The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English, and was established in 1989. IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world.
- Year started: 1980, 40 years ago
- Purpose: To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
- Fee: Around 250 USD
- Knowledge / skills tested: Listening, reading, writing and speaking of the English language.
- Score / grade validity: 24 Months
IELTS 雅思考试（International English Language Testing System，国际英语语言测试系统）是为那些打算在以英语作为交流语言的国家和地区留学或就业的人们设置的英语语言水平考试。雅思考试由英国文化教育协会、IDP教育集团和剑桥大学外语考试部三方在全球共同组织运作。
雅思考试内容涵盖听说读写四项语言技能，兼具实用性和学术性，能够精准地测评考生真实的英语沟通能力。雅思考试有两种考试类型：学术类和培训类。学术类雅思适用于出国留学申请本科、研究生及以上学位，或获得专业资质。培训类适用于英语国家移民申请（如澳大利亚、加拿大、新西兰及英国），或申请培训及非文凭类课程。