Your goal of having a life abroad becomes achievable with IELTS! If you can’t decide which IELTS test format is best for you, read about the differences below.
Test Result Time
When you take IELTS on Computer, you can preview your results on our Test Taker Portal within 3 to 5 calendar days. If you’re on a tight deadline to provide IELTS test results to a university or company, the computer-delivered option is ideal.
IELTS on Paper results can be previewed on our Test Taker Portal after 13 calendar days. Did you know that we can send up to five free copies of your test report form to institutions you are applying for? Read more about how to get your results here.
Test Date Availability
There are more test dates and sessions available for IELTS on Computer than there are for IELTS on Paper in a typical month. If you are on a busy schedule and need to make a last-minute booking, you will find more options with IELTS on Computer.
When you register for IELTS with the British Council, you only need to secure your booking four calendar days in advance. Find our available test dates here.
Preparation Material
The questions in both tests are the same, so you can use all the free study material we have available to prepare for IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper. We have an excellent free familiarization test for IELTS on Computer that will help you feel more comfortable with the computer-delivered test format.
The full-sample version of IELTS on Computer covers the Listening, Writing, and Reading Sections and includes 2 hours and 30 minutes of questions, just like the real test. Register to access the test at any time here.
Test Day Experience
When you take IELTS on Computer, you can see the word count on the screen and be assured that you don’t write too little or too much. This feature can help you save time so you can focus on your answers. If you are concerned about writing legibly, the computer-delivered test ensures that your answers will be clear.
Our official test venues are well-equipped for both test formats. If you prefer a more intimate testing environment with fewer people in the room, take note that IELTS on Computer rooms are usually smaller than the rooms provided for the paper-based test.
Whichever format you choose, taking the IELTS test has never been easier! Register today so you can start your plans to work or study abroad.
