IELTS Online

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 at home or in a private location with a stable internet connection.

It has the same test format and duration as IELTS Academic taken in a test centre, but IELTS Online gives you the opportunity to choose where you want to take the test from.

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

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

The test format, scoring, and timing of the test is the same as IELTS Academic on paper and computer taken in a test centre.

The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are delivered in the same way as IELTS on computer.

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

Yes, at IELTS we believe face-to-face conversational English is important, therefore the IELTS Online Speaking test is conducted online via video call with a certified IELTS Examiner.

No, you do not need to be at home to take your test. You need a private, well-lit space where you will not be interrupted, and a stable internet connection.

We advise you to check with your chosen institution(s) directly before booking IELTS Online.

IELTS Online is currently available to test takers aged 18 and above.

Yes, the test will be timed the same as IELTS on paper and computer. Each section has a fixed duration, so you will not be able to pause the test and go back to it later.

IELTS Online has the same format as IELTS Academic in a test centre. Listening is 30 minutes, followed by Reading for 60 minutes and then Writing for 60 minutes. The Speaking test is usually held before the Listening, Reading and Writing tests and lasts for 11–14 minutes.

IELTS Online is currently only available for the Academic test. It is not accepted for immigration purposes.

No, IELTS Online is not currently accepted for immigration purposes.

IELTS Online runs on the Inspera Exam Portal. After booking your test, you will also be emailed a link to download the portal. We recommend you do this at least one day before your test to carry out pre-test system checks.

Yes, IELTS Online uses human and artificial intelligence (AI) proctoring to monitor your test.

This is an IELTS invigilator who will monitor your Listening, Reading, and Writing tests online, just as they would if you took your test in a test centre.

Having remote proctors ensures IELTS Online maintains the high security standards set by IELTS and trusted by recognising organisations around the world.

To take IELTS Online you must have a laptop or desktop computer with one screen only; multiple screens are not allowed.

You will need:

• a desk in a quiet, private, well-lit space
• your ID (passport)
• a reliable internet connection
• a computer or laptop.

For the full list of items not allowed during the test, please read our terms and conditions when you book your test.

Your computer or laptop must have:

• Windows or macOS
• a webcam
• a microphone (headphones are not allowed)
• speakers
• one screen only.

Take these steps at least one day before your test. Make sure you:

• download the Inspera Exam Portal
• open the Inspera Exam Portal
• click ‘Next’ to start the pre-test system checks (these check your computer and system are suitable for IELTS Online).

Provided the connection is stable, you can use either a LAN connection or wifi.

Yes, IELTS Online is the same test as IELTS Academic, which means that you can use the same practice materials already available on our website.

You cannot take notes using pen and paper during your test, however, you can make notes on screen during your Listening, Reading and Writing tests.

Yes, if you have time left during a test section, then you can go back and change your answers in that same test section.

You are allowed one 5-minute bathroom break during your Listening, Reading and Writing tests.

This must be taken in between tests, e.g. between the end of the Listening test and the start of the Reading test.

To take a bathroom break, raise your hand and wait for the proctor to call you. Do not leave your desk without the permission of the proctor.

Yes, you can contact the proctor by raising your hand and waiting for them to contact you.

No. They will only appear if something seems wrong, or if you raise your hand to take a bathroom break or to ask a question.

If you lose your internet connection briefly during your test, you will be given extra time equal to the time lost to complete your test.

If you lose your internet connection for a substantial amount of time and need to retake your test, this will be organised by your Test Partner (British Council, or IDP).

No, you will not be able to access any other programs or browsers during the test.

IELTS Online is marked by official IELTS Examiners, using the same IELTS marking criteria as IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper.

You will receive your results 6–8 days after taking your test.

You will receive an email telling you your results are available and how to access them electronically.

No paper Test Report Forms will be available.

Yes, you will be awarded an overall band score and band scores for each of the four tests: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

IELTS is widely recognised by universities and other education providers around the world. If your preferred organisation accepts IELTS Online, you can use your results in exactly the same way as if you have taken IELTS at a test centre.

Before you book, check with your preferred organisation directly to make sure they accept IELTS Online.

IELTS Online is not accepted by governments and organisations for immigration or professional registration purposes.

As part of the booking process, you can select which institution(s) you would like to share your IELTS Online results with. Your results will be sent to them directly.

Educational institutions and organisations will receive your electronic IELTS Online Test Report Form (eTRF) and use the IELTS Results Service to verify your IELTS scores.

The Enquiry on Results process for IELTS Online is the same as IELTS taken in a test centre.

Before you book, please read the 'equipment' list above. Once you have booked the test you will be emailed information about how to carry out a pre-test system check on your laptop/computer.

Your IELTS Online booking confirmation email will include instructions to help you and provide contact details for our support team.

If you experience any issues before your test, please contact your Test Partner support team. You will receive contact details in your booking confirmation email.

If you have a technical issue during your test and if it is possible to do so, contact the support team via the Live Chat. If that is not possible, contact the support team using the contact details in the emails received from your IELTS Test Partner.

You will be given extra time equal to the time lost from the technical issue to complete your test.

Yes, you can retake the test as soon as you are ready.

You can cancel your IELTS Online test up to 72 hours before your test date.

For IELTS Online we collect and store your personal data to:

• administer your IELTS Online test
• ensure test integrity and prevent fraud
• improve the way in which IELTS Online is administered.

If you would like to access your personal data, please email the IELTS Test Partner that you booked your test with:

• British Council: IGDisclosures@britishcouncil.org
• IDP: privacyofficer@idp.com

Yes, both a video and audio recording of you and your computer screen is captured during your IELTS Online test.

• Your Listening, Reading, and Writing test audio and video recording is held for 60 days after your IELTS Online test.
• Your Speaking test video recording is held for 3 months after your IELTS Online test.
• Your Speaking test audio recording is held for 3 years after your IELTS Online test.