You can take your IELTS test on paper or on a computer in our official test centres. If you take the IELTS Academic test, you can also take your test at home or anywhere with a stable internet connection and a private space.
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day. The Speaking test, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.
If you take IELTS Online, the Speaking test will usually be before your Listening, Reading and Writing. It could be on the same or a different day.
All other aspects of the test are exactly the same, whether it is taken in a test centre (on paper or computer) or online, including:
- content
- timings
- question types
- scoring
- speaking test format
- test report forms
- results verification.
We continuously commit to ensuring that IELTS is available to everyone. If you are someone who has special requirements, please register for IELTS on paper – this option is available worldwide and serves the needs of all test takers.
Take IELTS on paper at a test centre
If you choose this option, you will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on paper, and the Speaking test will be conducted face-to-face or through a video call with a trained IELTS Examiner.
Take IELTS on computer at a test centre
This is exactly the same test as IELTS on paper, but instead of writing your answers on paper, you will type them on a computer.
Find out more about IELTS on computer.
Take IELTS Online
If you are taking the IELTS Academic Test, you can take your test online from your home or anywhere with a private space and a stable internet connection.
If you choose this option, you will complete the answers to the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on your computer. The Speaking test will be conducted by video call with a trained IELTS Examiner.
Please check with your university, college or school that they accept IELTS Online before booking.
Find out more about IELTS Online.