Along with the trend of digitalization in education, computer-based IELTS is increasingly popular thanks to the convenience of taking the test and the fast time to return results within just 2 days. However, for those of you who are used to handwriting and practicing on paper, the question "Is there still IELTS on paper?" is still something that needs to be clarified before registering for the test.
This article will help you answer questions in detail about whether to take IELTS on paper, update the IELTS test forms available in Vietnam and guide you to choose the one that best suits your goals.
1. Is IELTS on paper still available?
The short answer is No. After 29/03/2025, all IELTS Academic & IELTS General Training exams in Vietnam have officially switched to computer-based tests to provide more test days, shorten the time to receive results and simplify the registration process.
With this form, candidates perform Listening, Reading and Writing skills on standardized computer systems at official test centers. The Speaking test still takes place with IELTS examiners, either directly or by the method arranged by the test unit.
2. Latest updates on the current IELTS test format
Although the traditional paper exam format has closed, IDP and its co-owners still flexibly implement test methods to meet the diverse study habits of candidates. Currently, candidates can choose from 2 main forms of exams:
2.1. Computer-delivered IELTS
With the computer-based IELTS test, you do the Listening, Reading and Writing tests directly on the computer. Listening and Reading answers are immediately entered into the system, no need to copy them into the answer sheet. As for the Writing section, you type the article and track the word count with an automatic counter, instead of having to count manually.
This form is suitable if you:
Accustomed to using a computer: Type accurately, have less to look at the keyboard, and are comfortable reading long text on the screen.
Want to edit your writing conveniently: Easily edit sentences, change words, or rearrange paragraphs in the Writing section.
Need to be flexible when choosing an exam schedule: There are many options for exam dates and shifts to arrange to suit the study and work schedule.
In particular, IELTS results on the computer are usually available in about 2 days, helping you actively complete your university or study abroad admission documents.
2.2. Computer-delivered IELTS with Writing on Paper (IOCP)
IELTS on Computer – Writing on Paper (IOCP or IELTS Writing on Paper) allows you to perform Listening and Reading on a computer but handwrite your answers for the Writing section. In the Writing section, you read the question on the screen and write your answers to Task 1 and Task 2 on the IELTS Writing answer sheet. Answer sheets and pens are provided in the test room.
You can choose Writing on Paper when taking IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. This format does not apply to IELTS for UKVI. The IELTS transcript also does not note that you choose to handwrite the Writing section on paper.
Who is Writing on Paper suitable for?
If you are more comfortable writing by hand than typing, have clear handwriting and are used to presenting paper, Writing on Paper (IOCP) is a good choice. On the contrary, people who are comfortable with typing, correcting sentences, changing words, or rearranging paragraphs quickly will be more suitable for typing.
Whether handwritten or typed, the test structure, test time, and writing scoring criteria are still the same. Therefore, prioritize the way you feel most confident and convenient to do the test.
3. Is IELTS on computer different from IELTS on paper?
3.1. Maintain the same scoring structure and criteria
IELTS on computer maintains the same structure, question format and scoring criteria as the paper-based test. You will still be fully assessed in the four skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking on a scale of 0 to 9.
Therefore, if you are used to practicing on paper, you don't have to start from scratch when switching to computer-based exams. Continue to consolidate your knowledge and practice the types of tests, and spend more time practicing reading questions, entering answers, and editing writing on the screen to be more confident on exam day.
3.2. Differences in the operation of the test and the time to receive the results
When switching from a paper-based test to a computer, what operations do you need to be familiar with? The table below compares the previous traditional paper-based IELTS with computer-based IELTS with a typed Writing section, helping you clearly visualize how to do the test:
Criteria | Traditional Paper-based IELTS | IELTS on computer |
|---|---|---|
Questions and Answers | Read the printed question on paper, write the answers on the answer sheet. | Read the question on the screen, select or enter the answer directly into the system. |
End of Listening | There are 10 minutes to transfer the answers from the exam question to the answer sheet. | There are 2 minutes to check the answers, no more 10 minutes to transfer the answers. |
Reading Operations | Read and mark on the paper | Read, move between questions, and use tools on the interface |
Writing and editing | Handwrite and edit directly on the answer sheet. | Questions on computer. Handwritten responses. |
Time to receive results | Usually 1–5 days | 1–5 days |
Choose the test method that suits you with IDP
Hopefully, the article has helped you answer the question "Is IELTS still on paper?" and better understand the computer-based IELTS test format as well as the IELTS Writing on Paper (IOCP) feature. Whether you choose to type or handwrite the Writing section, it is important to familiarize yourself with the test and adjust the preparation to the chosen format.
To better prepare for the upcoming exam, IDP can assist you from the assessment stage, choosing the exam schedule to familiarizing yourself with the actual exam experience:
Actively choose test schedules at many IELTS test locations nationwide.
Learn how to take IELTS on computer and prepare for the test day experience.
Stay up to date with the latest information on IELTS test fees and current programs.
Take the IELTS practice test to assess your ability and familiarize yourself with the IELTS test format.
Register for the IELTS test with IDP once you have determined the test format, band and band and time to receive your results.