Are you ready to start a new adventure abroad? Are you itching to work or study in another English-speaking country? Proving your level of English is a highly recommended entry on your CV and is even a requirement to apply for certain work or stay visas. The IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English tests out there and is an important step if you’re planning on moving overseas.
In this article, we’ll run through what you should expect in the IELTS test, where you can take the test in Tampa, and how to effectively train to take your IELTS test.
Find out everything you need to know about taking the IELTS test in Tampa and get prepared for success on the test and let GlobalExam help you start your international adventure!
A Genera Overview of the IELTS Exam and Its Structure
So, what sets the IELTS tests apart from other tests of English proficiency? You’ll need to take the IELTS test if you want to study or move to English-speaking countries besides the United States. It tends to focus on varieties and accents of English other than American English and is required if you want a study or stay visa in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. It may be required for other organizations, but regardless, it’s a wonderful reference to include in your résumé.
The IELTS tests come in two versions: Academic and General Training. As you might guess from the name, the Academic IELTS focuses on contents you would find in an academic setting, while the General IELTS covers more professional and social situations. If you’re taking the IELTS test for school admission or to get a visa, check with your sponsor or admissions office to see which version you need to take. And of course, verify that the testing location you choose actually offers the version you require!
Both IELTS versions test the four fundamental language competencies: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You may schedule the Speaking portion, which is an interview, for a day after you take the other sections.
IELTS Tampa: The Test Locations Currently Available
Currently, there is only one testing center authorized by the British Council to administer the IELTS tests in Tampa, so the choice shouldn’t be too difficult!
The IELTS is administered by ELS Tampa, a language school located on the campus of the University of Tampa near the city’s downtown waterfront area.
Email: [email protected] |
The ELS Branch in Tampa is a modern facility equipped with fully compliant computer labs to administer the test. If required, don’t hesitate to inquire about accommodations for handicapped test-takers (some materials available in braille, amplified sound, etc.).
All the IELTS testing centers are responsible for the local administration of the tests. They recruit, train, and supervise the IELTS proctors. The IELTS testing locations are accredited by the British Council to give the IELTS tests all over the United States, including the jurisdiction of Tampa.
Regardless of where you select to take the IELTS test, just make sure that you are registered with the British Council on their website well in advance and take your time to prepare for your test!
The Other Available IELTS Examination Centers in Florida
Outside of Tampa, IELTS testing locations are also available in Davie and Miami.
| Davie | Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Talk English School Fort Lauderdale | Talk International Miami Beach | |
| 3501 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 | 1000 5th St #101, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | |
| IELTS, TOEFL | IELTS, TOEFL | |
| Tel: +1 954-533-4546 https://www.talk.edu/contact-campus-centers/ | Tel: +1 786-348-0618 https://www.talk.edu/contact-campus-centers/ |
Other Available IELTS Examination Centers Nearby Florida
In Florida, you can take the test in TALK Florida (Fort Lauderdale) and in the ELS Language Centers (Tampa).
There is one center in Alabama for you to take the IELTS and it is the Auburn University at Montgomery.
In Georgia, the test center is TALK Atlanta.
Important Test Centers In the United States
We made a list of other numerous cities for the IELTS USA where you can take the test:
- NYC
- Seattle
- Boston
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- Denver
- Houston
- Charlotte
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Indianapolis
- Pittsburg
- Phoenix
- Arizona
- Newark
- Chicago
- Austin
- Portland
What Steps to Follow in Order to Register for the Exam?
Being a requirement by the British immigration authorities, the British Council is the body that produces the IELTS, so to register, you’ll need to start at the British Council website.
The IELTS is administered approximately every two weeks in Tampa, usually on Saturdays. Because the test is standardized, the test is the same no matter where or when you take it, so be sure to book your spot well beforehand. You can even register to take the test in Tampa whether you live here or are just passing through!
IELTS Tampa: How Much Does It Cost to Pass the Test?
Test fees vary depending on the testing center but are currently set between $215 and $310. If you’re unsatisfied with the score you get the first time, you’re welcome to re-register and retake the test as many times as you want until you get the score you want. Considering the investment of time and money this entails, however, you’ll surely want to prepare for the test to reach your target score the first time!
Test results are made available within two weeks of completing the test. The results for the computer delivered IELTS are available 3-5 days after the test. You can choose to either fetch your Test Report Form (TRF) directly at the testing center or have it sent to you by mail.
Tips to Follow if You Wish to Prepare Efficiently for the Exam
To prepare efficiently for the IELTS exam, you can choose to practice actively or passively.
The active training is directly focused on the exam preparation, which means that you will study grammy, vocabulary and comprehension of the text in order to ace your test. In that case, here are a few options for you : you can choose to practice with the IELTS books, with a specialized teacher or with the GlobalExam training. Another option that might be great for you would be to go to an English-speaking country so you can practice on a daily basis.
The passive training is focused on practicing general English. You will enrich your vocabulary, the way of constructing your sentences depending on the context and practice in a more playful way. In that case, listen to English music while reading the lyrics, watch series with English subtitles, listen to podcasts to practice your understanding of various topics, and chat with English friends.
You can find many resources out there to help you practice and achieve the results you want : books, mock exams, online programs, type exercises, practice sheets… You also have to decide whether you want to train online or offline, depending on how comfortable you feel.
Assess Your Level
Before starting any training, assess your current language level so you can identify which point needs further attention and practice.
Try to assess it again and again during your training so you can track your progress.
The Process of The Exam
Whether you choose General Training or Academic, IELTS allows you to test your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. But the content of the exam differs somewhat depending on the test chosen.
For the oral comprehension and oral expression tests, the two tests are identical. However, the reading and writing tests will be different depending on the IELTS formula chosen. To learn all about the IELTS guidelines click here.
For both IELTS, the listening, reading and writing tests follow one another in a single session without a break. Hence the need to be perfectly prepared.
Don’t Stress
Before the exam, remember to get a good rest in order to arrive rested and focused. On your exam day you should try to chat with the other candidates in order to relax and share some last minute tips.
Study for the IELTS Exam Online With the Aid of GlobalExam
You’re spoilt for choice of ways to prepare for the IELTS tests. If you already live in Tampa, you can enroll in in-person classes at ELS or any other local language schools and colleges. Or you could always order study guides in print or online so you can prepare for your IELTS test on your own.
On the other hand, we think the most convenient and affordable way is to prepare for the IELTS test online with GlobalExam. You’ll get access to the GlobalExam platform with our fully customized preparation program, which includes the “Training” mode with 45 hours of material and dozens of simulated exercises, plus over 1,200 practice questions.
There’s also the “Exam Mode,” including up to five full-length practice IELTS tests so you can experience the timing and format of the real IELTS before the big day. You’ll even get automatic corrections on the Listening and Reading sections so you can pinpoint your strong and weak areas.
What Else Does GlobalExam Provide?
Like with any test, the IELTS preparation is a continuous and personal process, which ultimately relies on improving your English skills overall. This is why GlobalExam also provides general language development in addition to our valuable test-taking tips and strategies. The best part is a personal statistics feature that tracks your progress in real-time.
Sign up for a free trial with GlobalExam and get the equivalent of a full mock IELTS test to try out. Let your international adventure start in Tampa with GlobalExam and get all the tools you’ll need to reach your target score on the IELTS test!
