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IELTS on paper

With IELTS, you can choose how you want to take your test - on paper or on computer. If you're more comfortable writing instead of typing, IELTS on paper is the test for you.

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.

What to expect on the test day?

If you take IELTS on paper, you will complete the Writing, Reading and Listening parts on paper. You can use an HB-pencil to complete your Writing test and write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet.

For IELTS on paper the Writing, Reading, and Listening 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.

IELTS on paper

What's the difference? Find out what you need to know about the IELTS on paper format

Delivery format

  • list?.image?.titleYou will complete the Reading, Listening and Writing parts of the test on paper
  • list?.image?.titleThe Speaking part is face-to-face with an IELTS examiner
  • list?.image?.titleYou will be given 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers to the answer sheet

Test day

  • list?.image?.titleThe obvious difference is that in the paper tests you answer with a pencil, while in the computer test you type them out
  • list?.image?.titleFor each part of the test, staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets for that section
  • list?.image?.titleStaff will collect these after each section, before moving on to the next part of the test

Results

  • list?.image?.titleResults will be available 13 calendar days after taking your test
  • list?.image?.titleYou will receive a paper Test Report Form
  • list?.image?.titleYour paper TRF will be delivered to your postal address, or can be collected in person at your test centre
  • list?.image?.titlePlease check with your test centre to see which option is available

Availability

  • list?.image?.titleIn Australia, we have IELTS on paper tests available up to 48 days per year (Thursday and Saturday)
  • list?.image?.titleIELTS on paper is available for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests
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Choose IELTS for your English test to get a Speaking test with a real person - just like a conversation in real life.

Learn more about IELTS on Paper

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