When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL; www.ielts.org

If you belong to a country where English is not the native language, you will be required to take the IELTS or TOEFL if you wish to study, shift, or apply for a PR to a country where English is spoken. The question is that when should you do it? When to start preparing for the same? How long should yoy prepare for these exams? What is the best time to write the exam?

To start answering one or all of the above, let us quickly recap the important aspects of the two exams.

Summarily, both the tests are similar in manner, content, and test the candidates in same areas. As far as repeating them is concerned, they are similar too and hence would necessarily require a similar timeline. So, when should you start preparing and when should you write the exam?

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The important point to note about both exams is the validity of 2 years as against the validity of a GMAT / GRE score that is for 5 years. Moreover, since a normal timeline for study abroad aspirants – from deciding to go abroad to actually going abroad, is about 18 months, this validity is of great importance. In addition, while some courses would require you to prove efficiency in the language, while for some courses you might have to provide the score for visa purposes. Again, for admission processes, you would have to have the scores at least 12 months to 8 months ahead of the planned intake. For visa purposes, on the other hand, you might require it only at the time of applying for a visa, which would be about 4 months before the session begins.

You must be clear when you have to provide your IELTS score or TOEFL score. What we recommend is that you should be ready with the scores 12 months before the intended sessions. This provides the candidate with the option of applying to various session intakes across different countries where the scores are valid. Taking it too early could necessitate a re-take, and too late might cause unnecessary stress. Moreover, different universities have different timelines. In order to meet those timelines, you must be prepared with your application documents well before time.

If the course, that you are applying to, does not require you to provide an IELTS/ TOEFL score, and you only need it for visa purposes, we suggest you keep it till the time you have started with the application process. Once the letters start to arrive, you can always register and write the exam. A word of caution though…do not keep it for the last minute. You might not get a date and the delay might cause a delay in your visa application as well. Hence, either way, a 12-month window before your intended departure is suitable. We always recommend that if you are planning to study abroad, starting early is the mantra for success.

Having said all this, it is safe to that that day you decide to go abroad for your studies is when you should ideally start preparing for these exams. Unless and until you have taken up a course which removes the necessity of a language proficiency test, these tests might be asked of you at any point. Hence, you can start preparing for these exams. Moreover, since the exams are necessarily about learning the language, preparing for them can never truly go waste. Just brush up your language, pay more emphasis on understanding the nuances, and make it a point to communicate – both verbal and written, in the language. So, even if you are still years from your intended study abroad journey…start working on your language.

If you have doubt about which test to choose, you might want to read the following articles:

• English proficiency takes time to build, especially for non-native speakers.
• Adequate preparation reduces test anxiety.
• Early preparation allows for identifying and addressing weak areas.
• It provides flexibility to retake the exam if needed.

• Beginner or Intermediate: If your English skills are at a basic or intermediate level, it is advisable to start preparing 6 to 12 months before your planned test date. This allows time to build foundational skills and practice test-specific strategies.
• Upper-Intermediate or Advanced: If you already have a good command of English, you may start preparation 3 to 6 months prior to the exam. Focus can then shift more towards test familiarization and polishing skills.

• Higher target scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+) require more intensive preparation and practice.
• If aiming for top-tier universities or competitive immigration programs, allocate more preparation time.

• Consider university application deadlines, visa processing times, or job application dates.
• Work backward from these dates to set your exam date and, consequently, your preparation start date.

• Evaluate your daily and weekly availability.
• Consistent study over a longer period is more effective than cramming.
• Full-time students may require different planning compared to working professionals.

• If you have taken IELTS or TOEFL before and want to improve your score, preparation time may vary.
• Analyze previous performance to focus on weak areas.

• Take a diagnostic test or practice test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Use official IELTS or TOEFL sample tests.

• Define your target score based on admission or job requirements.
• Set a test date keeping in mind application deadlines.

• Allocate daily or weekly study time.
• Balance skill-building activities: reading, listening, writing, speaking.
• Include rest and revision days.

• Official IELTS and TOEFL prep books and websites.
• Online courses and practice platforms.
• Practice speaking with language partners or tutors.

• Simulate exam timing and environment.
• Practice full-length timed tests.
• Review mistakes carefully.

• Join preparation classes, hire tutors, or participate in study groups.
• Get feedback on writing and speaking tasks to improve.

• Improved Language Proficiency: You have time to enhance your overall English skills, not just test tactics.
• Reduced Stress: Gradual preparation avoids last-minute panic.
• Higher Scores: Consistent practice leads to better confidence and performance.
• Retake Opportunity: If needed, you have time to retake the test without missing deadlines.

• Insufficient time to master all sections.
• Increased anxiety and stress.
• Higher likelihood of missing application deadlines.
• Limited opportunity to retake in case of unsatisfactory scores.

• Stay motivated and consistent.
• Focus on all four skills equally.
• Practice speaking in real-life scenarios.
• Improve vocabulary with reading and listening to diverse materials.
• Analyze your errors and learn from them.
• Use timing techniques to complete tasks within limits.
• Stay updated on any changes in test format or policies.

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