With the introduction of IELTS Online, now you have the flexibility to take an IELTS test at a location other than the official test centres. You could even take the test at your own home, as long as you meet the technical and procedural requirements.

At this stage, the online test is only available for IELTS Academic.

What is the IELTS Online test?

IELTS Online is the new way to take the IELTS Academic test. You can now choose to take the world’s leading English language test from the comfort of your home or other private location with a stable internet connection. IELTS Online has the same test format and duration as the IELTS Academic taken in a test centre; however, you now have more flexibility and freedom to take the test anywhere you prefer.

The Speaking test is conducted online via a video call with an IELTS Examiner.

IELTS Online uses the same IELTS multi-layered security processes in pre-test, test day and post-test operations. Recognising Organisations (ROs) will use the same online verification system as the one used to verify in-centre results.

How to prepare for the IELTS Online test?

Prepare for the IELTS Online test in exactly the same way as you would for an IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer; it’s the same content and format as IELTS taken in a test centre.

You can continue to prepare for IELTS in the same way as before. Find IELTS preparation materials here . Be prepared before your test day by using our:

Additionally, prepare for your test with our Progress Check practice test. Take this official mock test and get an indicative band score, plus an official feedback report.

Check out this video to help you understand IELTS Online

The right setup and environment for the test

A secure, quiet and private well-lit space with a desk
A stable internet connection
A laptop or desktop computer
A microphone and speakers (headphones not allowed)
A camera (internal or external)
Your passport
A mobile phone or a tablet with a camera

The right equipment

Desktop or laptop computer – IELTS Online cannot be taken on mobile or tablet
US and UK International English Keyboards (QWERTY)
You must have administration privileges on your computer
Speakers
Microphone on for the test duration
Camera on and uncovered for the test duration
One monitor only
A mobile phone with a camera may be required at check-in to assist in room scan. Once this is done, switch off the device and keep it away.

The right hardware and software

Operating system requirements:

Mac version 10.15 or newer
Windows version 10 or 11 on 64-bit platforms
CPUs newer than 2011 (Intel Sandy Bridge or newer) with support for SSE 4.2
Minimum 2 core CPU, recommended minimum 4 core CPU
OpenGL 2.0 graphics driver
Minimum 2GB RAM; recommended minimum 4GB RAM
75 MB of free storage
Web camera & microphone (internal or external)
Access to one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge
Upload and download speed of more than 1 Mbps
You will also need to download Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB) and perform some pre-system checks.

Read the IELTS Online Checklist to prepare for your test day!

IELTS Online test experience

Listening, Reading and Writing test journey

Launch the IELTS Exam Portal at the start time of your Listening, Reading and Writing test.
Log in with your username, password and Listening, Reading and Writing PIN code.
Select the Listening, Reading and Writing test called IELTS Online AC Written T1.
Complete the system check and take a photo of yourself and your photo ID to confirm your identity.
Meet your IELTS greeter. They will confirm your identity, advise you how to complete the room scan and go through test day rules. Then your test will begin.
When your test begins, your browser will be locked down. You won't be able to access anything other than the test platform.
During the test, do not click the exit button unless you are instructed to do so.

Read the IELTS Online Checklist to know more about the dos and don'ts for your Listening, Reading and Writing test!

Speaking test journey

Launch the IELTS Exam Portal 15 minutes before your test start time
Select the Speaking test called IELTS Online Speaking A1 T1
Log in with your username, password and Speaking PIN Code provided in 'My Account' login area
Check your audio and video
Take a photo of yourself and your photo ID page
Join the waiting room
Take your test with the Examiner
Exit the test when you finish Part 3

Read the IELTS Online guide for important tips and get ready for your Speaking test!

IELTS Online: Bookings now open

IELTS Online tutorial videos

IELTS Online Listening test tutorial

IELTS Online Reading test tutorial

IELTS Online Writing test tutorial

About IELTS Online