IELTS means International English Language Testing System and it is a test of English language proficiency. The test is designed to assess the language ability of non-native speakers of English who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. It covers all four language skills - listening, reading, writingand speaking. The IELTS test focuses on "International English", which includes British English, American English and other varieties like Australian or South African English.

IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. IELTS tests are administered at centres throughout the world - there are currently more than 300 centres, in over 120 countries.

IELTS is accepted by most British, Australian, Canadian, Irish and New Zealand academic institutions for higher and further education. IELTS is increasingly accepted by European academic institutions where the medium of instruction is English. In the United States of America IELTS is gaining recognition as an alternative to TOEFL. However, note that not all academic institutions in the USA are accepting the IELTS score in which case you need to take TOEFL.