What is the difference between computer-delivered IELTS and IELTS on paper?
If you’re familiar with the paper test, you might notice a few changes between the paper test and the computer test. The obvious change, for the paper tests you use a pencil, while for the computer-delivered one, you type.
The order of the test is also different.
For the computer-delivered Listening test, you get a headphone and not only that, but the duration of the test is also shorter.
The speaking test is the same for the computer-delivered and paper-based tests.
Detailed explanation are below:
Mode of delivery
For the paper-based IELTS test, we’ll give you a pencil and an answer sheet. You need to write your answers on the answer sheet before the time runs out.
With computer-delivered IELTS, you type your answers in the corresponding boxes on your screen.
We’ll still give you a pencil or pen and paper to make notes – even if you do IELTS on computer.
If you’re concerned about not being able to type fast enough, there’s no need to worry: the computer test is designed for people with normal typing skills. If you can write an email, you can do the computer-delivered test.
The order of the test is different
In Nigeria, the paper-based IELTS starts with Listening, then Reading, and finally Writing. The speaking test is usually on a different day. The Computer-delivered IELTS starts with Listening, followed by Reading, Writing. The Speaking test takes place on the same day, either before or after your computer test.
The Listening test is shorter
If you’ve done a paper-based IELTS test before, you may remember that you need to write your answers in the question booklet while you listen to the recording. So, in the paper test you get 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. In the computer test, you type your answers in their appropriate places on the screen. You do get time between sections to check your answers but no extra time at the end. Because you’ve already completed your answers, the 10 minutes is not needed. Besides, you won’t miss it.
The exam venue
The paper-based IELTS tests are usually conducted in a larger room. Computer-delivered IELTS tests are done in smaller, custom-built, rooms. Everything in the computer-delivered test room is designed for your comfort.
You get headphones
Apart from a new test room, everyone doing IELTS on computer has their own computer, a quality screen and your own headphones for the Listening test. You don’t need to talk to a machine with IELTS, so there is no microphone in your way. Even better, we make sure that our headphones are of high quality.
Most test computer-delivered test centres offer noise-cancelling headphones, so you can focus on your own performance.