Job Discussion Forums

Anglichanka · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

Does anyone know the regulations for employment by IELTS. I have written back and forwards and they reply with all sorts of information except what I want. They would like me to fill in their lengthy forms and all I want to know is: am I even eligible? I believe I have the quals. but they want to check those out - fair enough. No problem. However, they just will not answer on whether or not I fall within their age limits. Just about everyone in the world does not want to employ me because I am sixty. (Not that anybody realises that unless they see my CV). All I want to know is: am I eligible?

Does anyone know their rules? Be very grateful to hear from you.

mike w · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 3:49 pm Post subject:

Your age is not a problem. I know several IELTS examiners over 60 in Beijing.

'Employment' - the British Council (governing body for IELTS) does not 'employ' anyone. They will not assist you in gaining your FEC or RP. You would need another job on order to obtain these. People are contracted with British Council on a part-time basis. However, I do know people who are IELTS examiners, have F visas, and quite easily earn RMB15 - 20k monthly.
If you are eligible, you will have to attend three or four training sessions.

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

Do you mean that you want to be an IELTS examiner? I am doing the training for the next two weekends and this is the criteria I was given. There is nothing mentioned about age because that would be discrimination.

http://ieltsidpnepal.com/IELTS-Examiner%20Application%20Form.pdf

Basically, you need a degree, TESOL (e.g. Celta or grad.dip) and 3 years' experience teaching adults. If you have a dip ed or something else, look more closely at the guidelines.

You will probably have to pay for the training, though some employers pay for you.

Anglichanka · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

Thanks very much indeed Mike W and Insubordination, very helpful information. Yes, I am interested in becoming an IELTS examiner. It looks as though it is worth my applying but I don't know if I will be able to afford training, if accepted - you know what the salaries are like here in China!

Anyway, I will give it a go.

mike w · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:19 pm Post subject:

If you are accepted as an examiner with your current qualifications and experience, you do not pay for the IELTS examiner training.

Anglichanka · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

This is fantastic news. I will write my application at the weekend. Thanks everyone for the information.

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

I had to pay for the training. I'm doing it through a university and will be employed by them on Saturdays. I know this is not always the case however. I know others who didn't have to pay but they had to commit for a minimum number of working days.

I'm paying about US$460 for 4 days' training/certification in speaking and writing. 9am-5pm. I will get half back if I commit to 12 working days with them.

I will let you know how the training is when I start on Saturday. Have heard it's intense.

General Franco · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 22

yaramaz · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 10:35 pm Post subject:

I did my training (for the speaking exams) last year at the Shanghai British Council and have been doing 2 weekends a month since then. It was a one weekend training session and it cost 500rmb. This is meant to discouraging people from doing the training then running off without actually working as an examiner (and possibly giving away trade secrets and whatnot). I've definitely seen folks over 60 testing around here.

yaramaz · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2010 10:39 pm Post subject: