Know About Computer Based IELTS

May 16, 2022

Taking the IELTS exam on a computer is a convenient option to take the examination. We'll tell you all you need to know about the computer-based IELTS exam.
This blog post will teach you everything you need to know about the IELTS computer-based exam.

What Is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS test is the world's most popular English language exam. It's a standardized English language test gaining in popularity across the globe. The IELTS test assesses non-native English speakers' abilities to communicate, write, read, and understand oral English.
 
It is designed for students and workers who want to study abroad or work in an English-speaking environment. The majority of applicants are students who want to continue their education overseas or those who wish to establish a job in another country. 

Thousands of universities and institutions require applicants to take the IELTS test to determine their English proficiency. According to the French British Council website, more than 3 million people take the test each year, making it one of the most popular language tests in the world.

What are Paper-Based IELTS Exams?

The IELTS Computer Based Exam is identical to the paper-based exam, except it is administered on a computer in a testing center. 

Both tests will have the same content and organization, and you will be given the same amount of time to complete them. It depends on you whether you prefer IELTS on paper or IELTS on computers. 

Furthermore, you will be marked in the same manner. The only difference is that you will have to select whether to type or write your answers on paper, depending on your preference. 

In the end, The majority of applicants choose computer-based IELTS, and a well-developed technological infrastructure is also important. It is comparable to the paper-based IELTS in terms of grading, timings, content, and work kinds.

What are Computer-Based IELTS Exams?

The IELTS test is now available on paper or a computer. The substance of the questions stays the same, except for the media, which is obviously different. The three sections of IELTS on the computer are listening, reading, and writing. 

The speaking component will always be taken face to face with an examiner, as this is a more trustworthy mode of communication and, according to the British Council's clients, the most effective way to communicate. The exam center will give you a computer and headphones on your test day. To take the computer-delivered IELTS test, you do not need to bring your laptop.

This computer-based version will not replace the paper-based test, but it will provide candidates with another option. IELTS on PCs was initially introduced in December 2017 in Australia, and it is currently being developed in other countries. In 2021, most major testing locations on every continent will provide the option of taking the exam on a computer.

How and Where Will the Exam Be Held?

The computer-based test is held at the testing center for which you have enrolled. You have complete control over the date and timing of your test.

  1. You will be shown a computer in a separate room and given a headset to perform your test.
  2. A set of questions will show on your screen as you click 'Start Test.'
  3. A clock at the top of the screen will tell you how much time you have left to complete this task and the entire test.
  4. Instructions are supplied in a box at the top of the screen for each part.
  5. You'll converse with an examiner at the exam center for the Speaking section.

What Is the Difference Between the Computer-Based and Paper-Based IELTS?

If you choose the paper-based IELTS option, you will have to handwrite your answers for the listening, reading, and writing tests.

Like the computer-based test, the IELTS speaking examination will be done face to face with a professional IELTS examiner.

Are All Test Report Forms the Same?

They are the same; however, IELTS examinations are not offered in the same way or simultaneously. If you take the computer-based test, you will receive your results from the Candidate Portal within 3 to 5 days following the test date. If you take a paper-based test, you will receive your results 13 days after the test date.

Is the Same Method Used To Calculate Band Scores?

Whether you took the computer-based or paper-based exam, the method for calculating your IELTS test results is the same. There is no difference, and claiming that one is more accessible than the other is a complete myth: the questions are identical! Whatever exam you take, your IELTS certificate is valid for two years. 

Tips for Taking the IELTS Computer Based Test

tips for taking computer ielts test

1. Practice is Essential

To master your IELTS computer-based test, we can only advise you to practice as much as possible. It would help if you practiced at least three times per week because it is an excellent way to track your improvement. Prasana has an amazing team to assist you in preparing for the IELTS test by familiarizing yourself with the test's requirements and then concentrating on the essentials.

2. Listen to English Audios

Listen to English speakers (radio shows, TV shows, movies) to improve your listening skills for your listening test.

3. Read As Many Papers As You Possibly Can

Read newspapers and books to improve your reading and comprehension of English written texts. Always remember to tolerate all components of the test as a test taker.

4. Schedule Your Time According to Your Preferences

Don't try to answer everything in sequence during the test. If you have any doubts and would like to answer later (if there is still time), you can always go back and change your answers until the end of the test while giving IELTS on the computer.

5. Write Down Your Thoughts on a Response Sheet

During your exam, you can highlight content and take notes using computer-based instruction. Before submitting your final paper, go over your responses again.

Begin Online Preparation for the Two IELTS Versions

There are several free IELTS training courses available online and IELTS training videos on YouTube. However, the quality of these offers is low; the websites are littered with advertisements, and the essential mock exams do not simulate exam conditions.

Furthermore, the numerous IELTS preparation tools are costly. The cost of such training, whether for private or group classes, is high. The same can be said about workout books and practice tests. Prasana International Education offers a straightforward and well-organized interface with information created by foreign language education experts, combining quality and competitive costs.

The following instruments are included in the IELTS specialized training:

  1. 120 exercises
  2. 5 mock exams
  3. 3 personalized study plans to choose from
  4. 390 study sheets with practice exercises
  5. Statistics and corrections

What are the Advantages of Taking the IELTS Online?

Let's look at some of the advantages of taking the IELTS online:

  1. Instead of waiting 13 days for your results after taking the paper-based test, you'll have them in 3 to 5 days.
  2. The computer-based test has additional test dates available.
  3. Up to 72 hours before the test, you can register (according to availability)
  4. You won't have to go to the exam center twice because the spoken test is held on the same day as the computer test.
  5. You should take the computer-based test if you don't like writing by hand or if you type quickly. You will not be required to write anything (except to work on your draft for the Speaking section).
  6. During the Writing stage, a word count appears on your screen. Instead of counting words on your piece of paper, it is easy to know the word count.
  7. Because the computer-based test is less popular, you will be able to take it in a lesscongested environment.

What Are the Drawbacks of Taking the IELTS Online?

Let's look at the disadvantages of taking the IELTS on a computer.                                          

  1. In some countries, more facilities are offering paper-based tests than computer-based tests.
  2. If you have special requirements (for example, vision disability, hearing impairment, or learning impairment), you should take the paper-based examination. Contact your exam center three months ahead of time to find out what different arrangements they can make to accommodate your needs.