IELTS Academic vs General Training: Differences and Which Test to Choose
Two versions of the same test
IELTS is offered in two versions: Academic and General Training. Both measure the same four skills and use the same 0 to 9 band scale. Listening and Speaking are identical. The differences are in Reading and Writing, which reflect different purposes.
Which test is for which purpose
IELTS Academic is generally used for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate study and for some professional registration. IELTS General Training is generally used for work experience, training programmes below degree level and for some migration purposes. The correct version depends entirely on the requirements of the organisation that asks for your result, so check with them before booking. If you take the wrong version, the result may not be accepted.
Reading differences
Academic Reading has three long passages from books, journals and newspapers on academic subjects. General Training Reading has three sections: short everyday texts such as notices and advertisements, workplace texts such as job descriptions, and one longer text on a general topic. The band conversion tables for the two versions differ.
Writing differences
In Academic Task 1 you describe visual information such as a graph, table, map or process in at least 150 words. In General Training Task 1 you write a letter in response to a situation, in a formal, semi-formal or informal tone. Task 2 is an essay in both versions, although the General Training topics are usually more general.
How to choose
Contact your university, employer or immigration authority and ask exactly which IELTS version and what scores they accept. Then prepare with materials for that version. Our articles on Reading and Writing focus mostly on Academic practice, and many skills transfer to General Training.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier, Academic or General Training?
Neither is officially easier. They test different content, and the bands are not interchangeable.
Can I switch between versions after booking?
Rules vary by test centre, so contact your centre as early as possible.
Do both versions have the same Speaking test?
Yes. Listening and Speaking are the same.