The IELTS test is developed to provide assessment on the English language proficiency in a fair, accurate and reliable manner. It has rigorous test design, development and validation processes. These processes verify that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty, and that every test around the world provides valid and consistent results.
Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations around the world and is unbiased and fair to all test takers, whatever their background.
The Academic format is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is typically for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs
It should be noted that certain professions require an Academic test result for registration and migration purposes.