 IELTS – International English Language Testing System This refers to one of the most commonly used English language proficiency testing systems currently available. On completion of the test, a student receives a proficiency rating between 0 and 9 based on their performance in the four separate categories of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The IELTS testing system is used as standardized proof of an individual's language skills by a wide variety of organizations, including immigration departments, private corporations, universities and colleges. Because the test does not set a specific pass mark, it is left to each organization to set its own required proficiency rating based on the 0 to 9 sliding scale. For example, a university may set minimum requirement of 6.5 for a student to gain acceptance onto a specific course.