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You can take both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the paper-based IELTS test are the exact same as the computer-delivered IELTS test.
Your test day experience on the other hand is a little different. You will complete the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts on paper, and the Speaking part face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner. Before each part of the test, test day staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets and collect them at the end of each test part.
You can use a pen or HB-pencil to complete your Writing test, but you must use a HB-pencil to write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet.
In the paper-based IELTS test, 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.
Ask IELTS
For both IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer, you will not be able to bring your own paper into the test for security reasons. If you are sitting IELTS on computer, we will provide you with a pencil and paper. You also receive paper for your Speaking test to help you organise your thoughts as you speak with the examiner.
Yes, you are encouraged to write notes on the question booklets. IELTS examiners do not have access to your question booklets.
We post your test results to you as soon as they are released, which is 3 to 5 days for IELTS on computer and 13 calendar days for IELTS on paper. Some test centres will allow test takers to pick up their Test Report Form directly from the centre, so we recommend contacting them prior to the release of results to discuss this.
If you have been waiting on your IELTS Test Report Form (TFR) with your official result, but have not received it, we recommend contacting your test centre. In some rare circumstances, IELTS results can be delayed because of security and integrity reasons. If there are concerns about any matter associated with your test and if it is considered that malpractice may have occurred, you will be advised that your results have been withheld. In exceptional circumstances, it may be required that you need to re-sit one or more IELTS test parts.
If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts using a computer.
If you choose to take the IELTS on paper, you will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts on paper.
The Speaking test for both paper and computer are face to face with an examiner. This is the best way to measure your speaking skills as it takes a more realistic approach: a life-like conversation with an examiner.
The cost of the General Training for UKVI test is approx $270 USD. Check the IELTS booking system for accurate prices.
The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is the same for both the IELTS on computer and the IELTS on paper test.
And because the content for both the IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer test is the same, the level of difficulty is also same. The only difference might be your level of confidence in sitting your IELTS test on a computer. If you are tech savvy, you might prefer to take IELTS on a computer.
