For immigrants or individuals looking to study in another country, IELTS is usually the go-to examination. After all, it’s the most popular English language test in the world, and over 3.5 million people take the IELTS exam every year. But wait, you will want to hear about a new IELTS test, and why you might want to consider it over the traditional Academic test.
About IELTS Online
Just to clarify, the IELTS Online test is the IELTS Academic test. However, with the new Online option, you can now take the test online from wherever you are: at home, at school, at the library, and so on. While the Academic test requires you to take the examination at a designated IELTS-partnered location, the Online test gives you more flexibility in terms of time and location. Better yet, the content and features are identical to the Academic test, so you won’t have to start over with your studies if you’ve already started. Please noted, usually, IELTS Academic is not for immigration purposes, and check the institution’s official website whether they accept IELTS Online scores.
How it works
It’s very similar to (and almost easier than) the Academic test. You will write the test with 2 hours and 50 minutes of time. You will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on your laptop, and the Speaking section will be done via an online video call with a human examiner. Then within 3 to 6 days of completing the IELTS Online test, you will receive your results.
The test uses both human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to remotely proctor the exam. To take the test, you will need to have, install and/or update a series of requirements (listed below). One piece of software you must install is the Inspera Exam Portal (IEP) software, which is the platform that IELTS Online runs on. If you have registered for the Online test, you will receive a link to download the software by email. It is recommended that you install everything that is required at least a day before your test, so that you can troubleshoot and make sure everything works properly.
Security requirements
There will be a few security measures that will take place before you start writing your test. These may include:
- ID check
- An examiner may request to see a piece of valid identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.) that you have used to book your test
- Secure online environment
- To ensure that there is no cheating, the IEP software will limit access to some parts of your computer. For example, it may ask you to close all windows before starting your test, or it may perform functions so that you will not be able to open or access new windows
- An examiner may request for you to perform a room scan to make sure that you are taking the test in a secure environment
- Plagiarism check
- A plagiarism check will be performed by both the software and examiners to ensure that all ideas presented are your own and in your own words
- Human and AI proctoring
- During the test, you will be asked to keep your camera on with your face visible in the frame at all times
Advice from IELTS
IELTS recommends the following setup and environment for the ideal test-taking experience:
- A quiet, private space within a well-lit area
- A stable internet connection
- A laptop or desktop computer with a camera/webcam
- A microphone and speakers for the Speaking section (headphones are not allowed)
- Your passport
- A mobile phone or tablet with a camera (to perform a room scan)
IELTS recommends the following equipment for your Online test:
- US and UK International English (QWERTY) keyboards
- Administration privileges to your device
IELTS recommends the following hardware and software for your Online test:
- Operating system requirement:
- Mac version 10.15 or higher
- Windows version 10 or 11 on 64-bit platforms
- CPUs newer than 2011 (Intel Sandy Bridge or newer) with support for SSE 4.2
- Minimum 2 core CPU, Recommended minimum 4 core CPU
- OpenGL 2.0 graphics driver
- Minimum 2GB RAM; Recommended minimum 4GB RAM
- 75 MB of free storage
- Web camera & microphone (internal or external)
- Access to one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge
- Upload and download speed of 0.6 Mbps
- You will also need to download Inspera Exam Portal (IEP) and perform some pre-system checks
Where can I take the IELTS Online test?
IELTS Online is currently available in the following countries:
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.
Click here to book your IELTS Online test.
Sources: IELTS Online, IELTS Online (British Council) – Take your test remotely
