Computer Based IELTS

1. What is Computer-based IELTS (CB IELTS)?

CB IELTS is a computer-based version of IELTS. It consists of the Listening, Reading and Writing tests. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests will still be conducted face-to-face.

2. Where is CB IELTS available?

Bangladesh, Dhaka – British Council more information
Egypt, Alexandria – British Council more information
Egypt, Cairo Agouza – British Council more information
India, New Delhi – British Council more information
India, New Delhi – IDP Education Australia more information
Italy, Milan – British Council more information
Jordan, Amman – British Council more information
Kenya, Nairobi – Australian University Studies Institute  more information
UAE, Abu Dhabi – British Council more information
UAE, Dubai – British Council more information
Vietnam, Hanoi – British Council more information  

3.Why is CB IELTS not available everywhere?

CB IELTS is being introduced initially at a limited number of IELTS centres, which have been chosen on the basis of specific technical and administrative requirements. The availability of the computer-based test will gradually be increased to meet the developing needs of both candidates and test score users globally.

4. Will CB IELTS be available in other countries in the future?

The IELTS partners intend to gather feedback from the initial rollout and plan to expand the number of centres offering the computer-based test in the future.

5. How can someone apply to take CB IELTS?

To apply for CB IELTS, you should contact one of the centres listed above. Please be aware that places are limited so you should apply for a test as early as possible.

6. How much does the CB IELTS test cost?

The computer-based test costs the same as the paper-based test.

7. How are the CB IELTS tests marked?

The CB IELTS Listening and Reading tests are marked by computer, while the Writing test responses are marked by qualified IELTS examiners, in the same way as the paper based version. This approach maintains the security, validity and consistency for which IELTS is internationally recognised.

8. Do candidates have to take the Speaking test on computer in CB IELTS?

The Speaking test is not taken electronically. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests are conducted face-to-face.

9. How is CB IELTS scored?

CB IELTS and paper-based IELTS are scored using the same nine-band scale.

10. Which is easier, the computer-based test or the paper-based test?

There is no difference between the difficulty of the computer-based test and the paper-based test.

11. When do candidates get the results of their CB IELTS test?

All IELTS candidates receive their test scores 13 calendar days after taking the test.

12. Will the receiving institution know that a candidate has taken the computer-based version of IELTS?

A candidate’s Test Report Form will look the same whether they have sat the test in its computer-based or paper-based format.

13. Is General Training IELTS available as a computer-based test?

At this stage CB IELTS is only available for the Academic module. The IELTS partnership intends to make the General Training module available in the future.