The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.
Disclaimer:
IDP* no longer offers the IELTS on paper test. You can still take your IELTS, the world's most trusted English language test, on a computer. IELTS on Computer offers results typically within 1-2 days and is available throughout the week, offering you more flexibility.
You can take IELTS Academic and General Training on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring, and results of the paper test are the exact same as the computer-delivered test, but your test day experience is a little different. Test day staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets before each test, and will then collect these booklets and answer sheets before moving on to the next test part.
If you take IELTS on paper, you will complete the Writing, Reading, and Listening parts on paper. The Writing, Reading, and Listening tests are all completed on the same day with no breaks between each test. The Speaking test is completed in a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner, and this can be done one week before or after your test date. Effective May 1, 2025, all test takers must use only black ballpoint pens when completing IELTS paper-based answer sheets. Test takers need not bring any stationery, as Test Centres will provide it.
Please note: There is no change in how your IELTS test is marked. The switch from pencil to pen does not affect your score in any way. IELTS continues to maintain the same standards and quality processes that have enabled success for millions of test takers globally.
Note: As of February 23rd, for anyone taking IELTS on Paper in Ontario or Quebec, the order of the components is now Writing, Reading, and then Listening. There is no change to the test content, scoring, or total test duration.