London: The number of organisations accepting IELTS (International English Language Testing System) results has reached 10,000, cementing the test’s position as the world’s leading English language test for education and global migration purposes. Global recognition is one of the reasons why the number of people taking IELTS continues to grow, with 2.9 million tests taken in 2016.

The growth in recognising organisations — which include universities, schools, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies — is an indication of how these bodies trust and value IELTS results as a secure, valid and reliable indication of a  test taker’s English language proficiency.

James Shipton, Head of IELTS at the British Council, said: “The world-leading expertise of the three IELTS partners delivers ever-higher standards in test development and delivery, to ensure that IELTS continues to meet the needs of our customers worldwide.”

Warwick Freeland, Managing Director at IDP IELTS Australia, said: “Around the world people are choosing to take IELTS to help achieve their lifelong learning, career and migration goals. We are committed to continually improving our customers’ experiences especially as IELTS is often taken at a significant juncture of their lives.”

Test takers are measured in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (the lowest) through to 9 (the highest band). IELTS offers a choice of two test versions, to serve both academic and non-academic purposes.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.  ELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration with over 2.9 million tests taken in the last year.