It was designed initially with an Academic Module with specific purpose content intended to test language
proficiency for entry to studies in English, and a General Training Module which was aimed primarily at
vocational language use. The specific purpose content was revised in subsequent versions of the test.
Recognition of IELTS globally has grown to well over 6,000 institutions and professional bodies as
well as government immigration authorities. Recognition of the test in the USA, a relatively new and
potentially very large market, had grown to over 2,000 institutions and professional bodies by 2009.
The test consists of an extended reading and listening test, a writing test in the form of an essay or
report, and a speaking test between candidate and examiner in the context of a real-time and real-life
discussion. Candidates are able to sit the test as often as they wish and are able to access their results
in a short timeframe of thirteen days. Institutional and professional users are able to access candidate
results directly through an online verification service.