The diagnostic guide
Your IELTS diagnostic, explained.
See what the test covers, how to read your practice band ranges and where to go next.
Know where to begin
What is an IELTS diagnostic test?
An IELTS diagnostic test is a short assessment that helps you find your starting level and choose what to practise next. PrepEx checks all four skills through Listening and Reading questions, a short written response and recorded Speaking. Allow about 40 minutes for this free online test.
Use this IELTS level check before building your study plan. You will see which skill needs attention and get a practical place to begin.
| Skill | What you will do | Target time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Answer 10 questions from a conversation: seven form completions and three multiple-choice questions. | 7 min |
| Reading | Read one passage and answer 13 questions: seven note completions and six True, False or Not Given questions. | 20 min |
| Writing | Write a short response with a target of 50 to 80 words, giving your opinion and a reason. | 4 min |
| Speaking | Record six responses across short Part 1 questions, a Part 2 cue card and a Part 3 discussion. | 7 min |
These are Diagnostic 1 pacing targets, not the full IELTS exam timings. Each Speaking response has its own recording limit. Start Listening without an account, then sign in for free to submit your answers and continue. No payment is needed.
From answers to action
Your IELTS diagnostic results
Finish all four sections to see your IELTS band estimate and decide where to focus your next practice.
Practice band ranges
Your overall starting range and a range for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
One clear priority
Find the skill that needs your attention first, with evidence from your answers.
A useful next step
Review one correction, then try a suggested exercise when suitable practice is available.
Practice estimates, not official IELTS scores.
If grading cannot finish, your answers and recordings stay saved so you can retry. An incomplete assessment is not shown as a band result.
Full feedback, detailed plans and additional diagnostics require IELTS Pro.
Start with the correction in your report, apply it to a fresh task, then check whether the same mistake returns. For a longer routine, read what to study after your diagnostic.
Choose your next step
IELTS diagnostic or mock test?
Looking for an IELTS practice test online? Choose the format that fits your next goal.
Find your starting level
“Which skill should I work on first?”
Take this short test when you are beginning IELTS preparation or feel unsure where to focus. The four skill samples help you choose a specific practice priority.
Take the free diagnosticPractise the full test
“How do I handle a complete test?”
Choose a full mock for longer practice across the complete format. It gives you more evidence about timing, concentration and performance across different tasks.
Explore IELTS mock testsAlready know which skill needs work?
Go straight to IELTS practice questions. Work on Reading and Listening answers, a Writing task or a Speaking response, then use the feedback on your next attempt.
Before you begin
IELTS diagnostic test questions
Is the IELTS diagnostic test free?
Yes. Diagnostic 1 is free once per learner with a free PrepEx account. No payment is needed to complete it or open your free result. Additional diagnostics and detailed coaching require IELTS Pro.
Do I need to study before taking the diagnostic?
No special preparation is needed. Take it independently to see what you can do now. Set aside about 40 minutes in a quiet place, check your sound and microphone, and keep dictionaries, model answers and AI tools closed.
How accurate is the IELTS band estimate?
The ranges come from a short sample and cannot reliably predict your test-day score. Reading and Listening answers are checked against answer keys; AI evaluates your Writing and recorded Speaking using IELTS criteria. AI feedback can make mistakes. These ranges have not been validated against official IELTS results. Read how to interpret your result.
Is this an IELTS band score calculator?
A band score calculator combines scores you already have into an overall band score. This diagnostic asks you to complete tasks first, then gives practice ranges based on that short sample. It cannot produce an official IELTS result.
Can this tell me whether I am ready for band 7?
A short diagnostic cannot confirm a target band. Use it to identify a practice priority, then check your progress on fresh tasks and full mocks. Review Writing and Speaking against the official IELTS assessment criteria, including any individual skill requirements for your goal.
Can Academic and General Training learners use it?
Both can use it to find a practice priority. It does not cover every task in either test. General Training learners should also practise General Training Reading and Task 1 letter writing.
Can I leave and continue later?
Completed sections are saved to your account. Return and choose Continue diagnostic to resume from your last saved section. When you submit Listening before signing in, your answers are kept in this browser for 24 hours so you can sign in and continue to Reading. Finish and submit your current section before leaving; other unfinished answers are not saved as drafts.
Can I retake the free IELTS diagnostic test?
Diagnostic 1 is free once per learner, with one attempt per diagnostic. Your saved result remains available. Use fresh questions in the IELTS Practice Hub to work on your priority; additional diagnostics require IELTS Pro.