The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised English language assessment of the highest quality and integrity. It is widely recognised throughout the world for entrance into tertiary education and is also often used for job recruitment and emigration purposes.

Taking one of our IELTS preparation courses (2-week course or 1-day workshop) is the ideal way to prepare for this challenging examination.

Why study with the British Council?
Our trainers are highly qualified and experienced native speaker professionals who know exactly what is important when preparing for the test.

The teaching materials we use on our courses are constantly monitored and developed as part of the British Council's global academic support network.

What courses does the British Council offer?
We specialise in exam skills preparation rather than general language improvement. We offer two lengths of course: a 2-week intensive of 30 hours and a 1-day workshop of 7 hours. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

The course content in both cases is specifically designed to familiarise candidates with the format of the IELTS test and what is involved for General Training as well as Academic Module candidates. You will work using sample tasks and answers to identify useful strategies. The trainer will advise you on exam technique to maximise the effectiveness of your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. By the end of the course you will have practised all four modules of the test.

We strongly recommend you take the 2-week course where possible as this includes more examples and tips on technique as well as offering you more opportunities to practise and receive regular feedback on your work.

The 1-day workshop is designed to give an overview of the test format and time frames, and is recommended if you are not in a position to attend a 2-week intensive course.

Where and when do the courses take place?
All courses take place in Berlin. The 2-week intensive is held Mon-Thu 09:30-13:15; the 1-day workshop takes place Fri 10:30-18:30.

What do I need to do in order to register?
Before you can register for a course:

• check which version of the test you need to take
  
  The Academic Module is usually suitable for people seeking admission to tertiary education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and for professional registration.
  
  The General Training Module is often used as evidence of language proficiency for emigration or work purposes.
  
• find out from the institution that has asked you to take the test what score you need to attain.

What is placement testing?
Before you can register for a course, you are required to do a placement test.

This is aimed at producing a snapshot of your knowledge of the language and your speaking ability in order for us to counsel you on the best study option – our 2-week course or the shorter 1-day workshop. In both cases we require you to have a minimum level of B2 on the Common European Framework to be able to participate effectively.

As part of the placement test you should first complete the written part of the test to the best of your own ability, using your own knowledge and without the help of any dictionary, taking around 20 minutes. Return the Placement Test (Word document) to us by e-mail to exams@britishcouncil.de together with your completed Student Registration Form and transfer the fee of €20 to our account:

Account Holder: British Council
Bank: Deutsche Bank AG
Bank Sort Code: 100 700 00
Account No: 4334439
Reference: GEBXOC 3119PT

Once the money has been received, we will confirm an appointment date for a short telephone interview, lasting 5-10 minutes. Phone interviews take place on Wednesdays between 17:15-19:15.

How do I complete the registration process?
At the end of the interview the placement tester will offer you a place on a course, subject to availability and your level. Our Exams Assistant will send you the printed registration documents and instructions on how to pay. These should reach you within three working days.

You need to sign the mandatory letter of registration and data protection notice and return one copy of each to the British Council Exams team as soon as possible. Your place on the course is confirmed once we have received these. The course fee should be paid by bank transfer before the course starts. For full details of course fees and our cancellation policy, please read our Terms and Conditions.