How long is the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of three parts.

Is the IELTS Speaking test different for Academic and General Training?

No. The Speaking test format, timing, question types, and assessment criteria are exactly identical for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Is the IELTS Speaking test conducted in person or online?

At British Council test centres, the test is delivered either face-to-face with an examiner in a private room or via a secure high-definition video call interview at the official test centre.

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The IELTS Speaking test assesses how well you use spoken English in different situations. To get a good score, you’ll need to communicate clearly and use the right language when speaking English.

Prepare for speaking with IELTS Ready

What is the IELTS Speaking Test?

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your spoken English communication skills in a one-on-one interview with a certified IELTS examiner. The test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of three interactive parts. The speaking test is identical in format, scoring, and difficulty across both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

account_balance

Total Duration

11 – 14 minutes

account_balance

Format

One-on-one interactive interview (In-person or Video Call)

account_balance

Components

3 Parts (Introduction, Individual Long Turn, Discussion) 

account_balance

Availability

Taken on the same day as Listening, Reading, and Writing, or up to 7 days before/after

Structure of the Speaking Test: Parts 1, 2, and 3

Part	Timing	What Happens During This Part?	Structural Focus
Speaking Part 1	4 – 5 minutes	The examiner checks your identity and asks general questions about familiar topics.	Everyday communication topics: home, family, studies, work, interests.
Speaking Part 2	3 – 4 minutes	You are given a task card with a specific topic and 1 minute to take notes, followed by speaking for 1 to 2 minutes.	Fluency, organisation of ideas, narrative natural style speech.
Speaking Part 3	4 – 5 minutes	The examiner leads a two-way discussion exploring abstract topics linked to Part 2.	Analytical discussion: justifying opinions, comparing perspectives, speculating.

How is the Test Conducted: In-Person and Video-Call Formats

At British Council official test centres, the speaking test is delivered in two ways depending on your location and test session:
Both options feature the exact same 11–14 minute structure, certified examiners, and grading criteria.

account_balance

In-Person Interview:

You speak face-to-face with an examiner in a private, quiet room.

account_balance

Video-Call Speaking (VCS):

You sit in a private test room at the test centre and conduct the real-time interview via a secure high-definition video call with an official examiner.

How to Prepare for the Speaking Test

Preparation for Speaking Test requires familiarising yourself with common conversational topics, practicing 1-minute cue card planning, and speaking English in timed practice sessions with feedback. To access complete sample questions, part-by-part study guides, and free mock tests, explore our dedicated preparation hubs:

How to Prepare for the Speaking Test Take a Free IELTS Speaking Mock Test

Young woman practicing English speaking skills while studying at a cafe.

IELTS Speaking test video tutorial

In this video, our expert IELTS Teacher, Emma, will take you through everything you need to know about the IELTS Speaking test.

How is the IELTS Speaking Test Assessed?

Speaking Test performance is assessed by certified examiners who evaluate your English against four official criteria (each carrying 25% of your score):