A lot of questions comes you mind when starting to practice for the IELTS exam, especially how to practice for it. I guess it's a valid worry inside you as the IELTS exam is often believed to be the hardest English skill test. But it's also often necessary in order to go overseas to study. I will try to calm you and explain why it isn't so difficult. If you have some good basic knowledge in English you will pass it easily. I also started write a bit about it on a new blog (How to Survive the IELTS exam).

The point is; that it's not difficult. You don't have to memorize a lot as you would for a regular exam. You only have to apply English skills you already have. And, yes; you should get a book or something to refresh your old grammar skills. And even refresh your vocabulary. But except that you only have one enemy while you do the IELTS exam. The name of your nemesis is TIME. Yes, your time will be limited in the exam, and you should be prepared for the kind of exercises you might get to show your English skills. The IELTS exam is roughly separated to four parts; reading, listening, writing and speaking. Each of these parts will be separated to units. The reading part will be 4 shorter essays, the listening part will be four tapes you listen to and answer question; divided in dialogs and monologs. The listening part might be the hardest part as you only get to listen to the tape once. But the good news is the answers often are repeated several times so it's easy to put down the answers. The writing part is also put to two parts where one is to describe figures or statistics, and second is to write a short essay on a topic. But it's not so difficult to do. The speaking part is however the parts that frightens most students; but if you make a small balance you can do it simply. By balance I mean; do not make your sentences so complex that you have to hesitate and think, but neither makes your sentences be too simple as it would show a lack of knowledge on how to use English well. Just find a balance where you can talk calmly and not hesitate. Also keep in mind the examination is not to give you problems, the person talking with you will only ask simple questions on your background, have discussion on something and maybe a role play where you have a conversation. I just want to emphasize that the IELTS exam is not as difficult as people want it to be. You will probably have far more difficult challenges and exams while you study. I hope this gave you some input on how to practice for the IELTS exam.