite score of 7.5) as the academic one is slightly cheaper and you can save money.
Score required for PLAB:
A minimum score of 7 in each section and 7.5 overall.(out of 9)
Score required for Tier 2(General) Visa:
A minimum score of 4 in each section and 4 overall.
These scores are valid for 2 years only. So see to it that you complete both the parts of PLAB and your GMC registration within 2 years of this exam.