Take IELTS on computer or on paper? What you need to know

Recently, IELTS test organizers have developed a new test format -IELTS on computer. Because this form is still quite new, many candidates are still confused about the form IELTS test on computer or on paper that suits you better. Understanding this, Dol would like to give you some information about this new form of exam!

DOL IELTS Dinh Luc

Sep 23, 2022

2 mins read

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1. What is special about the computer-based IELTS test?

Computer-based IELTS test brings convenience to candidates

IELTS on computer is a new exam format for the whole format Academic (Academic)andGeneral Training (General).

In the computer-based test format, candidates will perform the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests entirely on the computer.

However, candidates still take the Speaking test directly with the examiner, as this is the most effective and authentic form of assessment for this skill.

A rather convenient point about the computer-based test format is that candidates have more choices about test dates. While paper-based exams are only held every Saturday, candidates can register for a computer-based exam any day of the week.

Note before taking the exam, candidates shouldielts mock test on computer for free at the website before taking the official exam.

Some advantages and disadvantages of taking IELTS on computer

1.1. Structure of IELTS exam

The structure and difficulty of the test are completely unchanged even if a candidate registersIELTS test on computer or on paper.

Thus, candidates can rest assured that the following factors are guaranteed to remain the same:

• Structure of the exam
• Time for skills
• Difficulty and types of questions in the test
• Jury's grading criteria
• Format and structure of the Speaking test
• Exam Privacy Principles

1.2. Exam result

Another convenient point in the formIELTS test on computer Test takers will receive results within 5-7 days of completing sections of the IELTS test.

Compared to the paper-based exam, this test format saves half the time to receive the results, suitable for candidates who need urgent certificates. So candidates will knowWhen should I take IELTS? to watch the time to receive the degree.

Candidates will receive an email or text message announcing the results. After that, to receive the Test Report Form (TRF), candidates can apply for delivery to their home or to the office of the test organizer to receive the results.

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2. Computer-based IELTS test process

Instructions for taking IELTS on computer:

The computer-based IELTS exam is conducted as follows:

2.1. Carry out check-in procedures

Candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than the exam time. Before entering the exam room, candidates need to sit in the waiting area for the staff to guide the check-in procedures.

After being briefed on the exam rules and watching instructional videos on how to take the test on a computer, candidates will be asked to put all their belongings in their personal lockers.

Next, candidates need to check the personal information on the exam card and take a personal photo. Finally, candidates will be allowed to enter the exam room after being scanned for metal by staff.

Order of steps for IELTS on computer

Some points to note:

• On the day of the test, you are required to bring your valid ID/CCCD or passport to be allowed to enter the exam room.
• You should not bring any personal items, including watches, phones, or bracelets. These items will be checked very carefully, so if you don't really need them, you should leave them at home.

2.2. Take the IELTS test on a computer

The video below will help you visualize the exercisesIELTS test on computer:

Candidates will take the IELTS test in the order of Listening, Reading, and finally Writing.

️🎧 Listening test

Candidates will take the IELTS Listening test on a computer

Listening is the first skill that candidates are tested for. Candidates will be informed of the rules to follow during the Listening test, including:

• Candidates are not allowed to go out while the listening is being played. The listening test is played only once and continuously throughout the test period.
• During the exam, if any questions arise, candidates can raise their hand to ask the test proctor to answer.
• The computer-based Listening test will not have a sample question and answer section at the beginning of the test as in the paper-based test, so candidates need to be careful not to miss out on important information in the listening test.
• Candidates will not have 10 minutes to complete their answers as in the paper-based format, but only 2 minutes to check their answers.

The candidate will then be provided with a piece of paper containing the account login to the exam platform. Candidates can use this paper as a draft while listening.

Next, candidates log in, take the steps to adjust the listening volume, font size, color and resolution of the exam interface to suit themselves, and finally start taking the test.

📖 Reading test

Candidates will take the IELTS Reading test on a computer

Immediately after the Listening test will be the Reading test. Candidates should note that there will be no break between exams, so it is necessary to prepare mentally and get used to that pressure before the exam.

The Reading test also begins with listening to the rules and logging into the same test account as in Listening.

In the process of taking the Reading test, candidates can take advantage of some special features on the computer such as‘highlight’ (mark important information) and‘note’ (take notes as needed).

Please refer to how to get 9.0 IELTS Reading of DOL English:

📝 Writing test

Candidates will take the IELTS Writing test on a computer

The Writing test is similar to Listening and Reading. Compared with the paper-based exam, candidates will take advantage of the Word counts feature (counting the number of words in the article), and thus saving time on manual calculations.

📢 Speaking test

Candidates will take the IELTS Speaking test on a computer

As mentioned above, the process of taking the Speaking test has not changed compared to the paper-based test format.

However, due to the limited number of candidates for each computer session, candidates will not waste time waiting for their turn.

In addition, candidates can also choose to take the Speaking test before, after, or on the same day as the remaining 3 skills, and choose a specific time to suit their personal schedule.

3. Note when taking IELTS on computer

❓Is IELTS exam on computer easier than on paper?

Compare the difficulty of IELTS on computer and on paper

This is completely wrong. As mentioned above, these two forms are only different in terms of means and methods of taking the test, while the content, difficulty and structure of the test sections are exactly the same.

❓Can I go to the bathroom during the test?

Please use reasonable time to solve this problem

Since there are no breaks between sections, if you need to go to the bathroom, you will have to use your own time.

However, it should be noted that in the Listening test (the first part of the test), candidates are absolutely not allowed to leave the test room during the time of the test.

❓What if there is a power outage?

In case of power failure, candidates do not need to worry

Candidates do not have to worry when a power outage occurs, because each computer at the test site is equipped with an electrostatic outlet, allowing candidates to continue to take the test for 7 to 8 minutes.

During this time, staff will quickly start up the generator system, ensuring that the exam takes place continuously.

❓Candidates easily lose concentration when doing the test?

There are many factors that affect concentration during the test

In the exam room, candidates are asked not to make any noise to disturb other candidates.

However, because the test is conducted on a computer, sometimes the sound of multiple candidates typing at the same time can be distracting. This has both been rectified by the IDP and British Council by providing candidates with earplugs.

4. Choose IELTS on paper or computer?

Faced with two choices about the form of the exam, perhaps you wonder which form to choose.

Some differences between paper-based and computer-based exams

Although both forms are being chosen by many candidates, currentlyIELTS test on computerThere are three more outstanding advantages are:

• The exam process is quick, candidates can choose to test all 4 skills on the same day
• There are more test days, both during the week and on weekends.
• The time to receive the results is within 5-7 days, 7 days faster than the paper-based exam.

However, before making a choice, you should consider your habits and needs. If you are more comfortable with traditional activities such as handwriting or reading on paper, choose paper-based testing.

Meanwhile, in terms of computer-based exam format, candidates need to be proficient in computer operations, type quickly, as well as be able to look at the screen continuously for 3 hours.

It is important for candidates to choose the right test format that makes them feel comfortable and confident when taking the test. You need to decide if you prefer to read the text and write your answers on the computer or on paper.

Refer to the questionnaire below to find the exam format that is right for you!

5. Computer-based IELTS test location

Here are a few locations for the eventIELTS test on computer. Please refer to the topic to find the most convenient location for you!

5.1. That Hanoi

• AMES INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH CENTER: 96 Lo Duc, Haiba Trung District
• VIETNAM TRADE EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD (VTED): Lot B3/D7 Dich Vong urban area, lane 66 Khuc Thua Du, Cau Giay
• HANOI - HANOI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (HUST): Building C3B, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Dai Co Viet, Hai Ba Trung
• HANOI - UNIVERSITY ACCESS CENTER (UAC): The Five Residences Building, 345 Doi Can, Ba Dinh

Location of computer-based IELTS test: Hanoi University of Science and Technology

5.2. In the city. Ho Chi Minh

• British Council in Ho Chi Minh City. HO CHI MINH: 285 Cach Mang Thang Tam, District 10
• UNIVERSITY ACCESS CENTER (UAC): 56 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 1

Computer-based IELTS test venue: British Council in Ho Chi Minh City

Note:

Exams before taking the IELTS, let's goFree IELTS mock test in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

6. Frequently asked questions:

Is the computer-based IELTS test more difficult than the paper-based test?

Is the computer-based IELTS exam fee different from the paper-based test fee?

Is it possible to use Ctrl+F when taking the IELTS test on a computer?

Is pen and paper required in computer-based IELTS?

Dol hopes that, with a couple of lines of information about the formIELTS test on computer above, you will make a right decision about the exam format that is right for you. Dol believes that that choice will partly help you have more confidence and complete the test more effectively in your official exam. Wish you early success!