Take your IELTS English exam on computer or paper | British Council

IELTS on Paper

If you feel more comfortable responding on paper, choose this version of IELTS. If you choose this option, you will write the answers to the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on paper. The Speaking test will be conducted face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

The writing, listening and reading sections of your IELTS exam are all taken on the same day. Your speaking exam can be taken on the same day or up to a week before or after the written exam.

You will receive an email notification with the dates, place and time between 7 to 3 working days before the date of your written exam. 

Your results will be available up to 13 calendar days after the date of your written exam.

IELTS on Computer

This is exactly the same test as paper-based IELTS, but instead of writing your answers on paper, you will type them on a computer.

Your results will be available up 2-5 calendar days after the date of your written exam.

If you select this option, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a computer, but the Speaking test will still be face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner as this is the most effective way to assess your speaking skills.

Book your computer or paper-based IELTS exam

In our examination centres, the Instituto Chileno Britanico de Cultura, English UC and British Council Offices, we offer various dates when you can take your IELTS exam.

We recommend that you book your exam before the deadline. The registration page of each centre shows the dates on offer: 

*If you are applying for a visa to emigrate to the United Kingdom, it may be that you have to take IELTS for UKVI.