FAQs for the computer-delivered IELTS test
Questions
General
Which test is best for me?
Does the computer-delivered test
cover the same content as a paper-
based version?
Is the test marked by a computer or
by a person?
Is the computer-delivered test easier
because it is marked by a computer?
Is the computer-based IELTS harder
than the paper-based IELTS?
I heard that in the TOEFL test, the
speaking session is conducted with
the help of a computer. Is the
computer-delivered IELTS speaking
test done in the same way?
Answers
This comes down to your personal preference.
Some test takers prefer paper-based exams as this might feel
similar to other exam situations from school, whereas others
might feel more comfortable typing answers.
Information on both test formats is available here. Please
contact your test centre if you would like to discuss either
option.
The computer-delivered test will cover the Listening, Reading
and Writing components. The test will be the same as the
paper-based IELTS version in terms of content, scoring, level
of difficulty and question types. The Speaking test will still be
conducted by a certified IELTS Examiner.
The IELTS Reading and Listening sections are marked
automatically by the computer, while the Writing and Speaking
sections continue to be graded by trained Examiners.
There is no difference in the difficulty of the tests because the
assessment criteria are the same for both the computer-
delivered and paper-based IELTS.
No, it isn’t. The computer-delivered test will cover the Listening,
Reading and Writing components. The test will be the same as
the paper-based IELTS version in terms of content, scoring,
level of difficulty and question types. The Speaking test will still
be conducted by a certified IELTS Examiner.
No, it isn’t. The IELTS Speaking test is conducted by a
certified Examiner, enabling real-life, two-way interaction.
The Speaking test will remain face-to-face, as we believe it is
the most effective way of assessing speaking skills and
encourages more realistic performance from test takers.
Questions
Provision of special requirements
I think I need special arrangements
for me to take IELTS. Can I still sit the
computer-delivered test?
Can I bring my own laptop or
keyboard?
Test availability
Will there be more IELTS sessions
available now with the introduction of
computer-delivered tests?
Is the computer-delivered IELTS
available on demand?
Is the computer-delivered IELTS more
widely available than PTE and/or
TOEFL IBT?
Test preparation
What practice materials are
available?
Answers
We have a number of options available to support special
requirements through our paper-based format. Test takers with
special requirements are encouraged to contact their local
British Council office to assess their needs and discuss if the
computer-delivered test is suitable.
No, unfortunately not. There is no need to bring your own
keyboard or laptop as all equipment is provided by the test
centre. No other equipment is permitted.
Initially there will be a maximum of one computer-delivered
IELTS session available per day in a limited number of test
centres.
Increased frequency and availability of IELTS will be
introduced throughout 2018. Please check with your local
IELTS test centre or here for more detailed information.
The computer-delivered IELTS is not available on demand at
present. Registration for the computer-delivered IELTS follows
the same procedure as the paper-based IELTS.
Please view the test date and location details here for more
information on test availability.
Please view the materials available here, which provides a
clear overview of the computer-delivered test and how it
works.
There are also practice materials available here. As the
questions and tasks on the computer-delivered test are the
same as the paper-based test, this material is suitable for all
test takers.
Questions
Test comparison
How does the computer-delivered
IELTS compare to PTE and/or TOEFL
IBT?
Why isn’t IELTS fully computerised,
like PTE and TOEFL?
Test results
Does the computer-delivered IELTS
mean I’ll get my results sooner?
Price
Which test is more expensive?
Answers
With IELTS, test takers can feel confident they are sitting the
world’s most popular high-stakes English language test for
study, work and migration.
IELTS is trusted by 10,000 organisations worldwide for its
fairness, reliability and high-quality standards. This remains
the case for both computer-delivered and paper-based tests.
With IELTS, you deal with real people. Face-to-face testing
helps test takers develop English skills in the context in which
they’ll be used. The IELTS Speaking test is delivered by a
certified examiner, enabling real-life, two-way interaction.
If you take the computer-delivered IELTS test then you will
receive your results five to seven days after you complete the
last section of your test.
IELTS strives to offer the same test experience to all of its test
takers regardless of where he/she takes the test. Please verify
the price for your chosen test session before you complete your
registration.