If you want to go to university or work in the UK, it is likely you will know a thing or two about IELTS and Cambridge exams. Choosing between these exams and their respective courses can be a difficult decision. There’s no right or wrong answer – it is simply what is best for you as a learner and what you hope to do with the qualification.

To help you make the choice, we have picked out some of the exam’s key features and their pros and cons.

IELTS Pros

• Accepted by British universities: IELTS is accepted by 11,000 organisations worldwide including top colleges and universities in the UK, so it’s highly likely the institution you want to attend will be included. To check click here.
• Available to all levels: IELTS exams are open to students of all English language abilities unlike the Cambridge exams which begin at B2 level. To take an IELTS course at IHL you will need to be at B1 level, but to take the exam there is no minimum requirement.
• More opportunities to take the exam: IELTS exams take place very regularly and most centres offer exams four times a month. You can book your exam at IHL here.
• Quicker results: As well as more opportunities to take the exam, the results are quick too. You can find out how you did in just 13 days.
• Recognised worldwide: IELTS qualifications are accepted in over 140 countries, so wherever you wish to work or study, it is likely your credentials will be welcomed.

IELTS Cons

• More structure: This can be a good or bad thing depending on how you like to learn. Academic IELTS tests the four skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening and there is less focus on language development (vocabulary, patterns in language etc). Academic English is naturally more formal in tone and the topics are therefore also more limited.
• Writing types are limited: As suggested above, the writing exam will only test your ability to develop essays suitable for university purposes. Learning how to write an email or a report, which may be more suitable for a work environment, are not covered.
• The results expire: Like all things in life, your IELTS level test results do not last forever. After 2 years, the qualification expires, and you will need to take the test again.

Cambridge Exam pros

• Chosen by level: Unlike IELTS, you will choose the Cambridge exam that suits your English language ability. The exam courses offered at IHL, start with the B2 First and conclude with C2 Proficiency. Take a look at our courses here.
• Focus on language development: The Cambridge exam focuses on improving skills and language knowledge. Learners therefore learn more about collocations (words that go together) and register (whether something is formal or informal) for example. This approach tends to give students a more well-rounded learning experience.
• Writing tasks are varied: In the Cambridge syllabus there is more variety in the types of writing tasks and candidates also get to choose which one they wish to answer. With opportunities to write emails, letters and reports, these tend to better prepare students for the world of work.
• Longer courses: This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your goals… The course at IHL is 10 weeks long which give you more time to develop, prepare for the exam and see progress as you go.
• No expiry date: The good news is that once you have passed your Cambridge exam, the certificate is for life and does not expire.

Cambridge Exam cons

• Fewer exams and longer to wait: Unlike IELTS, Cambridge exams happen once a month and results are out 6-9 weeks after your exam date.
• Longer exams: Settle in, because the writing and reading exams last between 1 hour 15 mins and 1 hour 30 mins, while the listening exam is 40 minutes long.
• Limited recognition: While Cambridge exams are recognised by universities in many countries around the world, IELTS is still the dominant qualification. It is therefore always a good idea to check if your chosen organisation accepts a Cambridge certificate before applying. Click here to find out more.