How to prepare and book your IELTS test for your AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa)

Are you looking to apply for the Accredited Work Employer Visa? You may need to take an English test like IELTS for your application. IELTS the approved English test you may need to take.

Learn more about taking the IELTS test for your AEWV, including how to book the test and how to prepare for your IELTS.

IELTS is an English exam that tests your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills. You get a score between 1 (lowest) and 9 (highest). IELTS is trusted by Immigration New Zealand.

Book IELTS for your AEWV

In New Zealand and Australia, your job is classified based on the skill level. You can see the list in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) website.

Jobs are listed as ANZCO Level 1 to Level 5.

Find out more information here.

If your job is listed as ANZCO levels 1 to 3

• No English requirement.

If your job is listed as ANZCO level 4 or 5

• You must show that you can speak and understand English.

• Minimum IELTS score of 4.0 overall.

• You can take IELTS General Training for work or migration. This tests your every-day English language.

• Your IELTS result must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply.

Book your test in 5 steps:

1. Pick a test centre near you

2. Choose your test type and format

• You can book IELTS General Training for migration

• Choose between taking your test on paper (write answers with a pencil/pen on paper) or on computer (type your answers on a keyboard

3. Pick a date and time

• Book your test early to get your results in time for your visa

• Take IELTS on computer for faster results (3-5 days)

4. Complete the application and pay the test fee

• Don't forget to upload a clear copy of your passport

• Choose to pay using a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card, PayPal, or AliPay*

• *Every test centre will have different payment options available

5. Prepare for your IELTS test

• Get your FREE IELTS Preparation Course (check your email)

• Access our range of preparation materials

Before taking the test, it’s important to get to know IELTS.

1. IELTS test types:

• IELTS General Training

  • For migration, work, or secondary studies

• IELTS Academic

  • For higher education (university/graduate degree) or professional registration

• If you want to take a test that focuses on every-day, non-academic English, take the IELTS General Training test.

Learn more about test types

2. IELTS test format:

• IELTS on paper

  • Take the test on paper (answer with pencil or pen)

  • Results in 15 calendar days

• IELTS on computer

  • Take the test on computer (type your answers on a keyboard), but Speaking is still face-to-face/in person

  • Results in 3-5 days

• IELTS One Skill Retake is available in select test centres

3. IELTS test sections:

• Listening

  • You will listen to four recordings and answer 40 questions

• Reading

  • You will read texts (different for Academic and General Training) and answer 40 questions

• Writing

  • You will complete Writing Task 1 (150 words) and Writing Task 2 (250 words)

  • Task 1 is different for Academic and General Training

• Speaking

  • You will speak face-to-face or in-person with an examiner

  • There will be three parts

  • All accents are accepted

Learn more about IELTS test sections

4. IELTS Question types:

• Listening question types

• Reading question types

• Writing question types

  • IELTS General Training Writing question types

  • IELTS Academic Writing question types

• Speaking question types

5. IELTS One Skill Retake:

• If you were unable to meet your required scores when you first take your IELTS test, you can retake one section of the test with IELTS One Skill Retake.

• To be eligible, you must:

  • have completed a full test on computer at an eligible test centre

  • received your IELTS results

  • book your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date

Learn more about IELTS One Skill Retake

• Download the official IELTS Preparation Guide

• Attend an IELTS Masterclass – in-person class or online webinar

• Take an IELTS practice test (mock test)

• When you book your test, you will get free exclusive access to an IELTS Preparation Course

For our full list of preparation materials, visit our Study for IELTS page.

• Make sure to bring your passport.

• Arrive 30 minutes early for registration.

• Visit our Test Day Checklist for more details.

• Need help? Contact us.

Do you need to apply for your Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Book your IELTS test now