Hi this Italki site has a lot of information about the IELTS exam http://www.italki.com/knowledge/page/IELTS%20EXAM1.htm

IELTS , or 'International English Language Testing System', is an international standardised test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd, and was established in 1989.