Cambridge IELTS preparation review

Cambridge University Press & Assessment develops and writes the IELTS test, and its preparation page is the source of the most authentic practice papers. For free you get a downloadable paper-based sample test, the IELTS Guide for Test Takers and FAQs for Academic and General Training. The paid range is sold through the Cambridge English Shop: IELTS 21 Academic and IELTS 21 General Training contain authentic practice tests, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS explains each part of the test and includes eight complete practice tests, IELTS Test & Train offers digital self-study, and Mindset for IELTS is a 4-level course mixing print and online content. The limit is that these are materials, not a coached course: nothing marks your essays or speaking, and you build your own study plan. We did not find US dollar book prices on the Cambridge page, so the entry is scored on its free material and documented content.

Who it is for

learners who want authentic past-style test papers

Price

Free sample papers; official books and digital resources sold in the Cambridge English Shop.

Free: Paper-based sample tests
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Free paper-based IELTS sample tests to download
• IELTS 21 Academic and IELTS 21 General Training authentic practice tests
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS with eight complete practice tests
• IELTS Test & Train digital self-study material
• Mindset for IELTS, a 4-level course of print and online content

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Written by the organization that develops and writes IELTS
• Strength: Free sample paper plus a free IELTS Guide for Test Takers
• Strength: Separate Academic and General Training practice books
• Weakness: Books are practice material, not a guided course
• Weakness: No marking of your writing or speaking
• Weakness: We did not find USD book prices on the Cambridge page

Key facts

• Free material: Sample tests, test taker guide
• Latest practice books: IELTS 21 Academic and General Training
• Official guide tests: 8 complete tests
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
• Course: Mindset for IELTS, 4 levels

Where it ranks

Cambridge IELTS preparation is No. 6 in our Best IELTS Prep Courses verdict.