You can take both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the paper-based IELTS test are the exact same as the computer-delivered IELTS test.
Your test day experience on the other hand is a little different. You will complete the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts on paper, and the Speaking part face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner. Before each part of the test, test day staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets and collect them at the end of each test part.
You can use a pen or HB-pencil to complete your Writing test, but you must use a HB-pencil to write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet.
In the paper-based IELTS test, the Writing, Reading, and Listening tests are all completed on the same day with no breaks between each test. The Speaking test is completed in a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner, and this can be done one week before or after your test date.
Free practice tests
Prepare for IELTS with these free practice tests and answers for Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading.
IELTS General Training for UKVI
Learn about IELTS General Training for UKVI if you want to work, migrate, study or seek vocational training in an English-speaking country.
IELTS Academic for UKVI
If you want to study or apply for professional registration in the UK, you might need to take an IELTS Academic for UKVI test.
IELTS General Training
Discover if you need to take an IELTS General Training, and what is involved in each part of the test.
IELTS Academic
Find out if you need to take an IELTS Academic taking a closer look at the test itself, from format to how it is marked.
A quick comparison of computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS
Take a closer look at the key differences between computer based and paper based IELTS and find out which test is best for you.
For both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, you will not be able to bring your own paper into the test for security reasons. If you are sitting computer-delivered IELTS, we will provide you with a pencil and paper. You also receive paper for your Speaking test to help you organise your thoughts as you speak with the examiner.
Yes, you are encouraged to write notes on the question booklets. IELTS examiners do not have access to your question booklets.
We post your test results to you as soon as they are released, which is 3 to 5 days for computer-delivered IELTS and 13 calendar days for paper-based IELTS. Some test centres will allow test takers to pick up their Test Report Form directly from the centre, so we recommend contacting them prior to the release of results to discuss this.
If you have been waiting on your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) with your official result, but have not received it, we recommend contacting your test centre. In some rare circumstances, IELTS results can be delayed because of security and integrity reasons. If there are concerns about any matter associated with your test and if it is considered that malpractice may have occurred, you will be advised that your results have been withheld. In exceptional circumstances, it may be required that you need to re-sit one or more IELTS test parts.
In all situations where you might have concerns about your results, we recommend contacting your local test centre.
Why is IELTS Speaking done face-to-face with an examiner?
Find out why the IELTS Speaking test is done face-to-face with a real examiner, giving you a better chance to perform at your best.