Educational institutions may choose to accept results from IELTS Academic tests that have been taken online.
At an IELTS test centre
Test takers have the choice to take their test on paper or on a computer. There is no difference to the test questions or format, only the way the test takers complete their answers.
IELTS on computer
Test takers can attend an official IELTS test centre and sit their test on a computer. Questions for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are shown on the screen and test takers enter their answers on the computer.
The Speaking section is completed during a face-to-face session with a trained IELTS Examiner, which is done on the same day.
Results
Results for IELTS on computer are available 1–2 days after test completion.
IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper)
Writing on Paper enables the test taker to take their IELTS test on computer and complete the Writing component by hand.
In selected countries, Writing on Paper will soon be available as an option for the IELTS on computer test. If the test taker chooses Writing on Paper, their Writing component tasks will be shown on screen, but they will need to complete the tasks in pen on an IELTS Writing Answer Sheet.
The option of Writing on Paper increases flexibility and benefits those with different levels of digital confidence, so they can take the IELTS test with confidence.
Results
Results within 5 days after test date. The IELTS Test Results Form (TRF) will not specify that the Writing on Paper option was chosen.
IELTS on paper
Test takers who opt to take the test on paper will sit at a desk with question-and-answer papers for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of their test.
The Speaking section of the test is conducted by a trained IELTS Examiner.
Results
Results are available 13 days after test completion.
Remote testing with IELTS Online
We offer test takers in some countries the option to complete the IELTS Academic test online, and we are adding more countries all the time. The test has the same format, questions, timing, and marking criteria as completing the IELTS test at a test centre.
The Speaking section of the test is completed in an online video call with a trained IELTS Examiner. Receiving organisations can decide whether they are happy to accept results from IELTS Academic tests that are taken online or not. The Test Report Form will indicate if the test taker has completed their test online.
Results
Test results are available 6–8 days after taking the test.