IELTS Commentry: IELTS announces at-home testing option

Would you like to take the IELTS test in the privacy of your home, instead of a busy test centre?

You got your wish! IELTS.org announced that test takers around the world will be able to do their IELTS tests online as part of global rollout of this new option, early in 2022.

From what we know so far it seems IELTS Online will only be available for Academic IELTS module, at least initially. IELTS Online will enable students to take the test from their own home or another suitable location.

The content and format stay the same as in current paper-based and computer-delivered tests. The speaking tests will be done via video link online by trained IELTS examiners, giving a true indication of the test taker’s ability to communicate in English effectively.

The results will be available faster than ever before, taking as little as three days.

Will this new test option make it easier to cheat? Not at all, according to Christine Nuttall, Managing Director IELTS at Cambridge Assessment English. “IELTS Online will provide flexibility and confidence, using cutting edge AI and state-of-the-art security features to complement the expertise of IELTS examiners.”, she said.

While millions of students were forced into lockdowns due to COVID19, and IELTS test centres couldn’t operate normally, IELTS wasted no time in adapting to the changes brought on by the pandemic. IELTS has purpose-built a secure remote proctoring test platform with integrated video call speaking software to deliver secure English language tests to streamline the experience for test takers, examiners and proctors. The new online proctoring platform, combined with IELTS’ own proctors who are recruited, trained and managed directly, will ensure high standards of test integrity in the new format.

Quick IELTS facts

For those of you only embarking on your IELTS journey now, IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, and is the world’s most popular English language test for work, study and migration.

More than 11,000 organisations trust IELTS as a reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English.

According to IELTS.org, IELTS on paper and computer are the only high-stakes language tests recognised for migration across Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

With a focus on human conversations, IELTS was a pioneer of four-skills English language testing more than 30 years ago. IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing today.

How to prepare for IELTS

The way you prepare for IELTS will differ, depending on the type of test you are taking – paper-based or computer-delivered.

It is best to practice for your paper-based IELTS using paper practice tests, to ensure you are covering all skills, including handwriting. Studies have shown that humans read differently on paper than on screen, and for that reason using paper tests will be the closest simulation of your IELTS test experience at home.

If you intend to take the computer-delivered IELTS, the best way to prepare is on a computer, and we have developed a website with an interface very similar to the one you will see in your IELTS exam. Visit PassIELTSOnline.com today and make the most of your preparation by signing up for the free trial. You will be able to do a complete IELTS test (with or without time limits), see your score, check your answers and get help with understanding why these answers are correct. If you decide to continue practicing, you can unlock more practice tests for a minimal fee – we intentionally made it extremely affordable for our students.