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IELTS in the USA


IELTS USA supports US higher education and a variety of other US institutions, as well as a network of US-based IELTS test centers, providing a world-class English language proficiency test that opens doors to academic, professional, and immigration opportunities. With flexible, in-person testing options, a focus on real-life English language proficiency, and human-led evaluation, IELTS accurately showcases a test taker's authentic language skills.

Join millions of successful test-takers and unlock your future with IELTS, recognized and trusted by top US universities and organizations!

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Ready to practice?

IELTS USA is here to help you demonstrate your skills to the fullest. Practicing your English is the best way to boost your IELTS score and improve your English language proficiency. Challenge yourself with this month's quick quiz!

IELTS USA is with you every step of the way

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Consider your options

IELTS USA in-center testing provides the ideal environment to help you perform at your best. Unlike other tests, IELTS in-center offers reliable internet, up-to-date technology, quiet spaces, accessibility support, and attentive staff. This lets you focus on demonstrating your English language skills, naturally and effectively - without forcing you to adapt to a non-human algorithm or become an IT expert.

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Book your test

With over 20 test centers spread across the USA and a range of test dates and times available each month, taking IELTS in the USA is both convenient and flexible. Explore your options to find the nearest test center and select a date that fits your schedule. Whether you are taking IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS for UKVI, or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, book early and lock in your preferred time and US location.

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Prepare for test day

Success doesn't happen overnight, and practice is the first step in the process. Start by exploring free IELTS materials to kick off your study routine. Preparing for IELTS isn’t just about passing a test; it’s a great way to improve your overall English skills along the way. Plus, you'll find practical tips to help you feel confident on test day.

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Your results

The time it takes to receive your IELTS result will depend on the test format you take. For IELTS on computer taken in the USA, most test takers will receive test results in as little as 1 day. IELTS on Paper results are typically available within 13 days. Regardless of which test format you choose, your results can be sent to thousands of recognizing organizations both in the US and around the world, with trust in your IELTS score and your English language abilities.

Why choose IELTS in the USA?

Choosing IELTS in the USA is a smart option for international students, professionals, and immigration purposes because it accurately measures English language proficiency through real-life scenarios, showcasing your skills in realistic contexts. Fair, accurate, and reliable, IELTS can help you achieve your international goals.

IELTS: Your gateway to global opportunities

  • Global reach: As the world’s most trusted English language test, IELTS supports your ambitions to study and work abroad. With over 12,500 organizations worldwide recognizing IELTS, and more than 3,400 institutions in the USA alone, IELTS stands as a global leader in English language testing. Last year, over 4 million IELTS tests were taken, underscoring its reliability and portability.
  • Comprehensive assessment: IELTS evaluates your proficiency across four key skill areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, scored on a band scale from 1 - 9. It is distinctive for its face-to-face speaking test, ensuring that your authentic speaking skills are accurately reflected in your IELTS score. Human interaction is central to language, and IELTS values this crucial aspect of your skill set.
  • Proven experience: With over 35 years of experience, IELTS has a long history of helping test takers demonstrate their English proficiency. Whether you’re aiming to study or work in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere else where English language proficiency is a necessity, IELTS provides the reliable and trusted assessment you need.
  • IELTS USA in-center testing offers several advantages for test takers. It provides a controlled and professional environment, minimizing distractions and technology issues, ensuring a smooth test day experience. Additionally, the in-center format allows access to paper-based and computer-delivered options, giving flexibility in how the test is taken. With test centers across the country, test takers can also select a convenient location, ensuring a reliable test process that’s widely recognized by US universities, employers, and global immigration authorities.

Our team at IELTS USA is committed to supporting your aspirations, wherever they may take you.

IELTS for study in the USA

IELTS Academic evaluates your English skills in an academic context. Whether you're preparing for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or working towards a professional degree like medicine, nursing, teaching, or law, IELTS Academic helps you and your institution assess your readiness for success.

IELTS for work in the USA

Depending on the organization's policies, they may require IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training for work purposes.

You might need an IELTS Academic test for work if you:

  • are in a professional field such as medicine, nursing, teaching, or law
  • plan to register with a veterinary association in the US
  • plan to undergo credential reviews with US nursing boards
  • need to prove English proficiency for professional licensing.

You might need an IELTS General Training test for work if you:

  • plan to undertake training below degree level
  • are applying for a job in an English-speaking country
  • looking to open doors to new opportunities
  • want to prove your English language proficiency.

IELTS USA strongly recommends that you check with your organization to confirm which test is required before booking your test.

IELTS for migration

Depending on applicable immigration policies, you may need to take IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS for UKVI, or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills.

You must check with the appropriate immigration authorities to confirm which test is required before booking your test.

The IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training test may be acceptable for immigration if:

The IELTS for UKVI or IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test may be required for immigration if:

  • You require a test that is accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English if you want to live, work, or study in the UK.

IELTS for Graduate Students and Teaching Assistants

IELTS gives graduate students and Teaching Assistants (TAs) the confidence that their language skills are ready to meet the demands of advanced academic work. IELTS is the top choice for many learners at the thousands of US graduate and professional programs that accept IELTS scores.

In addition to the above resources available to all US test takers, you can explore how IELTS supports graduate scholars through the Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship. Also consider joining the IELTS USA Test Taker and Alumni LinkedIn page to hear inspiring stories, gain insight, and connect with others on a journey just like yours.

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Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship

The IELTS USA Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship is awarded to exceptional international graduate students enrolling in accredited US colleges or universities. This scholarship honors the memory of Andrea Scott, an innovative leader in international education. It celebrates students who exemplify Andrea’s dedication to international education, passion for globalization, commitment to the creative arts, and advocacy for equal rights.

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"The tasks in IELTS are a closer simulation of the challenges we may face in an academic environment and real-life situation, thus reflecting our ability to read, write, listen, and speak. In most cases, preparing for the IELTS test can improve our ability to use English in real life."
Yanchen, doctoral program candidate in Michigan

"IELTS gave me more confidence when applying for university."
Tang Shaonan, Shanghai, China, admitted to Pepperdine University

"[IELTS] significantly contributed to my ambition of studying in an English-medium environment by preparing me for the academic demands."
Habiba, IELTS 2023 Andrea Scott Scholarship recipient, Master's student at The New School

Organizations in the USA

IELTS offers a detailed assessment of language skills in practical contexts, making it an essential tool for evaluating individuals' readiness for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. Connect with the IELTS USA Higher Education team for support tailored to your organization’s needs.

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Recognition Portal

Find information about how US institutions can register to accept IELTS, submit an update to your institution's IELTS score requirement, or submit an update to your personal contact details.

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One Skill Retake for US organizations

Find out how the newest IELTS Academic product feature can enhance student access at your institution.

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Contact IELTS USA

Contact our US Higher Education team if you need to speak with a local representative and learn more about our Higher Education Advisory Council.

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US Stakeholder Newsletter

Stay current on IELTS news and updates with the IELTS USA Stakeholder Newsletter.

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About IELTS USA

Find out about our non-profit mission, vision, values, and office operations.