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We've collected the most frequently asked questions from our IELTS test takers, covering every stage of your IELTS journey. Our IELTS experts have provided answers and shared their unique insights.

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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can! All you must do is select the word/s that you want to highlight, right click and select highlight.
Jun 26, 2025
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iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can! You can go to IELTS.org and you can practise the Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test. Take some time before your test to click around and get familiar with the interface so you will know what to expect on the day.
Jun 2, 2025
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iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can! You will be given a piece of paper and a pen for making notes. These notes will not be looked at or marked, so enter all your answers into the computer before the test ends.
Jun 2, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, not. IELTS Online is currently only available for IELTS Academic and is not accepted for migration purposes. If you want to take IELTS General Training, you’ll need to sit your test in a test centre.
Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, when you do the Listening test for IELTS Online, you will need speakers and a microphone that are integrated into your laptop or desktop computer. You can’t wear a headset or ear buds. Don’t worry, before you do your IELTS Online test, we’ll do a readiness check to ensure your system meets the IELTS Online requirements.
May 28, 2025
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iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
The Listening test will only play through once, so you will only hear the recordings once. Make sure you are paying attention as it plays!
Jun 2, 2025
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iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, the IELTS on Computer test does not have 10 extra minutes at the end of the test to transfer answers to the computer. You must make sure that you are entering your answers into the computer as you go through the test.
Jun 2, 2025
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iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You’ll need a laptop or a desktop computer with a keyboard with language set to Australian, US or UK English. You can’t take an IELTS Online test on a tablet or mobile device. Your computer will need to have a web camera, speakers, a microphone and a stable internet connection. If you’re using Windows, the operating system requirements are 10 or 11 on 64-bit platforms and 10.15 or higher on Mac. You can read a full list of system requirements on our website where you can also download the Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB) to check if your computer is suitable for IELTS Online.

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May 29, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you do your IELTS test on Computer your results will be available within 1-5 days of your test. You will receive an email as soon as they are released, and you can log back into your account here to download your Test Report Form. If you do your test on IELTS on Paper your results will be released 13 days after your test. You will receive an email or SMS to say your results have been released. Some test centres allow you to come in and pick up the paper Test Report Form, or others will post it out to you. You cannot get an electronic copy of your Test Report Form for IELTS on Paper as these are only available for IELTS on Computer.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Your IELTS Speaking test always takes place with a real human. Speaking with a person is more natural than talking to a computer, like some other English tests. After all, we speak with people every single day! When you do IELTS Online, your Speaking test takes place on a secure platform via a video call. It’s similar to a Zoom call where you can speak directly with the examiner. Just like a face-to-face Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions and you can respond. My tip: Don’t forget you can ask the examiner questions if something is unclear, or you didn’t understand them. It won’t affect your score if you say “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Can you please repeat the question?”.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, not. IELTS One Skill Retake is currently only available if you’ve done your full IELTS test on computer. But, if the score you received didn’t reflect your performance on test day, you could request a remark (IELTS calls this an Enquiry on Result, or EOR). IELTS will then take another look at your test. There is a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full. IELTS is the only major English language test that offers you the option to retake one part of the test. If you want this security before you sit the test, look for IELTS on computer.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. IELTS Online is available in Germany, and over 60 countries and territories around the world for anyone who wants to take the IELTS Academic test without leaving home. Just make sure the academic institution you are applying to accepts IELTS Online results. If you’re planning to take the IELTS test for migration purposes, you’ll need to take your test in an IELTS test centre.

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Feb 14, 2025
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Fahad Rafique

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Canada

16 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!

Last online Aug 2, 2025

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Jess Christie

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Australia

8 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.

Last online Jun 25, 2025

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Lewis Crannitch

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New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.

Last online Sep 15, 2025

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Linda Alley

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.

Last online Sep 16, 2025

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Reza Tasviri

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Australia

18 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).

Last online Jul 9, 2025

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Rocco Nigro

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Australia

26 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.

Last online Jun 18, 2025

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Vincent Blokker

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!

Last online Jul 1, 2025

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Vishal Ramesh

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India

1 year

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

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