- On IELTS on computer, Listening, Reading and Writing are done on screen at a test centre. Speaking is still with a real examiner.
- The questions, timing and marking are the same as the paper test, so the difficulty is the same.
- Listening gives you 2 minutes to check answers, not 10. Writing has a word count but no spell check.
- Practise in the computer format: type your essays and use on-screen highlighting.
IELTS has moved from paper to computer in most countries. If you are preparing now, you will almost certainly take Listening, Reading and Writing on a computer, and that changes how you should practise.
This guide explains how computer-based IELTS works, part by part, which on-screen tools you can use, how it compares with the paper test, and the typing and reading habits that help you do your best on the day.
What is IELTS on computer?
IELTS on computer, sometimes called computer-delivered or computer-based IELTS, is the same test as IELTS on paper, taken on a computer at an official test centre. You sit at a desk with a screen, keyboard, mouse and headphones, and complete the Listening, Reading and Writing parts on screen.
It is available for both Academic and General Training, and the content, question types, timing and band scores are exactly the same as on paper. The Speaking test doesn't change: it is always a conversation with a real examiner.
Is IELTS on paper ending?
Yes, in most places. The organisations behind IELTS announced a move to computer delivery worldwide from mid-2026, and paper-based tests have stopped in many countries.
Some test centres offer an option called Writing on Paper. You take Listening and Reading on computer, and the Writing tasks appear on screen, but you write your answers by hand on an answer sheet. The tasks, timing and marking are the same. It isn't available for IELTS for UKVI, so check with your test centre if you would prefer to handwrite.
How each part works on computer
| Part | Time | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes + 2 minutes to check | Listen through headphones and type or click your answers as you go. There is no extra transfer time at the end. |
| Reading | 60 minutes | The passage and questions are side by side. Highlight text, add notes and move freely between the three passages. |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Type both tasks in answer boxes. The word count is shown as you type. There is no spell check. |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | A conversation with a real examiner, not a computer, usually face-to-face. It may be on the same day or a different day. |
You can still make notes by hand: test centres give you paper and a pencil or pen for working, but only what you type or click on screen is marked.
On-screen tools you can use
Learning these before the test means you won't waste time working them out on the day.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Clock | Shows the time remaining for each part, with a warning as time runs out. |
| Highlighter | Select words in a Reading passage or question to highlight them. |
| Notes | Add a short note to a highlighted part of the passage. |
| Word count | Shows how many words you have typed in each Writing task. |
| Question navigator | Jump to any question, and see which ones you have answered. |
| Review flag | Mark a question you want to come back to before time runs out. |
| Volume control | Adjust the Listening audio in your headphones. |
| Settings | Change the text size or the colours on screen for comfortable reading. |
IELTS on computer vs paper
| On computer | On paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Question types, timing and marking | Same | Same |
| Listening transfer time | 2 minutes to check answers | 10 minutes to copy answers to the answer sheet |
| Reading | Highlight and add notes on screen | Underline and write on the question paper |
| Writing | Typed, with a live word count | Handwritten, words counted by you |
| Editing | Delete, move and rewrite text easily | Cross out and rewrite by hand |
| Speaking | Real examiner | Real examiner |
Results and One Skill Retake
Results for IELTS on computer usually arrive within one to five days, often within two, which is much faster than the paper test was. You see your band for each skill and your overall band. Our guide to IELTS band scores explains how they are calculated.
In many countries, IELTS on computer also offers One Skill Retake: if one score is lower than you need, you can retake just that skill instead of the whole test. You can use it once per test, usually within 60 days. It isn't available everywhere, and not every university or immigration body accepts it, so check before you book.
Tips for typing your IELTS Writing
- Practise typing, not handwriting. Typing an essay while thinking feels different from writing by hand. Do every practice essay on a keyboard.
- Switch off autocorrect. There is no spell check in the test, so practise without it and learn the words you usually misspell.
- Plan on paper first. Spend a few minutes writing your plan on the paper provided, then type. Planning saves more time than fast typing.
- Use the word count wisely. Aim for about 160–190 words in Task 1 and 260–300 in Task 2. Writing far more doesn't raise your score.
- Leave time to proofread. Editing is easy on a computer, so keep three to five minutes at the end to fix typos and missing words.
- Show your paragraphs clearly. Leave an empty line between paragraphs so the structure is obvious.
You don't need to be a fast typist. If you can type about 25 to 30 words per minute, the keyboard won't slow you down. Our free IELTS word counter shows your count and estimated time as you type.
Tips for Listening and Reading on computer
- Type answers as you listen. With only two minutes at the end, don't plan to fix everything later.
- Check spelling in Listening. Answers must be spelled correctly. Use the two minutes to read through every typed answer.
- Highlight key words in Reading. Highlight names, numbers and key ideas in the question, then find them in the passage. Our True, False, Not Given and Matching Headings guides show how.
- Flag and move on. If a question is taking too long, flag it for review and come back if you have time.
- Get used to reading on screen. Scrolling through a long passage is a skill. Practise full tests on screen, not on printouts.
How to practise for IELTS on computer
The best preparation is to practise in the same format you will take. IELTS Prep Hub's Listening, Reading and Writing tests work like the real computer-delivered test, with split-screen passages, a question navigator, a countdown timer and a live word count.
- Take at least two full practice tests on screen before your test day, keeping to the real timings.
- Use the free IELTS writing checker to get a band estimate on essays you have typed.
- Practise Speaking out loud with a partner or a recording, since that part is unchanged.
Practise in the computer-delivered format
Full Listening, Reading and Writing tests that work like test day, plus Speaking practice with an AI examiner.
- Split-screen Reading with a question navigator
- Typed Writing with a live word count and AI marking
- Timed full mock tests with band scores
