Computer-Based IELTS 2024

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

2 min read

Updated On Jul 22, 2024

Computer-based delivered IELTS Test

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The IELTS exam, the most popular English language proficiency test, already has 2 types of tests based on the purpose of writing the exam, IELTS Academic and General Training. With IELTS continually working to ease the experience for the test takers, there are modes of writing the exam, paper-based and computer-based.

For those who wish to go for the computer-based delivered IELTS, the Listening, Reading and Writing sections will have to be on a computer, while the Speaking test will be conducted via face-to-face with an examiner. Before you begin reading about CBT, check out our expert IELTS Exam preparation tips!

Computer-based delivered IELTS Test

There is now the option of taking the IELTS on paper or on a computer. The computer-based test will more often than not, have more test dates available.

The IELTS Reading, Listening and Writing sections of all IELTS tests will be completed on the same day. However, the Speaking test can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.

If you choose to take computer-delivered IELTS, you will take the Listening, Reading and IELTS Writing using a computer. All aspects of the test are identical to paper-based IELTS, including:

Question types
Content
Timings*
Scoring
Speaking test delivery
TRF (test report forms)
Results verification
Marking

*In the computer-delivered IELTS Listening, the timings will be slightly different from the paper-based test. This is because the paper-based test would require users to transfer their answers to an answer sheet and this step becomes redundant when answering directly on a computer.

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Test Format

The questioning pattern, content, format, level of difficulty and scoring remains the same as paper-based IELTS. You’ll be taking the Listening, Reading, and Writing test on a computer with these 3 sections completed on the same day with no breaks in between them.

In the computer-delivered Listening test, the timings will be slightly different from the paper-based test. You’ll be given some time to read your questions before starting any part of the Listening test and two minutes to review your answers after finishing the Listening test. The timing of the Listening test is between 30 – 34 minutes.

However, the Speaking section can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. The IELTS Speaking will remain face-to-face with a human examiner who can assess your language and comprehension skills in person.

Why having a human examiner for the Speaking Test is more comfortable than an artificial bot?

The human examiner will be able to,

Repeat and rephrase a question for you
Hear your accent
Understand your strengths better than a computer

The total test time for the whole Computer-based test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Results

While the TRF (Test Report Form) for a paper-based test takes around 13 days. For a computer-delivered test, the IELTS results get released around 5–7 days after the test date. The Test Report Forms (TRF) will be valid for two years since the result posting.

Changes and dynamism in any exam are unprecedented and abrupt and in such cases, it is very important for one to have thorough tabs on such information. In our IELTS online classes not only do we provide you with the world class preparation but also check with all the updates so that you do not miss out on any essential information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between taking IELTS on a computer and taking IELTS on paper?

The IELTS on the computer is the same as the IELTS on paper. The format, time allocation, content, difficulty level, and question types are the same for both formats, except for the Speaking section, as it will be conducted by a certified examiner. The only difference is in how the test is administered. Instead of writing the answer on a piece of paper, the candidate must type it on the screen in the computer-based test

Is computer-based IELTS easier?

The difficulty level of the IELTS remains unchanged because the format and content of the questions are the same for both computer-based and paper-based formats. The computer-delivered IELTS may be easier than the paper-based IELTS only if the test-taker is competent at typing on a keyboard and if they can listen and type simultaneously. The main advantage is that they can edit their answers much more easily in the writing section, saving time.

What are some of the benefits of computer-based IELTS?

The advantages of computer-based IELTS include faster results, flexibility (additional test dates), automatic word count, highlighting texts and making notes, no handwriting issues, and the possibility to alter the answers readily

Is the computer-based IELTS marked by a computer or a professional?

The IELTS Reading and Listening sections are automatically marked by the computer, while trained IELTS professionals grade the Writing and Speaking sections.

Give some tips for the computer-based IELTS

With the difficulty level of the computer-based IELTS fluctuating, some preparation tips which the test-takers can follow during the CBT are reading the questions thoroughly before answering, practising every question under the stopwatch, focusing on grammatical usage and spelling, highlighting the important sections to understand the general theme of the reading passage, and proofreading the answers.