There are several ways in which you can prove that you speak enough English or French to benefit the Canadian economy. If you are immigrating from an English- or French-speaking country, or if your high school or college transcripts show that you have taken acceptable levels of English or French, this can be enough proof.

However, if you haven't studied English or French in a formal setting, or if your present level is considerably higher than your high school or college transcripts indicate, you must take one of several language evaluation tests available all over the world and recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Once you complete these tests, you will be given a document with an official evaluation of your language abilities.

This test might also come in handy later, if you decide to continue your education in Canada. It will become part of your educational credentials, like your high school and college diplomas and transcripts. For the purposes of Canadian immigration test results are good for 1 year.

International English Language Testing System

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was created by educational organizations in Great Britain and Australia. Today it has more than 400 centres in 150 countries all over the world. The test is the same everywhere, and all testing personnel is trained and monitored in the same way: no matter where you are, your knowledge of English will be measured in the same way. The test measures the same four language skills you had to evaluate above: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

1. Fees

The fees are based on location, and are payable in the currency of your country. They are usually payable by cash or money order, but different locations might have different rules. Please ask your local testing location about the price in your currency and method of payment.

2. Registration

To register for the test, you must contact a certified location near you. Do not take a test unless you are sure the location is part of the IELTS network! The tests are usually administered in British and Australian embassies and consulates and on college and university campuses. You can search for a location near you at the official IELTS website. Since you have to provide certain documents and pay a fee at registration, you might be asked to come to the testing location to register in person.

When registering, be sure to bring:

· Your passport or national identity card*

· 2 recent passport-size photos

· Fees

*The identity card must have a number, your photograph, your date of birth, and your signature. If you are taking the test in a country other than the country of your permanent residence, you must provide your passport.

If you want a copy of your results sent directly to your potential employer or a college or university. IELTS will issue originals to you and each organization, but will not issue copies if the originals are lost or damaged.

Keep in mind that there might be a waiting list for the test. At certain times of the year when students send out their college applications, the waiting list can get quite long. Also, though most locations hold IELTS tests almost weekly, some locations might have long waits between tests. Please contact the location near you well in advance to find out how often the tests are offered and whether there's a waiting list. But remember: the results of the test are valid for 1 year. So plan it well!

3. The Test

Be sure to study before taking the IELTS test. The official IELTS website provides free samples and offers more extensive guides for a charge, and has an extensive and very helpful official teaching resource which provides sample questions and explains in practical detail how the test is designed and graded. This resource is designed for instructors, but can be used successfully as another free study guide.

The four language skills are tested separately:

The Listening part:

40 questions in 4 sections

30 minutes

The Reading part:

40 questions in 3 sections

60 minutes

The Writing part:

1 question for 150 words
1 question for 250 words

60 minutes

The Speaking part:

Can be taken up to 7 days before or after the others

11-14 minutes

You have to complete the Listening, Reading and Writing parts of the test on the same day. You can take the Speaking part on the same day or arrange to take it separately, but you must do it within 7 days either before or after taking the other three parts.

In the Reading and Writing parts of the test, you will see that there are two versions of the questions: Academic Option and General Training Option. The Academic Option is designed for people who want to study in an English-speaking country on a post-graduate level or higher. The General

Training Option is designed to test your ability to function in daily situations, at work, in social settings, etc. For the purposes of Canadian immigration, you must take the General Training Option of the test.

Writing in English:

If your Writing score is between 7.0 and 9.0, you get 4 points if English is a first language, or 2 points if it's a second language.

If your Writing score is between 5.0 and 6.9, you get 2 points.

If your Writing score is between 4.0 and 4.9, you get 1 point*.

If your Writing score is 3.9 or lower, you get no points for the Speaking section.

*You can use only 2 of the points marked with an asterisk.

Be sure to make a copy of the Test Report Form and attach it to your Skilled Worker application.