IELTS on computer vs IELTS on paper

If you’ve done IELTS before, you might know the paper test. For this test, it starts with Writing, then Reading, and finally Listening. And, the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner. So, what about the computer test? IELTS on computer starts with Listening, Reading and Writing, but instead of writing your answers on paper, you type them on a computer. However, there are some benefits of doing IELTS on a computer.

If you’re familiar with the paper test, you might notice a few changes between the paper test and the computer test. The obvious change is the paper tests uses a pencil, while in the computer test you type. The order of the test is different and the Listening test is shorter. Also, you get headphones for the Listening test. What hasn’t changed is the Speaking test. 

Pencil or keyboard? 

We’ll give you a pencil and an answer sheet for IELTS on paper. You need to write your answers on the answer sheet before the time runs out. With IELTS on computer, you type your answers in the corresponding boxes on your screen. We’ll still give you a pencil or pen and paper to make notes – even if you do IELTS on computer. Are you concerned about not typing fast enough? There’s no need to worry: the computer test is designed for people with normal typing skills. If you can write an email, you can do the test on a computer. 

The order of the test is different 

In Australia, the IELTS on paper starts with Writing, then Reading, and finally Listening. Sometimes you do your Speaking straight after this. But some test centres may offer your Speaking test on a different day. The IELTS test on computer starts with Listening, followed by Reading and then Writing. The Speaking test takes place on the same day, either before or after your computer test. 

The Listening test is shorter 

If you’ve done an IELTS test on paper before, you may remember that you need to write your answers in the question booklet while you listen to the recording. So, in the paper test, you get 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. In the computer test, you type your answers in their appropriate places on the screen. You do get time between sections to check your answers, but no extra time at the end. Because you’ve already completed your answers, the 10 minutes is not needed. Besides, you won’t miss it. 

The exam venue 

Have you done a paper test before? Maybe not in Australia, but overseas? If so, you might remember that IELTS on paper tests are usually conducted in a larger room. Sometimes at a university, or at a hotel which is centrally located. IELTS on computer tests are done in smaller, custom-built, brand-new rooms. Everything in the test room is designed for your comfort. 

You get headphones 

Apart from a new test room, everyone doing IELTS on computer has their own computer, a quality screen and your own headphones for the Listening test. You don’t need to talk to a machine with IELTS, so there is no microphone in your way. Even better, we make sure that our headphones are good. Most test centres offer noise-cancelling headphones, so you can focus on your own performance.

There are a few reasons why you should do IELTS on computer. Most importantly, you get your results back in typically one day. That’s great if you need to prove your English language score for migration or study. But, there are a few more reasons. 

Faster results 

With IELTS on computer you typically get your results in one day. So, if you need your results urgently for a visa application or to study at a university, book IELTS on computer. Of course, your IELTS results are accepted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world.

More flexibility – do IELTS when you need it 

You can do IELTS on computer up to 7 days a week and up to 3 times a day, academic or General Training. You can book your test today, and have your results in typically one day! And, with IELTS, you don’t pay for a late booking. The IELTS test fee is the same. 

Easier experience 

Remember what we said before about custom-built, comfortable test rooms? Fewer people doing the test at the same time means less stress and a quicker experience.

Imagine boarding an international flight with 200+ passengers, or a plane with 12 people on board. Which one is easier? With a maximum of 24 test-takers per session, our IELTS on computer test centres offer an atmosphere that is less stressful and noisy than in bigger venues.

Speak with a human examiner 

The IELTS Speaking test is not on computer. You do it face-to-face, in a quiet room, with an experienced and friendly IELTS examiner. This allows for a real-world speaking experience. Besides, a real human understands your accent – you are not penalised for having an accent. Other English tests make you talk to a computer, and get this marked by a computer. As a result, even native English speakers can perform more poorly than expected. With IELTS, you talk to a real human. You can ask an examiner to clarify a question or repeat or rephrase a question.