IELTS Research Reports

An impact study into the use of IELTS by professional associations and registration entities:Canada, the United Kingdom and IrelandThree of the ten UK associations examined did not specify which module of IELTS was appropriate,which suggests that either the General Training Module or the Academic Module would be acceptable.This may indicate a limited understanding of the purpose and levels of the two test modules.Secondly, eight of the ten associations had set individual minimum scores for each of the fourmacroskills in addition to a minimum overall standard. Only two relied on a single overall score.Both of these were outside the public health sector, one involving veterinary practitioners and theother a marketing organisation.Minimum band scores were generally in the range of 6.0 to 7.0. The only exception applied to DentalNurses, for whom the minimum band scores were 5.5 for the receptive skills of Reading and Listening.This may be due to the fact that they were generally regarded as support staff whose direct interactionwith patients was likely to be less intensive than Dentists, Medical Specialists, Nurses and theequivalent. All others involved in the health professions required 6.5 or 7.0, with a minimum of 8.0for Speech and Language Therapists, which is a language intensive occupation.Three associations required a higher band score in Speaking than the other macroskills, which tends tohighlight the importance placed on oral skills in communicating with the public about health matters.At least three organisations had reviewed the required band scores set when they had first used IELTS,by changing from one overall score to minimum scores in each of the macroskills, or by increasingminimum levels across the skills.All of those interviewed required minimum scores to be achieved in one sitting of the test,with outcomes valid for two years from the time of taking the test.5.2.2 Alternative language assessment systems accepted – United KingdomIt is interesting to note from Table 5 overleaf that of the ten associations involved in the study, onlytwo accepted alternative language assessment systems. Since most organisations had been usingIELTS for many years, this would appear to suggest that the testing system suited the needs of theorganisations well and was considered to be fit for the purpose.The associations interviewed reported that the numbers requiring testing fluctuated, but could be froma few hundred to over two thousand.Most organisations expressed their satisfaction with the IELTS assessment system and had no directplans to review their decision on acceptance of the test or on levels required apart from reconsiderationduring regular reviews. This places IELTS in a strong position in the UK.None of the associations reported disciplinary hearings which were prompted by poor language skills.It would seem that if such issues are raised, they are dealt with at employer level.Several associations demonstrated a good understanding of the functional language needed fortheir profession.IELTS Research Reports Volume 1153