How long is the IELTS certificate valid and what is the term?

IELTS is considered as a passport, opening up many new opportunities for everyone from study to employment. Currently, there are many news and articles written about IELTS on social networks. But do you really understand the information about how long the IELTS is valid as well as the values ​​and benefits that this degree brings? So let's learn more about this certificate with DOL English!

1. What is IELTS certificate?

IELTS stands forInternational English Language Testing System. This is considered a prestigious exam, organized around the world to assess the ability of candidates to use English (from countries that speak English as a second language or a foreign language) through 4 skills. power:

• Listening (Listening)

• Speak (Speaking)

• Reading (Reading)

• Writing (Writing)

IELTS was co-founded in 1989 by 3 units: ESOL (University of Cambridge), IDP (Australia) and British Council (British Council). Currently, IDP and BC (British Council) are two exclusive units in our country that are licensed to organize and issue certificates for the IELTS exam.  

After completing the IELTS test, you will receive a note of your English ability. Also known as an IELTS diploma or certificate.

IELTS will show you the results and band scores of each skill according to the IELTS scale from 1.0 to 9.0. The same total score ( Overall ) is the average of all 4 skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing rounded to 0.5.

Eg:

If you have test scores for each skill as follows: Reading 9.0, Listening 6.5, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 6.0, your total score will be 7.0 because (9.0 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 6.0) ÷ 4 = 7.0

2. Common IELTS test formats

There are two common IELTS test formats: 

2.1 IELTS Academic

The English language degree IELTS Academic (IELTS Academic) is widely recognized as the entry language requirement for all Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. In other words, this is a measure of whether an applicant's English proficiency is ready or not to study educational programs taught entirely in English.

2.2 IELTS General Training

IELTS Non-Academic (IELTS General Training) is suitable for all those who are preparing to study abroad in English-speaking countries to complete high school, training programs or for immigration purposes.

Learn more about IELTS test formats through the following video:

3. How long is the IELTS certificate valid?

IELTS certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of test. At the end of 2 years your IELTS certificate will no longer be valid. So you need to consider choosing the appropriate IELTS test time.

The duration of 2 years of IELTS is explained with the reason that after 2 years, if you do not use English regularly and regularly, your level will be reduced a lot. Therefore, the old IELTS certificate that has expired will no longer accurately reflect English ability.

The duration of IELTS is 2 years, so what will candidates do after 2 years of IELTS expires? To answer this question, you need to redefine your purpose when studying IELTS.

If you want to find a good job, want to settle abroad or find a scholarship to study abroad, you probably won't need to take the IELTS again. However, if you use your IELTS for work in positions such as interpreter or teacher, of course you must regularly update your IELTS score.  

In addition, you also need to consider to choose the right exam registration time. If you register for the IELTS test too early, it may be time to use it, the IELTS certificate period has expired for 2 years. If you take the exam late, it may take too long for the degree to be granted compared to the time when you need the certificate for personal purposes.

To ensure that the knowledge that candidates gain after passing their IELTS test is complete and up to date, IELTS scores are usually only correct for 2 years. IELTS results are published within 5 to 7 days of the test date.

4. How to take advantage of the value of IELTS?

Once you have found out how long an IELTS certificate lasts , you need to know how to take advantage of the benefits of an IELTS certificate in the time allotted.

Here are ways that you can get the most out of your IELTS :

4.1 Proof of foreign language ability

As mentioned, IELTS is a test to prove the candidate's ability and proficiency in a foreign language (specifically English).

So if you pass the test and get an IELTS score with a score corresponding to your real English ability, this is considered a testament to your IELTS study and hard practice.

In addition, with a high IELTS band score, you can confirm your ability when studying abroad or studying and working in English-speaking countries. 

4.2 Making a study abroad application

IELTS is recognized by many countries around the world as the most prestigious exam. This is a mandatory condition when immigrating, looking for work in companies or studying abroad in English-speaking countries: UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.

Therefore, with IELTS in hand, you will have wide opportunities to hunt for scholarships and study abroad at top universities around the world. And the certificate here is the IELTS Academic certificate – IELTS test format dedicated to serving the study requirements at schools around the world.

4.3 University Admission

The value of IELTS is also reflected in the university admission process. For those of you who already have IELTS 4.0 in high school, this is a great opportunity to help you get closer to your dream university.

Although universities require different band scores. But in general, if your band score is 6.5 or higher, you will definitely have a chance to be considered for admission. 

4.4 Advantages when applying for a job

Your CV will stand out from other candidates a lot if you have IELTS 7.0 or higher. In professional working environments, especially multinational companies, the daily use of English is obvious.

Therefore, with an impressive IELTS score, you will definitely score points in the eyes of employers. From there, it's easy to get your dream job in big companies.

4.5 Being a lecturer or teaching assistant

Talking about the value of the IELTS , it is impossible not to mention the role of this certificate when taking the entrance exam to be a teacher or teaching assistant. Specifically, with a high band score in IELTS, candidates can easily apply for jobs at Public or Private Educational Institutions to take on the position of teachers, lecturers or teaching assistants.

With this job, you will have the opportunity to regularly use English to continue to improve your professional capacity (specifically English). At the same time, you can practice your own teaching skills. 

5. Frequently asked questions

Does IELTS certificate expire?

Have! IELTS certificate is only valid for 2 years from the date of issue.

Is the IELTS certificate valid from the date of the test or the date of receipt of the results?

The validity of the IELTS score is calculated from the date the IELTS test results are published and made available to the candidate.

How to extend the validity of IELTS?

There is no way but to take the IELTS test again when the IELTS score expires.

Through the above article, hopefully you have understood how long the IELTS is valid. Along with that is information related to IELTS such as definition, classification, how to take advantage of the value of IELTS. DOL wishes you will soon get the band score you want!