IntroductionThe IELTS test is designed to assess students' proficiency in the English language in an integrated proficiency; reading, speaking, writing and listening. It is a mandatory exam for enrollment in many universities and is also a certificate to increase luck in getting a job. The listening test is aimed in particular at measuring the students' ability to understand the English language. In most cases, universities offer preparatory courses to allow students to further develop their skills. To prepare them, exam centers are well equipped with computers, microphones and other recording devices. This article will focus on the evaluation of an IELTS listening test in relation to its reliability, validity, authenticity, informativeness, fairness, impact and impact. The specific test to be assessed was taken from the official IELTS practice material updated in March 2009. Context: the IELTS test This test was developed in response to the growing need for competitive English language skills. It is mainly chosen by those who need to certify their level of knowledge of the English language for reasons such as education, profession and immigration. Citing the IELTS Manual (2006:4), Green (2007) states that the test tests the language skills of candidates who may need to study or work in countries where English is the language of communication. The test generally measures a person's ability to communicate in English across several skills, including listening which this paper will focus on. IELTS is developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council, IDP Education Australia and the University of Cambridge. It is administered in numerous centers operating in different countries around the world. Most...... middle of paper ......n Students' attitudes towards cooperation and competition, and attitudes towards school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 68(1), 92-102. Rosini BA (2010). The effects of cooperative learning methods on the achievement, retention, and attitudes of home economics students in North Carolina. Journal of Vocational and Technical Education. Volume 13, (2) 33-67. The British Council. (2011) The International English Language Testing Service. Retrieved from http://www.britishcouncil.orgVolery, T. & Lord D. (2003). Critical success factors in online training. International Journal of Educational Management. Vol 14 (5) 216-223.Weir, C. J. (2005). Linguistic testing and validation. Basingstoke: Palgrave.Wu, Y. (2008). Experimental study on the effects of different mathematics teaching methodologies on student performance. Journal of Mathematical Studies. vol 1(1) 164-171.