The British Council in Saudi Arabia has recently introduced its expanded International English Language Testing System (IELTS) offering. Computer-Delivered (CD) IELTS is now offered, meaning that students now have the option of taking the exams by computer as well as on paper. With CD IELTS, the British Council can assist an even greater number of Saudi citizens and residents, many located in remote areas. CD IELTS is convenient and secure, with the added convenience of faster results. Students can book in their speaking, listening, reading and writing modules to suit their busy lives.
“The flexibility and convenience of CD IELTS enable us to do even more to help the Kingdom achieve the goals of Vision 2030,” said Keshav Sreedharan, the British Council’s Director of Exams in Saudi Arabia. “To make the most of Saudi Arabia’s economic potential, its workforce must speak the language of the global economy: English.”
As Vision 2030 continues to attract unprecedented levels of foreign investment, the need to learn and speak English in Saudi Arabia is increasingly urgent. The British Council enjoys an unrivalled position to both help Saudis build their English ability and objectively demonstrate this ability to employers — a growing majority of which require proof of English competency from all potential recruits.
With over three million tests taken around the world in the past year, IELTS has strengthened its position as the world’s leading English language test for study, work, and migration purposes. As a secure and reliable indicator of a test taker’s English language ability, IELTS continues to be valued and trusted as an indicator of English language proficiency. The test is already used by over 10,000 organisations globally.
“We work hard to provide a seamless test experience, with our number-one priority being to ensure test takers are supported throughout their IELTS journey,” added Mr.
Sreedharan. “This includes specialist guidance from our helpful and highly professional staff, as well as relevant tools given to test takers to help them prepare for the test.”
Over the past 3 years alone, around 150,000 tests have been delivered in Saudi Arabia by the British Council, of which about 90,000 were taken by Saudi nationals. A huge proportion of these apply for courses abroad – meaning thousands of Saudis are travelling to top colleges every year to receive the best in education in medicine, engineering, IT and numerous other subjects. Online learning has also grown, evidenced by more than 50,000 students who have taken the IELTS MOOC (massive open online courses) from Saudi Arabia over the last 2 years.