Differences and Similarities between IDP and British Council
Several students may think about choosing IDP or British Council as their examination source when taking the IELTS exam. The British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, and IDP Education have granted permission to both organizations to conduct IELTS test administration. The differences and similarities between IDP and British Council should be considered before deciding which one to choose. In this article, we will talk more in-depth about the differences and similarities.
Background & History
British Council: The British Council is a UK-based organization that operates in over 100 countries. With the goal of promoting the language, education, and culture of the UK on a worldwide scale, it is an organization for cultural relations that was founded in 1934. English language lessons and cultural events are only two of the services offered by the British Council.
IDP: IDP Education is a global education company that was established in 1969 in Australia. It includes co-owners from 38 Australian universities and operates in more than 50 countries. A few of the services offered by IDP Education include English language testing, student placement assistance, and professional development programs.
Test Locations
British Council: The British Council operates over 800 exam centers in more than 130 countries globally. The British Council provides a variety of different language examinations in addition to IELTS, including the Aptis, Linguaskill, and Cambridge English exams.
IDP: IDP Education has more than 400 exam centers spread over more than 50 nations. IDP Education provides a variety of other language exams in addition to IELTS, including TOEFL, PTE Academic, and OET.
Exam Format
British Council: The IELTS exam structure is the same as the exam given by IDP Education and the British Council. The test is divided into four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The speaking portion may be taken up to a week before or after the other sections, whereas the listening, reading, and writing sections must all be finished on the same day.
IDP: The structure of the IELTS exam given by IDP Education is the same as that of the test given by the British Council. The test is divided into four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The speaking portion may be taken up to a week before or after the other sections, whereas the listening, reading, and writing sections must all be finished on the same day.
Flexibility and Availability
British Council: Candidates may easily discover a test center that works with their schedule thanks to the British Council’s extensive selection of exam dates and locations. Applicants may register online and pay using a credit or debit card for the exam.
IDP: Candidates may register online and pay for their exam using a credit or debit card at IDP Education, which also provides a variety of test dates and venues. IDP Education also provides a variety of preparation tools and resources, including online classes, sample exams, and study manuals.
Test Cost
British Council: Depending on the nation and the test facility, different IELTS test fees are charged by the British Council. The exam price, however, is often in the same ballpark as IDP Education.
IDP Education: Based on the nation and the test facility, different IELTS test fees apply. The exam price, meanwhile, is often in the same area as the British Council.
Test results
British Council: The exam results are typically made public 13 days following the test date. Candidates may examine their results online and may also request a paper copy of their score report.
IDP: Thirteen days following the exam date, IDP Education typically announces the test results. Candidates may examine their results online and may also request a paper copy of their score report.
Security check
British Council: To guarantee that the exam is given fairly and safely, the British Council has put strong controls in place. This covers the usage of CCTV cameras and biometric technologies in testing facilities.
IDP: IDP Education additionally prioritizes exam security and has put in place strict regulations to guarantee the test is delivered safely and fairly. This covers the usage of CCTV cameras and biometric technologies in testing facilities.
The difficulty of the Test
British Council: The exam given by the British Council is identical in terms of difficulty to the test given by IDP Education. The test is designed to be difficult yet fair for all applicants.
IDP: The IELTS exam given by IDP Education has the same degree of difficulty as the one given by the British Council.
Both IDP and British Council are certified testing organizations for the IELTS exam and provide applicants with comparable services. The availability of tests, flexibility, and location should all be taken into account when deciding between the two organizations, despite certain distinctions between them in terms of test centers and preparation materials offered. It is crucial to examine both choices and select the one that most closely matches your requirements and preferences. Finally, to guarantee the best results, regardless of the service you select, it is important to properly study and practice before the exam.
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