IELTS in Singapore

The International English Language Testing System also referred to as IELTS in Singapore and around the world measures your skill with the English language if you want to study or work in a country where English is the dominant language. This internationally recognised qualification is administered by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, The British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia.

The exam is offered either in the Academic or the General Training Modules. As the names indicate, the Academic module is for persons who intend to pursue their tertiary education in an English speaking Country. The General Training module is more for those completing their secondary education or participating in some kind of non-degree level training or work experience programme. This General Training module is not as rigorous as the Academic module.

Every year, more than 1 million IELTS exams are taken in over 800 testing centres. In Singapore, there are 2 testing centres that you can use to take the IELTS Exam and they are run by the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd. Singapore.

Registering for IELTS in Singapore

With the decision made, the next step to taking the IELTS in Singapore is registering for the exam. Registration is fairly simple and can be done either online, in person or via mail at either of the 2 testing centres. The required application should be completed and submitted along with 2 photographs and a copy of your government issued ID.

With registration completed, the date, time and location of your test will be sent to you by your selected test centre. The speaking test would usually take place 7 days before or after your issued date.

Once you have registered, it is possible to postpone your test date, but this of course will be at an additional cost to you.

Preparation Courses for IELTS in Singapore

There are many institutions and centres that offer preparation courses for the IELTS in Singapore. With the exam comprising of four key areas, namely listening, reading, writing and speaking, one of the first steps to be taken would be the enrolling in an English Language course. These kinds of classes will help you to improve on your weak areas following the direction of your teacher and classmates. Worldwide, the IELTS is offered several times a month with each centre providing various test dates to choose from. In total, there are 48 test dates a year for the exam to be offered.



Who has the best course for IELTS in Singapore?

Despite the fact that the IELTS in Singapore is offered by both the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd Singapore, the material tested and the marking criteria are the same. While rumours have been about that one centre offers better preparation courses than the other, it all depends on your ability with the English language and your reasons for taking the exam.

With the British Council for instance, they would usually offer their written exam (written, listening and reading) segment prior to the oral or speaking segment. The IDP does the reverse by offering their speaking segment before the written part of the paper.

Each of these two test centres offers students a variety of options to prepare for the IELTS in Singapore. The British Council currently offers 5 different courses for students with different skills levels. These tests also include express sessions for persons who have an advanced knowledge of English but have limited time to prepare. There are also separate preparation courses for the General training and Academic Training tests.

Unlike the British Council, IDP Education Pty Ltd Singapore provides access to the practice materials needed for the course and not actual preparation courses. For more details on how to prepare for the IELTS in Singapore, check this website: IELTS Singapore. Jonathan is the owner of IELTS Singapore and is the foremost private tutor of IELTS in Singapore.

Who else offers Preparation Courses for IELTS in Singapore?

As with any internationally recognised language skills exam, there are several language schools that would also be offer language classes in preparation for the exam. The same is also true for the IELTS in Singapore. A simple search on Google will provide options for various test preparation centres that offer full language classes that cover all course material or courses that focus on specific areas. Also, as with most courses, it is possible to have personal one-on-one training. As more and more people seem to prefer these days, there is also the option of receiving online classes.

Sample Material for IELTS in Singapore

When preparing for IELTS in Singapore, an integral part of this preparation includes the use of practice tests. These tests give you an idea of the exam format and what the examiner is looking for on exam day. Most importantly however is the fact that the practice test also gives you the exam taker the opportunity of testing if you are ready to take the exam.

In addition to both the IDP and British Council offering access to sample and practice tests, the IELTS information site and most other preparation centres also provide the same.

Once the Test is Out of the Way

After you have taken the IELTS in Singapore, online results are usually available in about 2 weeks. Each student is issued a certificate and where required up to 5 exam transcripts can be sent out to the educational institution, company, embassy or organisation identified by the test taker.

Why you should consider IELTS in Singapore

When coming from Singapore where the native language is not English, you are required to demonstrate your ability in it if you wish to live work and study in an English speaking country. While there are various language skills test around, IELTS in Singapore is seen as one of the best.

Having been around since 1989 and with demand for its training and exams increasing on an annual basis it is evidenced that IELTS in Singapore is quickly becoming one of the top rated language testing systems.

Best of all, IELTS is designed for everyone. There is no pass or fail, there is just a score indicating your proficiency level in the English Language. This makes it perfect if you are simply migrating to an English speaking country or if you will be pursuing a higher education. It is also ideal if your reasons are for work purposes.

In marking the test, bands used to assess and measure student’s ability range from 9 (expert user) to 0 (did not attempt test).

If for some reason you are not satisfied with your results, it is possible to take it again. However, if this is the case, it is highly recommended that you ensure that you are adequately prepared and have had a lot of practice using the language. There are many resources and courses available to aid you in your preparation for the IELTS in Singapore and you should use them.

Where to Find the Best IELTS Course in Singapore

How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam

Where Can I Study for the IELTS Online

The Difference Between the Academic and General Training Papers

Where You Can Find IELTS Past Papers