Before taking IELTS Online, please check you have everything you need to take the test. Here are the requirements.
Computer and operating system
To take IELTS Online you must have a laptop or desktop computer, and have no additional screen connected.
You cannot take the test on a mobile, tablet or Chromebook.
Mac system requirements
Component | Minimum / Recommended |
OS Version | Minimum: 10.15 Recommended: Latest |
RAM | Minimum: 4GB Recommended: 8GB |
Important Reminder: Make sure you disable the 'Continuity Camera' on your iPhone to avoid direct camera connection between your Mac and iPhone when sitting for the test. Otherwise your test may be revoked. If you require more information or a troubleshooting guide on how to do this, please contact the CS team through the Test Taker Portal.
Windows system requirements
Component | Minimum / Recommended |
OS Version | Minimum: 10 (64-bit platform) Recommended: 11 (64-bit platform) |
RAM | Minimum: 2GB Recommended: 4GB |
Additional system requirements
Component | Minimum |
Storage | 400MB of free storage |
Camera and microphone | Internal or external |
Internet | Upload speed of at least 1Mbps; Download speed of at least 2Mbps Mobile hotspot is not allowed to be used by the test taker on the test day |
CPU | CPUs newer than 2011 (Intel Sandy Bridge or newer) with support for SSE 4.2 |
CPU cores | Minimum 2-core CPU, recommended minimum 4-core CPU |
Graphics | OpenGL 2.0 graphics driver |
Keyboard | Keyboard language setting set to Australia/USA/UK English |
Camera, speakers and microphone
You are not permitted to use:
- Headphones, headsets or any kind of ear device
- Any kind of Bluetooth technology
- Additional monitor
- External memory storage devices (USBs) apart from those dedicated to a wireless camera, mouse, keyboard, or external speakers (wireless external microphones are not permitted)
- Other non-essential external device attachments such as a printer.
Speed of internet connection
We recommend you download the latest version of your internet browser and check your connection speed meets our requirements:
- Download speed > 2 Mbps
- Upload speed > 1 Mbps
Inspera Exam Portal
To take IELTS Online, you will need to download the Inspera Exam Portal to check if your computer is ready to take the test. Click ‘Next’ which starts the pre-test system checks, using the most recent version of one of the following web browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Apple Safari (for MacOS)
- Mozilla Firefox
We recommend you do this before you register for the test. If your pre-test system checks fail, restart your device and make sure no additional screen is connected to your computer/laptop.