Test
Types
Test Types and Delivery Formats
The IELTS Test is available in two types:
- Academic Test (AC)
- General Training Test (GT)
Test takers can choose either type according to their educational and professional goals as well as any visa requirements. Both types comprise four separate sections that assess each of the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Test Types
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to anyone, irrespective of your subject focus. The Academic type is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study or train in a university that teaches in English at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or institutions of higher and further education. Many professions (e.g., medical, nursing, accounting, engineering) also require an Academic test result for registration purposes in many countries.
IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. The General Training type is typically for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. This test type is also often a visa requirement if you are planning to migrate to English speaking countries including Australia, the UK, Canada and New Zealand.
See our Test Dates and Locations page for availability.
It is the responsibility of the test taker to ensure they register for the correct type: Academic or General Training. The Test Centres are not responsible for providing this information. The types may not be offered at all test administrations. For more information about the test types, download the IELTS Information for Test Takers Booklet (PDF) here.
IELTS On Computer (IOC)
There are two types of the IELTS test:  IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same for both types, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.
To familiarize yourself with the test types, you can access free sample practice materials.
STILL THE SAME IELTS TEST
If you choose to take IELTS on Computer (IOC) test, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing sections using a computer.
- Before the start of each part of the Listening section, you will have some time to read the questions.
- After the end of each part of the Listening section, you will have some time to review your answers.
- At the end of the Listening section, you will have 2 minutes to check all your answers.
The timing of the Listening section is between 30 – 34 minutes.
If you take the IELTS on Computer (IOC) test you will:
- View your results online within 5-7 days
- Have more test date and test time choices. (Registration will close two days before the test date, subject to availability)
- Use headsets for the Listening section
IELTS on Computer (IOC) Familiarization Test
Experience Computer-Delivered IELTS. Try our free tests on your own computer, so you know what to expect on test day. Click here to view the Computer-Delivered Familiarization Test.
IELTS on Computer (IOC) Practice Tests
Free Practice Materials will give you an idea of what to expect in the IELTS on Computer (IOC) Test.
Get comfortable with the IELTS on Computer (IOC) test format
Take a look at the short video tutorials to help you understand and prepare for IELTS on Computer. In this section, you will find the following tutorials to help you get familiarized with the test:
IELTS on Computer (Writing On Paper)
Writing on Paper enables you to take your IELTS test on computer and complete the Writing component by hand. This is great for test takers who prefer writing to typing.
Here’s what happens if you choose the ‘Writing on Paper’ option: During your IELTS test, tasks for the Writing component will be shown on screen, but you will be given an IELTS Writing Answer Sheet and a pen to complete the tasks.
If writing comes more naturally than typing for you, our Writing on Paper option can help you to give your best performance on test day.
Note: IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as one of the accepted tests for language proficiency for the Post Graduate Work Permit as well as Permanent Residency.
What is the Writing on Paper test format?
The task types, scoring and time allocation of the Writing component are the same whether you take it on a computer or write on paper. The only difference is that you write your responses by hand. IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) is available for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
| On Computer | Writing on Paper | Time allocation | Parts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | On computer | On computer | 30 minutes | 4 |
| Reading | On computer | On computer | 60 minutes | 3 |
| Writing | Questions on a computer. Typed responses. | Questions on a computer. | 60 minutes | 2 |
| Speaking | With an examiner | With an examiner | 11-14 minutes | 3 |
Note:
Writing on Paper is not available for test takers taking an IELTS for UKVI test.
Writing on Paper is subject to regulatory approval for use for Australian visa purposes: Writing on Paper is currently being reviewed by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs for visa applications. Therefore, if you plan to study, work or migrate to Australia, you will need to take the full IELTS on Computer option.
‘Writing on Paper’ will be available in select cities and test centers in Canada from mid-2026.
Get to know the different question types in the Writing on Paper test and familiarise yourself with the platform's features. This tutorial will show you how the questions are displayed, how to navigate through the questions, and where to write your answers.
Results
You will receive your results within five days of your test date. Your IELTS Test Results Form will not specify that you chose the Writing on Paper option.
If you choose to take One Skill Retake for Writing on Paper, you must retake the Writing component in the same delivery mode you chose for your original test.