How long is the whole IELTS test?
Quick answer
IELTS.org gives the test time as 2 hours and 45 minutes. Listening takes about 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes and Speaking 11 to 14 minutes. Listening, Reading and Writing are taken in one sitting. Speaking may be on the same day or, at some centres, up to 7 days before or after, so check your booking.
Part of The IELTS Speaking test, answered
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IELTS.org gives one total, but on the day the test comes in two parts: Listening, Reading and Writing in one sitting, and Speaking.
The 2 hours 45 minutes
IELTS.org’s Academic test page gives the test time as 2 hours and 45 minutes. The same page lists approximately 30 minutes for Listening, 60 minutes for Reading, 60 minutes for Writing and 11 to 14 minutes for Speaking, which add up to about that figure. It does not break the total down any further.
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken together. IDP states that they are completed immediately after each other on the same day, which comes to about two and a half hours of testing. On paper, IELTS.org’s General Training page adds 10 minutes to transfer your Listening answers to an answer sheet. On computer, IDP states no extra transfer time is given.
The General Training page gives the same section times but does not state a total. Your test centre can tell you the finishing time of your session.
The Speaking test
Speaking lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. IDP states that with IELTS on computer, Speaking is taken on the same day, before or after the other three parts, and that in some test centres it can be up to 7 days before or after your test date. Centres differ, so your confirmation is the authority.
What is not published
IELTS’s pages do not state the length of any break, or the time you should arrive. Those depend on the centre and appear in your booking instructions.
Planning a test day
Add the sitting to the Speaking slot, and add time for check-in before the start. If Speaking is on a different day, both days need to be clear of work and study, and you will want to be at your best for each.
For the timings of each section, see the separate answers on Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
What this means for your score
Think of the test as two appointments. One is a sitting of about two and a half hours, and the other is a short interview that may fall on the same day or on a different one. Look at both times on your confirmation before you plan travel or work leave.
Frequently asked questions
How long is each section of the IELTS test?
IELTS.org gives approximately 30 minutes for Listening, 60 minutes for Reading, 60 minutes for Writing and 11 to 14 minutes for Speaking. On paper, the General Training page adds 10 minutes to transfer your Listening answers.
Is the Speaking test on the same day as the other sections?
Usually. IDP states that with IELTS on computer, Speaking is taken on the same day, before or after the other three parts. It also says that in some test centres Speaking can be up to 7 days before or after your test date, so your booking confirmation is the authority.
Do I get a break between sections?
IELTS's pages do not state break times, so it is a question for your test centre. IDP states that on computer, Listening, Reading and Writing are completed immediately after each other on the same day.
Is the total time the same for Academic and General Training?
The section times are the same. The IELTS.org Academic page gives a test time of 2 hours 45 minutes, and the General Training page lists the same section times without stating a total. Your test centre can confirm the finishing time of your session.
Sources
- IELTS Academic test format — IELTS.org
- IELTS General Training test format and sections — IELTS.org
- IELTS test day — IDP IELTS
- Computer-delivered IELTS — IDP IELTS
Last verified 30 Sep 2026
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