IELTS on computer VS IELTS Online: What’s the difference?

For more than 30 years, IELTS was an exclusively IELTS on Paper English proficiency test. But that all changed in 2017 when IELTS on computer was launched. With this option, test takers can sit the same IELTS Academic or General Training test at the test centre, but opt for a keyboard to type in their answers instead of writing them on the answer sheet using a pencil. IELTS on computer continues being a popular choice alongside IELTS on paper at our test centres.

Unlike IELTS on computer where you have to physically go to the test centre to sit your test, IELTS Online gives you the option to take the same test from the comfort of your home or in a private space. Currently, this option is only available for IELTS Academic.

Simply put, IELTS on computer is only available at IELTS test centres whereas IELTS Online can be taken from the convenience of your own home or private space. This means for IELTS on computer you have to book your test and make sure you are present at the test centre on the chosen date and time to take your test.

On the other hand, with IELTS Online you have flexibility to choose where to sit your test. All you need is a well-lit private room, a laptop or desktop computer with the right hardware and software and a stable internet connection. Scroll to the end of the table.