IELTS Indicator FAQs

IELTS Indicator is our new online test that you can take from the comfort of your home, to help you continue your education journey during the Covid-19 situation. 

The test is available once a week and covers all four skills; Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test uses live test questions and is marked by IELTS examiners. 

You will get an indicative score for each section and an overall band score within seven days of taking your test. It is important to note that the IELTS Indicator is not a substitute for the in-person IELTS test. A test taker may still need to take an in-person IELTS test at a test centre once testing resumes to meet the requirements of their university or education provider.

IELTS Indicator is a session-based online test that can be taken from home. The test is the same as IELTS in terms of content, format, structure and timing. It is marked by trained IELTS examiners so you can be sure that it will give a reliable indicator of the score you would achieve in an IELTS test. 

However, it is important to note that IELTS Indicator is not a substitute for the in-person IELTS test which is subject to the highest quality controls and security procedures. ​A test taker may still need to take an in-person IELTS test at a test centre once testing resumes to meet the requirements of their university or education provider.

As IELTS Indicator is not an in-person IELTS test, it may not be accepted by every institution which otherwise accepts IELTS. You may be asked to sit an IELTS test in a test centre later. 

Before you book, be sure to check with your university or educational institution. Alternatively,  you can click here to check if your university is currently accepting the IELTS Indicator scores. 

IELTS Indicator is an online timed test which includes four sections of the IELTS test –Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. 

You can take the IELTS Indicator on any suitable desktop computer or laptop with reliable internet access.

You will need to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing in one sitting. The Speaking test will take place either a few days before or after the Listening, Reading, and Writing test.

Any test taker seeking to study abroad who would like to continue the application process with their university or educational institution whilst IELTS testing is suspended.

​IELTS Indicator cannot be used for migration purposes.

It is an online test and can be taken from the comfort of your home, provided there is internet facility.

The IELTS Indicator Academic test will take place once a week.

The time window for the test will be strictly controlled, so each section will be time-bound. You cannot pause the test and come back later. 

Be sure you have availability for the full duration of the Listening, Reading and Writing sections – approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. 

Your Speaking test will be conducted separately. 

Yes, the test will be available once a week where centre-based testing is suspended, and you may re-sit if you wish.

You will receive your results through email within seven days of your Listening, Reading and Writing test date.

British Council will send your IELTS Indicator results electronically to your nominated institutes. 
Check with the university or educational institution you are applying to first, to ensure they are accepting the IELTS Indicator scores.

You will receive an indicative score for each section, and an overall indicative score. Indicative scores will help you know how you performed and where you need to improve.

The IELTS Indicator test is priced at $149.

British Council has a range of free and paid test preparation materials available here.

IELTS Indicator does not replace a full IELTS test. This test has been created to give test takers and universities and education institutes an indicated score and measure of a test taker’s ability. While IELTS testing is unavailable, we have provided this as an interim solution to allow test takers to apply for and move toward their plans following Covid-19.