Same test, more flexibility

Wish you could take your IELTS Academic test from the comfort of your own home? Now it's possible with IELTS Online. All you need is a Windows or Mac operating system, a stable internet connection, and a well-lit private space, and you're good to go!

IELTS Online is the same test as the IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer Academic test taken in a test centre. The difference with IELTS Online is you don’t even have to leave your house to take it!

Just like the IELTS Academic test taken in a test centre, IELTS Online assesses your English-language proficiency across four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Speaking test is still conducted one-to-one with an accredited IELTS examiner, but via a live video call.

IELTS Online is the new way to take IELTS Academic, the world’s leading test of English for international higher education. IELTS Online allows you to take your English test from home or another suitable location. Before booking and taking your test, please check you have the following:

The right setup and environment for the test

• Secure a quiet, private well-lit space with a desk

• a stable internet connection

• a laptop or desktop computer

• a microphone and speakers (headphones not allowed)

• a camera (internal or external)

• a passport

• a mobile phone or tablet with a camera

The right equipment 

• Desktop or laptop computer – IELTS Online cannot be taken on mobile or tablet 

• US and UK International English Keyboards (QWERTY)

• You must have administration privileges to your computer  

• Speakers 

• Microphone on for duration of test   

• Camera on and uncovered for duration of test   

• One monitor only 

• Mobile phone with camera may be required at check-in to assist in room scan. Once this is done, switch off the device and keep it away

The right hardware and software 

•  Operating system requirement:

  • Mac version 10.15 or higher

  • Windows version 10 or 11 on 64-bit platforms

• CPUs newer than 2011 (Intel Sandy Bridge or newer) with support for SSE 4.2

• Minimum 2 core CPU, Recommended minimum 4 core CPU

• OpenGL 2.0 graphics driver

• Minimum 2GB RAM; Recommended minimum 4GB RAM

• 75 MB of free storage

• Web camera & microphone (internal or external)

• Access to one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge 

• Upload and download speed of 0.6 Mbps

• You will also need to download Inspera Exam Portal (IEP) and perform some pre-system checks.

Read the IELTS Online Checklist to prepare for your test day!

Speaking test journey 

1. Launch the exam portal 15 minutes before your test start time 

2. Select the Speaking test called IELTS Online Speaking A1 T1 

3. Log in with your username, password and Speaking PIN Code provided in 'My Account' login area

4. Check your audio and video 

5. Take a photo of yourself and your photo ID page  

6. Join the waiting room 

7. Take your test with the examiner

8. Exit the test when you finish Part 3 

Read the IELTS Online guide for tips to help you get ready for your Speaking test!

Listening, Reading and Writing test journey 

1. Launch the IELTS Exam Portal at the start time of your Listening, Reading and Writing test 

2. Log in with your user name, password and Listening, Reading and Writing PIN code  

3. Select the Listening, Reading and Writing test called IELTS Online AC Written T1 

4. Complete the system check and take a photo of yourself and your photo ID to confirm your identity 

5. Meet your IELTS greeter. They will confirm your identity, advise you how to complete the room scan and go through test day rules. Then your test will begin.

6. When your test begins, your browser will be locked down. You won't be able to access anything other than the test platform. 

7. During the test do not click the exit button unless you are instructed to do so 

Read the IELTS Online Checklist to know more about the dos and don'ts for your Listening, Reading and Writing tests!