What is IELTS Online?
Quick answer
IELTS Online is the IELTS Academic test taken from home or another private location on your own computer, monitored by human and artificial intelligence proctoring. The Speaking test is a video call with an IELTS examiner. IELTS.org states it is not accepted by governments and organisations for immigration or professional registration purposes.
Part of The IELTS Speaking test, answered
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iOS and Android
IELTS Online is one of the ways to take IELTS, next to IELTS on computer and, where it is still offered, IELTS on paper. IELTS.org describes it as a way to take IELTS Academic wherever you are in the world.
What it is
You take the test on your own computer at home or another suitable private location with an internet connection. You complete Listening, Reading and Writing on screen, and IELTS.org states that the format and content match centre-based testing. The Speaking test is conducted online by video call with an IELTS examiner, so it remains a live conversation with a person.
How it is monitored
IELTS.org states that IELTS Online uses human and artificial intelligence proctoring to monitor your test. An invigilator observes remotely, and only appears if issues arise or you ask for help.
Academic only
IELTS.org states that IELTS Online is currently only available for the Academic test, so it covers higher education purposes and not General Training. It also states an age limit: it is currently available to test takers aged 18 and above.
Where it is available
IELTS.org describes IELTS Online as expanding, and it tells candidates to check availability for their country before booking. IELTS’s pages do not list the countries, so the official page and your local test provider are the authority.
Where it is not accepted
IELTS.org states that IELTS Online is not accepted by governments and organisations for immigration or professional registration purposes. For UK visa applications, it says all tests taken to secure a visa for UK Visas and Immigration must be taken at an official IELTS test centre.
For everything else, IELTS.org states that receiving organisations can decide whether they are happy to accept results from IELTS Academic tests taken online. For that question, see is IELTS Online accepted by universities, and for the equipment and room rules, can you do IELTS online at home.
What this means for your score
IELTS Online is worth considering only if the organisation you are applying to accepts it. Ask before you book, because IELTS.org states that receiving organisations decide whether to accept results from IELTS Academic tests taken online.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS Online the same as IELTS on computer?
No. IELTS on computer is taken at an official test centre, with Speaking face to face. IELTS Online is taken at home or another private location, and Speaking is a video call with an examiner. IELTS.org states that its format and content match centre-based testing.
Can I take IELTS General Training online?
No. IELTS.org states that IELTS Online is currently only available for the Academic test. If you need General Training, you take it at a test centre.
How old do I need to be?
IELTS.org states that IELTS Online is currently available to test takers aged 18 and above. Younger candidates take IELTS at a test centre.
How soon are results available?
IELTS.org states results arrive 6 to 8 days after the test, electronically, with no paper Test Report Form. The Test Report Form indicates that the test was taken online, which is how a receiving organisation can tell.
Sources
- IELTS Online: take IELTS Academic online — IELTS.org
- Ways to take IELTS: online, computer or paper — IELTS.org
- Getting and sharing your IELTS results — IELTS.org
Last verified 30 Sep 2026
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