IELTS – International English Language Testing Service
International English Language Testing System (IELTS, pronounced /'ielts/) is a test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. Candidates may choose either the Academic Module or the General Training Module:

• The Academic Module is intended for those who wish to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education.
• The General Training Module is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, by an increasing number of academic institutions in the USA, and by various professional organizations. 
For foreign –trained nurses IELTS is a must to pass as both a licensure and immigration requirement.   The nurses take Academic Training Module IELTS.

Test Format

      Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing tests. The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. There is no break between the tests. The Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other tests. A computerised version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing tests (CB IELTS) is available at selected centres, but all centres will continue to offer paper-based IELTS and candidates will be given the choice of the medium in which they wish to take the test.

IELTS characteristics

The IELTS incorporates the following features:

• A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimize linguistic bias. Since the TOEFL only concerns North American English, the IELTS is considered more authoritative than TOEFL by some people and organizations (especially the ones outside the United States). Although apparently the TOEFL incorporates British and Australian listening exercises.

• IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.

• Two test formats can be chosen from - Academic and General Training.

• Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").

What is the IELTS test like?

You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections. The test has four sections:

1. Listening - 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
2. Speaking - interview, 15 minutes
3. Reading - different for Academic or General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
4. Writing - different for Academic or General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

Band Scale

IELTS is scored on a nine band scale. Each Band corresponds to different English competence. The Band Scores are in either whole or half Bands. The nine bands are described as such:

9 Expert User

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8 Very Good User

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

7 Good User

Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

6 Competent User

Competent user.

5 Modest User

Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

4 Limited User

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in use of complex language.

3 Extremely Limited User

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

2 Intermittent User

No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 Non User

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

0 Did not attempt

No assessable information provided. Candidate may have failed to sit for the test

The score of the test accepted for Nurses:

         Both specific American state in which nurse intends to obtain position as RN and Immigration authorities has certain pass rate to accept nurse as eligible whether for licensure or immigration to USA.  The pass rate is set for each type of English language skills tested. To get CGFNS Visa Screen Certificate, an immigration support document, nurse must get 7,0 score on Speaking Band and at least 6,5 on each of General Band components (listening, reading, writing).  

Preparing for the Test :

         It is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test. Cambridge Staffing Solution proposes special program for the clients of company who signed a contract. It is a free intensive training for the exam. Additionally, candidates can use British Council and other resources. There are informational centres of British Council in Lvov, Odessa, Kharkiv, Donetzk and Kyiv. Applicants can get there audio, video, paper materials for test preparation. Many sites are available too:

http://www.ielts.org/
http://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/
http://www.britishcouncil.org
http://ieltshelpnow.com/
http://www.ielts.studyau.com/
http://www.ielts.studyau.com/   and ect.

         IELTS is administered in Ukraine only in Kyiv.  After serious preparation and set of checking exams set all candidates takes IELTS. Each applicant is encouraged to use the best of his English language abilities and succeed.

      The IETS is a key to your nursing carrier in USA. No foreign-trained nurse got a visa to US and RN job in American hospital without this test. No nurse will do it. 

    So, let us make good start and improve you English language skills!