Examiner recruitment and training

Interested in becoming an IELTS examiner?

If you meet the requirements given here, please contact your local test centre.

IELTS Writing and Speaking tests are carried out by trained and certificated examiners, all of whom are qualified and experienced English language specialists. The examiners work to clearly defined criteria and are subject to extensive and detailed quality control procedures. If you are interested in becoming an IELTS examiner, then here is everything you need to know about the recruitment and training process.

IELTS examiner requirements

Each IELTS test centre is responsible for recruiting and training a pool of examiners. Applicants must have:

An undergraduate degree or Master’s degree or qualification(s) that can be demonstrated to be equivalent to an undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (three years’ full time academic study. Or a minimum of one year’s full-time academic study in the case of a Master’s degree).
And
A TEFL/TESOL qualification from a recognised institution (certificate level or above). Or a degree in education (if supported by an undergraduate degree which includes studies focused on English Language).
Substantial relevant teaching experience, the majority of which must relate to adult students (16 years and over). Applicants must then be approved by a qualified examiner trainer. After approval, the applicant undertakes face-to-face training conducted by an accredited IELTS examiner trainer and a certification assessment.

Applicants must then be approved by a qualified examiner trainer. After approval, the applicant undertakes face-to-face training conducted by an accredited IELTS examiner trainer and a certification assessment.

IELTS examiner recruitment process

The IELTS examiner recruitment process consists of the following six steps:

Applicants then complete a certification set to demonstrate that they can apply the assessment criteria accurately and reliably. If successful, they become qualified examiners.

Following an interview, successful applicants complete an induction process.

Examiners are monitored by examiner trainers up to four times a year and at least once every two years. New examiners (and those who have not recently worked as IELTS examiners) are monitored at least three times in their first year. All examiners receive written feedback on their ratings and also on the delivery of the speaking test. They may be required to take corrective action if any issues are raised about their performance.

All applicants to become an examiner must have the qualifications and experience outlined above. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview. The applicant’s professional attributes and interpersonal skills are assessed at three stages in the recruitment process: application form, interview and training.

Standardisation is completed at the centre and takes place as close as possible to the 2-yearly recertification of the examiner. After the standardisation session, the examiners then complete a new certification set to demonstrate they can apply the assessment criteria accurately. If you are interested in becoming an IELTS examiner, then please contact us.

Applicants who successfully complete induction proceed to training in Writing and Speaking assessment, which is carried out by an Examiner Trainer and lasts four days.

Helpful resources

Prepare for the test

Once you are familiar with the IELTS test format, you will need to undertake a number of focused preparation activities.

How to prepare

IELTS scores guide

Invite colleagues who process IELTS scores at your organization to review the IELTS Scores Guide.

IELTS scores guide

Group of people reading IELTS support materials

Test format

Learn more about what to expect in each section of the IELTS test.

Test format