IELTS offers two modules: Academic and General. The Academic module is suitable for those pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, as well as professionals in fields like medicine and accountancy. The General module is appropriate for those migrating to English-speaking countries or studying below degree level.

Both modules assess four key language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The reading and writing sections differ between the two modules, with the Academic test focusing on academic skills, while the listening and speaking tests are the same for both modules.

The speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, lasting 11-14 minutes, and the rest of the test takes about 2.5 hours.