IELTS, the world’s most popular test for work, study and migration, can now be taken on a computer.
Why take IELTS on a computer?
We are continually enhancing IELTS to improve the experience for our test takers and stakeholders.
With computer-delivered IELTS, test takers can now choose the option and time to take IELTS that best works for them. They can also get their results faster, with results typically available between five to seven calendar days after the test has been completed.
Taking IELTS on a computer will not replace paper-based IELTS but rather offer a choice in delivery and more availability.
The test content, timing and structure remain the same in both options and, importantly, the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner. Whether test takers take IELTS on paper or computer, they can be confident that they are taking the same trusted English language test.
Test takers who choose the option of computer-delivered IELTS can also access support materials with which to prepare for taking IELTS on a computer.
IELTS is the most widely used test of English for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is recognized by more than 10,000 universities, schools, employers and immigration bodies, including all universities in Australia and the UK and many of the leading institutions in the USA.
The success of IELTS rests on the high quality of the test, which measures the four key languages skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. It is backed by dedicated research teams in the UK and Australia and administered by centres in more than 140 countries around the world.
More and more people around the world need English to study, work or move abroad. Through IELTS, we are opening a door to these life changing opportunities for millions of aspiring people around the world.
Visit “IELTS on computer” page for a list of countries where the option of computer-delivered IELTS is available.
About IELTS on computer
IELTS on computer was launched in Australia in December 2017 and is being introduced across the IELTS testing network in 2018.
The test is the same as paper-based IELTS for content, scoring, level of difficulty, question format and security arrangements.
IELTS on computer includes Listening, Reading and Writing. The Speaking test will continue to be face-to-face, as it is a more reliable indicator of communication and it is what our customers tell us feels more natural for them.
This new option will not replace paper-based IELTS but rather offer a choice in delivery and more availability.
Results from IELTS on computer are available between 5-7 days after taking all four test sections.
The IELTS partners are committed to continuous investment in test development in order to enhance the IELTS experience.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration with more than 3 million tests taken in the last year.
Over 10,000 organisations trust and accept IELTS as a secure, valid and reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation purposes.
IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities and provides IELTS testing in more than 800 locations in over 100 countries.
IDP: IELTS Australia is a subsidiary of IDP Education, one of the world's leading international education organisations offering student placement in Australia, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand and United Kingdom. IDP Education is an ASX listed company that is 50% owned by 38 Australian universities and has more than 47 years' experience in international higher education. IDP: IELTS Australia manages a network of more than 100 IELTS test centres in over 60 countries.
Cambridge Assessment English is the world's leading provider of exams for learners of English. Each year these exams are taken by more than 5 million people in 140 countries.
IELTS USA, manages the delivery of the IELTS test centre network throughout the United States. With more than 3,000 organisations accepting IELTS in the US, IELTS is becoming the test more people trust for US study and work purposes.
About the test
Test takers are measured in listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (non-user) through to 9 (expert user).
IELTS offers a choice of two tests, to serve both academic and non-academic purposes. IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers, irrespective of their subject focus. IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. IELTS General Training is suitable for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and Ireland.
A sample of government and professional associations who recognise or require applicants to hold an IELTS test result include:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Department of Home Affairs (Australia)
- UK Visas and Immigration
- Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and National Council of State Boards of Nursing, USA
- International Monetary Fund