You can take IELTS Academic test and General Training test on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the paper-based 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 Listening, Reading, and Writing parts on paper. You can use a pen or HB-pencil to complete your Writing test, but you must use an HB-pencil to write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet. In the paper-based IELTS test, the Listening, Reading, and Writing 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.

Important Update for Non-Resident of Singapore taking IELTS on Paper Test

Commencing 7 October 2024, test takers who are non-resident in Singapore will not be permitted to sit an IELTS on Paper test. Non-resident IELTS Test Takers may take IELTS on Computer.

We will require all test takers who do not hold Singapore nationality and who book an IELTS on Paper test to provide us with acceptable proof of residence by email at least three days before the scheduled test date.

If such test takers do not or are unable to provide acceptable proof of residence, then we will cancel the booking and refund the test fee. Alternatively, such test takers may choose to take an IELTS on Computer test without any residency requirements.

Acceptable proof of residency are as follows:

• Student Card

• Work Permit

• Residence Card

Other important notes:

1. Proofs of residency (permits or visas) cannot be for periods of less than three consecutive months.

2. If a test taker is unable to provide an acceptable proof of residence within the stipulated deadline, then their IELTS on Paper booking will be cancelled.

3. Test takers unable to provide an acceptable proof of residence will be allowed to take an IELTS on Computer test without any residency requirement.

4. Any non-residents already registered prior to 7 October 2024 will be allowed to sit an IELTS on Paper test without any additional requirements.

5. Once the test centre notifies relevant registered test takers of the requirement for proof, these test takers will have 72 hours to respond as required. Failure to respond at all will result in test cancellation and full refund.

6. If residency is approved, test takers will be required to present their residency documents on test day to reduce the risk of forgeries.