IELTS achieves international standard for quality and excellence in language assessment

26 May 2021

IELTS has been awarded the prestigious ALTE Q-Mark, following a rigorous independent audit carried out by ALTE – the Association of Language Testers in Europe. The award of the Q-Mark demonstrates the commitment to consistent standards of quality and excellence which are embodied in every aspect of IELTS.

To achieve the award, IELTS had to demonstrate that it meets all the core requirements of 17 quality standards covering every stage in the assessment process including the construction of the test, administration and logistics, marking and grading, test analysis and communication with stakeholders.

For IELTS, quality in language assessment is about making sure that we meet the needs of test takers and recognising organisations for reliable, accurate tests which demonstrate their true level of experience, backed by user-friendly service and support. We are delighted that IELTS has met the demanding standards of the ALTE Q-Mark, which shows that we meet the highest international standards.

ALTE’s Q-Mark is the only Quality Management System specifically dedicated to language assessment. It involves an in-depth audit by a independent specialists who look closely at the entire testing process to ensure that users of any test which has been awarded the Q-mark can be confident that it is backed by appropriate processes, reliable procedures and criteria, and consistent standards. The audit is then double and triple checked by ALTE’s Standing Committee.

The ALTE Q-Mark is increasingly recognised by national and regional governments as an essential requirement for language testing in the public sector.

ALTE is an association of language test providers who work together to promote the fair and accurate assessment of linguistic ability across Europe and beyond. ALTE organises courses and conferences on aspects of language assessment, and operates a quality auditing system of European language examinations.
Founded in 1989 ALTE has 33 Full Member Organisations representing 25 European languages, as well as 68 Associate Members, 15 Individual Expert Members and over 800 Individual Affiliates from all around the world. ALTE is a non-profit organisation, and has Participatory Status as an NGO with the Council of Europe.