Take IELTS on Computer for both the General Training and Academic tests. You will do the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts of the test using a computer. All answers will be typed on the screen. You will also be able to write notes on a notes sheet during the Listening test.
The IELTS Speaking will be a face-to-face interview with an examiner and it will be completed either just before, or just after the Reading, Listening, and Writing test parts.
With IELTS on computer, your results will be available within 1 to 5 days.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.
If you take IELTS on Computer, contact your test centre for more information on the Speaking test date.
If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts using a computer.
If you choose to take the  IELTS on paper,  you will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts on paper.
The Speaking test for both paper and computer  are  face to face with an examiner. This is the best way  to measure  your  speaking skills  as it takes a more  realistic  approach: a life-like conversation with an examiner.
If you take IELTS on Computer, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.
If you take IELTS on Paper, you will do the tests in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
Headphones will always be provided for IELTS on computer.
For IELTS on paper, headphones are used in some countries, but not a requirement for all IELTS test centres.
You can ask your centre to use headphones or special amplification equipment to help you hear the recording, but you will need to ask at least two weeks before your test date.
You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. If you do a IELTS on Paper test, you can take pens, pencils and erasers into the examination room. If you do a IELTS on Computer test, the centre will provide you with pencils and paper.
You must leave all of your personal belongings outside the examination room in a secure area or locker. Mobile phones, pagers and smart watches must be switched off and left with your personal belongings.
If you keep mobile phones or electronic devices with you, you will be disqualified.
Contact your test centre to know more, as some of these instructions may vary from centre to centre.
If you take an IELTS on Computer test, the Reading, Writing and Listening parts of the IELTS test are completed on a computer, but the Speaking test is completed face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.
The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is the same for both the IELTS on computer and the IELTS on paper test.
And because the content for both the IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer test is the same, the level of difficulty is also same. The only difference might be your level of confidence in sitting your IELTS test on a computer. If you are tech savvy, you might prefer to take IELTS on a computer.
The IELTS on computer test has a help button to assist you throughout the test. This help option describes question types as well as how the test works. In the IELTS on computer test there is also an option to change some of the settings, such as font size on the screen.
