What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
Quick answer
The Reading and Writing sections differ, while Listening and Speaking are the same in both tests. IELTS.org says Academic suits undergraduate or postgraduate study and professional registration. General Training suits people migrating to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK, and those training or studying below degree level.
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IELTS has two test types, and they share more than they differ. IELTS.org states that in both the Academic and the General Training test, the Speaking and Listening sections are the same. The Reading and Writing sections differ.
Who takes which
IELTS.org says to choose Academic if you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or if you are seeking professional registration, such as doctors and nurses. It says General Training is suitable for those wishing to migrate to a country where English is spoken (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.
Its description of the purpose is that Academic assesses whether you are ready to begin studying in English, with vocabulary familiar in an academic setting, while General Training assesses everyday English you need in social situations and workplaces.
What is the same
| Academic and General Training | |
|---|---|
| Listening | Approximately 30 minutes, 40 questions |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes, face to face |
| Reading | 60 minutes, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes, two tasks |
The time and the number of questions do not change between the two.
What differs in Reading
Academic Reading uses texts from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources, written for a non-specialist audience and of general interest to students. IELTS.org gives 2150 to 2750 words. General Training Reading has short everyday texts, work-related texts and one longer text, in 2150 to 2375 words. The lists of question types differ too, with 11 for Academic and eight for General Training.
What differs in Writing
Task 1 is different. Academic asks you to describe a graph, table, chart or diagram in your own words. General Training asks for a letter, which may be personal, semi-formal or formal. Both then require an essay in Task 2, at least 250 words, and both give at least 150 words for Task 1.
What is not published
IELTS.org does not say that one type is easier, and its pages do not compare how demanding the two are. The organisation that asks for your result decides which type it accepts.
What this means for your score
Choosing the wrong one is not a matter of scoring lower. A result from the wrong test type may simply not be accepted. Confirm with the organisation or government office that asked for IELTS which type it wants before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Which test is easier, Academic or General Training?
IELTS.org does not rank them. It says the two tests assess language that is more relevant to each sector, so the choice should follow what you need the result for. The band scales are the same, but the Reading conversion points differ.
Is the length the same?
Yes. Both give approximately 30 minutes for Listening, 60 minutes for Reading, 60 minutes for Writing and 11 to 14 minutes for Speaking. Both Reading tests have 40 questions, and both Writing tests have two tasks.
How does the Writing differ?
In Academic Task 1 you describe visual information such as a graph, table, chart or diagram. In General Training Task 1 you write a letter in response to an everyday situation. Task 2 is an essay in both, and Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in both.
Does the Reading score convert the same way?
No. IELTS.org publishes different conversion points. About 23 out of 40 is band 6 in Academic Reading, while band 6 in General Training Reading needs about 30. It says the exact figure varies slightly by test version.
Sources
- IELTS test types — IELTS.org
- IELTS Academic test format — IELTS.org
- IELTS General Training test format and sections — IELTS.org
- IELTS scoring in detail: band scores explained — IELTS.org
Last verified 30 Sep 2026
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