The Perks of Passing an IELTS Exam

Most people have various reasons why they dream of working, studying or living abroad. Professionals who work for foreign companies feel a sense of accomplishment, a milestone for their career. It gives them the feeling of competence as they work in a diverse environment. Meanwhile, studying abroad allows students to gain a wider perspective in life as they immerse in a different culture.

Aside from career and studies, some people migrate to other countries due to numerous reasons, usually involving perks that a citizen enjoys (e.g., free hospitalization, retirement benefits, etc.)

Whatever your reason is for leaving your home country, consider taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is a test that measures a person’s English language proficiency. It is suitable for people who want to live, study or work abroad, especially in an English-speaking country. Should you decide on taking an IELTS exam, you must be familiar with the following:

• Band scores – Test takers are evaluated from a scale of 1 to 9. Some countries and universities/colleges specify the band scores that a prospective migrant, student or worker must achieve.

• Types of IELTS – There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. The IELTS Academic is suitable for those who want to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies and professional registration in an English-speaking country, while the IELTS General Training is for those who are planning to pursue secondary or vocational education, migrate and work in an English-speaking country.

• IELTS subtests – IELTS has four subtests: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Reading and Writing exams vary for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, while Speaking and Listening are similar for both.

For comprehensive details regarding the IELTS subtests, types and band scores, consider enrolling in an IELTS online training or course.

Here are some benefits of passing the IELTS exam:

1. Better job opportunity
    Certain industries require an IELTS. Professionals who belong to the fields of healthcare, accounting, engineering, finance, among others, may have to take an IELTS exam. Meeting the required band score can help you land a job easier.
   In most cases, companies prefer employees who can communicate well. Getting the required band score, or even higher, serves as a validation of a professional’s capacity to communicate well in English.

Anyone who aspires to work in an English-speaking country must obtain at least a band score of 5 (modest user) to 6 (competent user) in the IELTS Exam. However, minimum score varies depending on the country and industry.

2. Better study opportunity
    Universities abroad require international students to take an IELTS Academic test as proof of their English proficiency. It serves as a confirmation that international students can keep up with an academic environment where English is the medium of instruction. Students who want to pursue further studies, master’s or doctorate, need to obtain at least a band score of 5 (modest user). Then again, minimum band scores may vary depending on the country or university you wish to study.

3. Better immigration opportunity
    One of the many requirements in applying for immigration includes a proof of a person’s ability to speak and understand the language of a country he/she wishes to reside permanently. An aspiring immigrant stands a better chance of being approved of citizenship if he/she meets a country’s required band score.

Although some countries do not require an individual to take an IELTS test either for study, work or immigration, it is still recommended that you have your English proficiency assessed to help you land better opportunities. After all, English is a universal language.

For further information about IELTS, you may want to take advantage of IELTS online reviews or courses offered by review centers.