"It was an eye-opening experience. This online course showed me different ways to stimulate students' interests in learning the fundamental skills of taking the IELTS exam as well as some simple aids to help students pay special attention to the critical knowledge in the classroom."

Scott Cheng / IELTS Teacher

Examiner-developed IELTS teaching strategies that work

This practical 20-hour course cuts through theory to deliver what really works in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) classroom. You'll discover ready-to-use approaches for each test component that address the challenges your students actually face – from time management pressure to building test-specific vocabulary.

 

Unlike generic IELTS training, our Teaching Exam Skills for IELTS course was developed by experienced examiners who understand exactly what separates average from exceptional preparation. Whether you're new to IELTS or looking to refresh your approach, you'll gain immediate confidence in your ability to guide students toward their target scores.

 

Stop wondering if you're covering everything your IELTS students need. This course methodically addresses each exam component with targeted strategies and classroom activities that work. You'll also discover how to harness AI-powered tools that dramatically reduce your preparation time while giving students more effective independent practice.

What you'll learn

Develop expert exam knowledge

  • Understand the structure of the Academic IELTS exam and its question types.
  • Interpret IELTS band‑descriptor language like an examiner.
  • Learn to guide students through effective exam strategies and techniques.

Teach practical test-taking skills

  • Implement targeted strategies for each section of the IELTS test.
  • Help students identify and overcome common exam challenges.

Create engaging IELTS lessons

  • Use interactive, communicative activities that develop real exam skills.
  • Balance exam-focused practice with meaningful language development.

Boost performance in all skills

  • Develop specific approaches for teaching listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Implement effective techniques for vocabulary acquisition and expansion.

Accelerate score improvements

  • Provide focused, criteria‑based feedback that lifts students’ band scores.
  • Share insider examiner perspectives so learners can self‑evaluate effectively.

Save time on preparation

  • Utilise proven lesson frameworks and ready-to-use activity ideas.
  • Access resources that streamline your planning and maximise student practice time. 

Leverage technology for learning

  • Implement AI tools to enhance independent exam practice.
  • Create blended learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

Enhance your qualification! The course offers a valuable extension to the CertTESOL and CELTA for teachers looking to teach or specialise in four skills exam preparation.

Expand your teaching options with in-demand IELTS expertise

IELTS is the word's leading international English language test. Becoming a skilled IELTS preparation teacher positions you as a specialist in high demand across language centres worldwide. While enhancing your employability and teaching versatility, you'll also transform your students' futures by setting the stage for their academic and career success.


By mastering effective exam preparation techniques, you'll build students' confidence and open doors to their educational opportunities, whether they're aiming for university admission, professional registration, or immigration requirements. Your expertise in teaching exam skills for IELTS becomes their pathway to achieving life-changing band scores. 

Refine your IELTS teaching to

Develop strategic test-taking skills as you guide learners through proven approaches for each exam component.

Create a supportive learning atmosphere by implementing engaging activities that build confidence alongside competence.

Equip students with transferable skills that extend beyond the exam to real-world academic and professional contexts.

Enhance your professional standing in the education sector by demonstrating sought-after expertise in exam preparation and IELTS teaching.

Developed by experienced members of our TESOL team, including IELTS course book writers and examiners.

Who should take this course?

Perfect for teachers who

Want practical techniques and strategies for teaching IELTS exam skills.

Are new to exam preparation teaching and need foundational methodologies.

Seek practical ways to make IELTS preparation engaging and effective.

Are keen to include technology and AI tools in their exam preparation approach.

Want to develop a deeper understanding of assessment criteria and band descriptors.

Typical participants include

New or experienced language teachers.

Practicing IELTS teachers seeking fresh ideas and approaches.

Trinity CertTESOL or Cambridge CELTA graduates wanting to specialise in exam preparation.

Teachers transitioning from general English to exam-focused teaching.

Curriculum

This 20-hour online course is designed for teachers of all experience levels, whether you're new to teaching IELTS or already have exam preparation experience. The seven modules cover a range of essential topics, from understanding exam requirements and developing core skills to implementing engaging activities and assessing progress – all tailored to the needs of IELTS candidates and the skills essential for excelling in this international English language test.

What to expect

The course features engaging multi-modal content, including

  • Videos
  • Quizzes
  • Tasks
  • Online lesson observations
  • Discussion forums

By the end of this course, you'll have a wide array of strategies and activities to engage your learners and support their IELTS exam preparation.
 

The modules are arranged in a clear, step-by-step format, and to earn your digital credential, you'll need to complete each one in sequence. 

 

End of module quizzes

At the conclusion of each module, you'll take a short consolidation quiz designed to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. These quizzes focus on the essential points covered in the module and allow multiple attempts. After each attempt, you'll receive feedback on correct and incorrect answers, helping you identify areas that may need further review.

 

Final quiz

The course culminates in a comprehensive final quiz, testing your overall knowledge and readiness. You'll need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to pass. You have up to three attempts to succeed, ensuring you have ample opportunity to revisit course material and refine your understanding. Successfully passing the final quiz earns you a digital credential, which includes an e-certificate and a credential badge, verifiable on platforms like LinkedIn. 

Module 1: Introduction

In this module, you will

  • Understand the IELTS exam format, sections, and scoring system.
  • Distinguish between exam knowledge and exam skills.
  • Learn to identify student needs and goals for successful exam preparation.

Key units/topics

  • Welcome and platform orientation
  • Introduction to IELTS
  • Exam knowledge vs exam skills
  • Identifying wants and needs 

Module 2: Vocabulary

In this module, you will

  • Master techniques for teaching academic vocabulary effectively.
  • Understand how to use the Academic Word List (AWL) in IELTS preparation.
  • Explore engaging vocabulary development activities.

Key units/topics

  • Developing vocabulary
  • Word lists (Academic Word List and General Service List)
  • Vocabulary activities
  • Consolidation

Module 3: Listening

In this module, you will

  • Examine the IELTS listening test structure and question types.
  • Learn strategies for developing effective listening skills.
  • Explore practical activities for IELTS listening preparation.

Key units/topics

  • The listening test
  • Developing listening skills
  • Listening activities
  • Consolidation

Module 4: Reading

In this module, you will

  • Understand the IELTS reading test format and question types.
  • Develop strategies for teaching reading sub-skills.
  • Implement engaging reading activities for exam preparation.

Key units/topics

  • The reading test
  • Developing reading skills
  • Reading activities
  • Consolidation

Module 5: Writing

In this module, you will

  • Master the requirements of IELTS writing tasks 1 and 2.
  • Learn effective approaches to teaching writing sub-skills.
  • Explore practical writing activities for classroom implementation.

Key units/topics

  • The writing test
  • Developing writing skills
  • Writing activities
  • Consolidation

Module 6: Speaking

In this module, you will

  • Understand the IELTS speaking test format and assessment criteria.
  • Learn techniques for developing students' speaking abilities.
  • Explore creative activities for speaking practice.

Key units/topics

  • The speaking test
  • Developing speaking skills
  • Speaking activities
  • Consolidation

Final quiz

In the final quiz, you will

  • Review and consolidate your understanding of key concepts.
  • Assess your knowledge and readiness to apply what you've learned.
  • Reflect on your learning journey and future teaching approach.

Verify your skills with a digital credential

Complete the course

After completing the course modules, you will need to take the final quiz. You will need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to complete the Teaching Exam Skills for IELTS course and immediately receive your digital credential. You can retake the final quiz up to two times (three attempts in total), and you can revisit any sections of the course to study up on questions that you find challenging.

Instant, verifiable credential

Your digital credential includes an e-certificate, which can be downloaded and printed, and a credential badge which can be displayed on your social media and LinkedIn profiles, allowing you to showcase your achievements.
 

Our credentials are incorruptible digital certificates encoded on blockchain, to ensure they cannot be altered or copied by anyone and can be easily verified by institutions. We use the same credential issuing platform as leading universities including Harvard, Oxford, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins.

Get to know our trainers

Click thumbnail to view full trainer details

Maria Björning-Gyde, Dedicated to animal welfare

Maria Bjorning Gyde is an examiner, moderator and marker on all Trinity TESOL panels, including the DipTESOL, CertTESOL, TYLEC, CertPT and CertOT. She has more than 25 years’ experience in New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Maria also dedicates her time to education and projects related to animal welfare issues and behavioural change for a One Health approach in Bali.

Clare Voke, Enjoys learning Mandarin

Clare began began her teaching career in 2008 and has experience in various roles in the UK, Mainland China and Hong Kong. She lived and worked in the south of China as a Regional Trainer for Education First and is particularly interested in Chinese learners of English. Clare has written online teaching courses and content, as well as presenting at conferences all over Asia.

Trinity DipTESOL, MA in TESOL

Ross Thorburn, Runs the TEFL Training Institute Podcast

Ross Thorburn is a teacher trainer, materials writer and consultant based in Shanghai. Ross started his career in language teaching in 2006. He holds a Trinity DipTESOL, a Trinity FTCL TESOL, an IDLTM from the University of Queensland and a Master’s Degree in Language Education from NILE. Ross is also a keen researcher and has published research articles on teacher training, teacher motivation, task-based learning and young learners. In 2020, Ross published his first book, Inside Online Language Teaching. He also is the host of the TEFL Training Institute podcast (http://www.tefltraininginstitute.com/).

Trinity DipTESOL, Trinity FTCL TESOL, IDLTM, MA Language Education

Kevin Clare, Enjoys a good bottle of wine

Since 2009, Kevin has been involved in teaching English in a range of different settings, teaching adults, teenagers and notably young learners in Australia, Daqing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. He has worked in language centres as a Director of Studies and in various roles in international schools. At English for Asia, Kevin directs courses and conducts online training for teachers in Hong Kong and around the world.

CELTA, PGCE, BA

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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S
Scott Cheng
Teaching Exam Skills (IELTS)

It was an eye-opening experience. This online course showed me different ways to stimulate students' interests in learning the fundamental skills of taking the IELTS exam as well as some simple aids to help students pay special attention to the critical knowledge in the classroom.

K
Ka Lun Chui

excellent

S
Sum Yeung Bernard Tse

Comprehensive cources that focuses on both theory and practice

Teaching Exam Skills for IELTS

20 hours total study
Access for 3 months
Developed by experienced IELTS examiners
Digital credential Digital credential
Improve your students' band scores accross all four skills
Your complete IELTS teaching blueprint.
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