IELTS comes in two versions: Academic and General Training. Booking the wrong one is an expensive mistake, because the organisation you are applying to may not accept your result, and you will have to pay to sit the test again.
What is the same and what is different
| Section | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Listening (about 30 min) | The same test for both | |
| Speaking (11–14 min) | The same test for both | |
| Reading (60 min, 40 questions) | Longer texts from books, journals and newspapers, written for a general but educated reader | Everyday texts (notices, advertisements), then work-related texts, then one longer text on a topic of general interest |
| Writing Task 1 (about 20 min) | Describe a graph, table, chart, map or process in at least 150 words | Write a letter (personal, semi-formal or formal) of at least 150 words |
| Writing Task 2 (about 40 min) | An essay of at least 250 words. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in both versions | |
Which one do you need?
- University study (undergraduate or postgraduate): usually Academic.
- Professional registration, such as nurses and midwives with Ahpra: Academic. See our IELTS for nurses guide.
- Migration and many work visas: often General Training, though for Australian visas Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Check the English requirements for your specific visa. See our IELTS for Australian PR guide.
- Training or study below degree level (for example, some vocational courses): often General Training.
Always check first. Requirements are set by the university, employer, registration board or visa, not by IELTS. Look for the exact words "IELTS Academic" or "General Training" on their official page before you book.
Is one easier than the other?
Neither is "easier". They test different things. Many people find General Training Reading more familiar because the texts are everyday ones, but the raw score needed for each band is higher in General Training Reading than in Academic Reading. For example, about 30 correct answers out of 40 gives roughly band 7 in Academic Reading, while General Training needs about 34 or 35. You can try this with our IELTS score calculator.
Practise the parts that are the same
Task 2 essays and Speaking are the same in both versions, and they are where most people need the biggest improvement. Check a Task 2 essay with the free BandIQ Band Check, or practise Speaking with instant AI feedback.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
Listening and Speaking are the same. Reading and Writing are different: Academic uses academic-style texts and a chart or diagram description in Writing Task 1, while General Training uses everyday and work texts and a letter in Writing Task 1.
Which IELTS do I need for Australian PR?
Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Check the official English language page for your visa before you book.
Which IELTS do nurses need for Ahpra?
IELTS Academic. General Training is not accepted for Ahpra registration.
Can I change from General Training to Academic after booking?
Rules depend on the test centre. Contact your test centre as early as possible; changes close to the test date may not be allowed or may cost a fee.