The World`s Leading English Test Celebrates Twenty Years Of Growth

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) celebrates its proud history of certifying English language skills for two decades

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is proud to celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2009, marking its unprecedented international growth and success in setting the standard of English language proficiency for Higher Education and migration. Since IELTS was introduced in 1989, it has developed into a global leader, with annual candidate numbers rising to well over one million in 2008, and accepted by over 6,000 organisations worldwide.

Speaking of IELTS phenomenal growth over the last twenty years, Dr Michael Milanovic, Chief Executive of Cambridge ESOL said: " Over the last two decades IELTS has become the leading and most widely accepted international language test in the world. Whether for work or study, millions of ambitious candidates have benefited from the life-changing opportunities that IELTS enables"

"Our success has been driven by a continual focus on strong, expert-led research and innovation, along with a commitment to test language ability in a practical, real and relevant way. IELTS is uniquely fit for purpose, as it covers all of the key skills - speaking, writing, reading and listening abilities. Indeed our face-to-face speaking test is the only true-to-life oral test available. Ultimately, IELTS is not just about giving students a certificate, but proving that they have the language skills needed to get the most from learning and working in another country."

With over 6,000 organisations worldwide accepting IELTS scores, it is opening doors for candidates throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. IELTS' globalisation has been powered by its extensive network of excellent test centres - it is available up to four times a month in over 125 countries.

Truly global and cosmopolitan in nature, IELTS is developed by an international team of writers. The test content is internationally focused, thanks to our network of test materials writers in North America, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. All the standard varieties of English are accepted in candidates' responses.

Carl Rhymer, Head of IELTS at The British Council concludes: "IELTS is proud of its rich heritage as the leading English language test and we are committed to building on our vast experience, to continue to develop IELTS and ensure it remains a secure and reliable indicator of ability that meets the demands of the modern student."

IELTS` increasing popularity In the US education market was highlighted last year with the announcement that more than 2,000 Us Academic Institutions - including the Ivy League schools - use the test for admission purposes. IELTS is also used for entry into almost all higher education institutions in Australia, UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.

In addition, IELTS is now one of the approved English language tests used by the UK Border Agency, to test highly skilled and skilled migrants, who are coming to work in the UK and need to prove their English language ability as part of the Government's new 'Points based system' for immigration. IELTS is also accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.