Who is behind the IELTS exam?

It is one of the most widely recognised English language qualifications in the world, yet many candidates are unaware of the organisations responsible for its development and administration. This article explains who is behind the exam and outlines official IELTS test centres in Spain.
Who is behind the IELTS exam?

Who is behind the IELTS exam?

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the result of a collaboration between three leading international organisations in education and language assessment: Cambridge University Press & Assessment, IDP Education, and the British Council.

Understanding who is behind this certification helps candidates understand why IELTS is one of the most widely recognised English language exams in the world, and why its results are accepted by universities, employers, and institutions in many countries.

The three co-owners of IELTS form a global partnership, and the test is not owned by a single institution. This structure ensures that assessment standards remain consistent worldwide.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is responsible for the academic design, linguistic research, and ongoing development of the test. This ensures that IELTS maintains high standards of quality, reliability, and rigour.

IDP Education is an organisation specialising in education and international student mobility, and it manages a global network of IELTS test centres.

The British Council is an organisation dedicated to cultural relations and the promotion of English language learning. It also administers the test in many countries.

Is the exam different if taken through IDP or the British Council?

No. This is one of the most frequently asked questions among candidates.

The IELTS exam is exactly the same, regardless of which organisation you book it through.

The content, scoring, validity, and global recognition of the results are identical worldwide.

What may vary is:

  • Availability of test dates
  • Test centre locations
  • Types of IELTS tests offered
  • Candidate experience and administrative support

Who marks the IELTS test?

IELTS marking follows standardised international procedures.

The Reading and Listening components are marked using automated and standardised systems, while the Writing and Speaking tests are assessed by certified examiners who have undergone specific IELTS training.

The assessment criteria are consistent worldwide and are overseen by the organisations responsible for the test.

Where can I take the IELTS exam in Spain?

Candidates can take the IELTS exam at official test centres authorised by the British Council or IDP, located in various cities across Spain.

Before choosing a test centre, many candidates consider factors such as test date availability, test formats offered, and location.

They may also take into account how quickly results are released, the flexibility of registration, and feedback from other candidates.

Certify Education is an authorised IDP test centre in Spain (centre ES206), with offices in Madrid and Barcelona. Since 2021, Certify has administered the IELTS exam to thousands of candidates, both individually and through universities and other educational institutions.

Image: IDP's Brand bank

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