IELTS on computer VS IELTS Online: What’s the difference?

For more than 30 years, IELTS was an exclusively IELTS on Paper English proficiency test. But that all changed in 2017 when IELTS on computer was launched. With this option, test takers can sit the same IELTS Academic or General Training test at the test centre, but opt for a keyboard to type in their answers instead of writing them on the answer sheet using a pencil. IELTS on computer continues being a popular choice alongside IELTS on paper at our test centres.

Unlike IELTS on computer where you have to physically go to the test centre to sit your test, IELTS Online gives you the option to take the same test from the comfort of your home or in a private space. Currently, this option is only available for IELTS Academic.

Test Location – Can be taken from home or another suitable location.

Test Type – Only available for the IELTS Academic, not suitable for migration.

Test Arrangement – All 4 IELTS English skills tests Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing will be taken on computer; and the Speaking test will be taken online face to face with an in-person IELTS examiner. Listening, Speaking and Reading tests will take place at the same time, while the Speaking test will be on its own, at another time of your choice.

Release of Results – Results for IELTS Online are usually available in 3-6 days after you finish your test. Test taker will receive electronic test report form not paper.

IELTS Online Familiarisation Test

Prepare for your IELTS Online test by practising sample test questions on the IELTS Online test platform, which will show you how everything will work on your screen ahead of the test day. Listening, Academic Reading, and Academic Writing tests available.

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IELTS on Computer

Test Location – IDP IELTS has three IELTS on Computer Test Centres, located in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Kwun Tong, test takers can choose their test centres according to their personal preferences and test types.

Test Type – Available for IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS UKVI.

Test Arrangement – Listening, Speaking and Reading tests will be taken on computer, and the Speaking test be conducted online / offline face-to-face with an in-person IELTS examiner. IDP IELTS test centres will provide pen and paper for taking notes, as well as individual headphones for the Listening test. Speaking test will take place on the same day as the Listening, Reading and Writing tests.

Release of Results – Results for IELTS on Computer are usually available in 3-5 days* after you finish your test. A paper test report form will be sent to your registered address

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>>> View IELTS on Computer Test Dates

*Results for IELTS on computer are usually available in 3-5 days after you finish all components of your test. Please note that the result release day will be postponed to the next working day in the event if it falls on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Candidates will be notified if results are not available on the scheduled date.

Simply put, IELTS on computer is only available at IELTS test centres whereas IELTS Online can be taken from the convenience of your own home or private space. This means for IELTS on computer you have to book your test and make sure you are present at the test centre on the chosen date and time to take your test.

On the other hand, with IELTS Online you have flexibility to choose where to sit your test. All you need is a well-lit private room, a laptop or desktop computer with the right hardware and software and a stable internet connection. Scroll to the end of the table.

Test takers can choose between IELTS Online and IELTS on Computer based on their personal needs. They have the same test content and structure, but are different in test location, test type, test arrangement and release of results.

Comparing IELTS Online & IELTS on Computer

Advantages of IELTS Online & IELTS on Computer

Which test should you choose?

IELTS Online can be taken from any private space with a stable internet connection, which saves travelling time and offers great flexibility to test takers. It has the same test content as IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper, including an online face-to-face speaking test with human examiner, offering a safe and secured test-taking environment. And on the test day, the identity verification process can be completed in minutes as long as you have your camera on and passport or photo ID ready.

IELTS on Computer is available for all test types and is globally accepted for work, study and migration purposes. Taken in test centre means everything has been set before you arrived, with all necessary equipment including computer, headset, pen and paper ready for use. While IELTS Online only provides electronic test report form, IELTS on Computer also provides paper version, which will be delivered straight to your doorstep.

IDP IELTS provides a variety of test models to cater to your needs and preferences. We believe you can perform better by choosing the most suitable test!

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IELTS Examination Venue

IDP Education IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Hong Kong Island (including: Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc.) and Kowloon (including: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, etc.).

Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS UKVI, Life Skills A1 or Life Skills B1). The test centre cannot be held responsible for an incorrect selection.

Please Note

We have noticed some online advertisements on several social media sites claim to provide services for IELTS test takers, such as registering for IELTS, collection of results and making arrangements for a re-mark of the test. We advise all potential IELTS test takers to avoid using such services that are not directly affiliated to IELTS. Once you’ve submitted your IELTS application, it’s time to start preparing. Learn tips, get sample tests, past papers, and more from IDP. We even offer 30 days of free online practice to get you better prepared for your examination. If you have any questions, require special arrangements, or anything else, please speak to your test centre team. They will be more than happy to assist you in any way regarding the IELTS registration and application, as well as information about the test day.

Please read "Notice to Test Takers: Special precautionary measures on Test Day"

The test format, scoring, and timing of the IELTS Online test is the same as IELTS Academic on paper and computer taken in a test centre. The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are delivered in the same way as IELTS on computer. The Speaking test is conducted online via video call with an IELTS Examiner

It all comes down to personal preference and acceptance. Some people thrive in traditional test centre settings where they feel the controlled environment enables them to concentrate and perform better. On the other hand, test takers who choose IELTS Online enjoy the comfort of not having to travel to the test centre and being able to create an environment that is more suitable for them. It is also important to check the acceptance of the test with the organisation you are taking the test for. Make sure you consider all factors before choosing which test to book to maximise your chances of a high band score that will enable you to achieve your goals.

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