Computer-Delivered IELTS: What Changes and What Stays the Same

Computer-delivered IELTS tests the same English skills as the paper version, with the same band scale, the same task types and the same marking criteria. What changes is the way you read the questions and enter your answers: you type instead of writing by hand, and you click instead of circling or filling in a sheet.

Test formats and policies can differ between countries and centres, and they can change. Treat this article as general guidance and confirm exact details, such as available dates, results timing and on-screen tools, with your registered test centre or the official IELTS website.

What stays the same

• The four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
• The band scale from 0 to 9 and the way the overall score is calculated. Use our band score calculator as you would for paper.
• The task types: Writing Task 1 and Task 2, the same Reading question types, and the same Listening sections.
• Word minimums for Writing: at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
• The marking criteria for Writing and Speaking. Speaking is still a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, usually on the same day or close to it, depending on the centre.

In other words, computer-delivered does not mean easier or harder in content. Your English matters more than the format.

Writing on a computer

This is the change that candidates search for most. Key points:

• You type your answers. Typing speed and accuracy matter, because you have the same 60 minutes. If you type slowly, practise.
• A word counter is typically shown. This helps you check the minimum, but do not write only to reach the number. Check at the test centre.
• Editing is easier. You can usually cut, copy, paste and undo within your own text, which makes it simpler to move sentences or fix paragraphs.
• No handwriting issues. Messy handwriting cannot reduce your mark, though spelling still counts, and the spell checker is not available in the test.
• Layout is yours to organise. Leave a blank line between paragraphs so the structure is obvious, as you would on paper.

Plan your essay first. Without paper, some candidates skip planning and start typing, which leads to unclear paragraphs. If scrap paper is provided, use it for a 2-minute outline, and see our Task 2 structure guide.

Reading on a computer

• The passage and the questions usually appear side by side, so you scroll and click between them.
• You can often highlight text in the passage. This is useful for keywords, dates and names.
• You answer by typing, selecting from a list, or dragging and dropping, depending on the question type.
• The time is still 60 minutes, and there is no extra transfer time, as with paper.

The biggest adjustment is reading long passages on a screen. If you mostly read on a phone, practise on a laptop or desktop with a full-sized screen. Use a timer, and do not spend too long on a single question. For question-type methods, see our guides on True/False/Not Given and Matching Headings.

Listening on a computer

• You listen with headphones, and you can usually adjust the volume. Test this before the audio starts.
• You type answers directly during the recording. On paper you write on the question paper first and transfer later.
• The recording is played once, so you must still follow the speaker in real time.
• Review time at the end differs from paper. Ask your test centre exactly how much time you get to check answers, because the transfer time on paper is not the same thing.

Spelling and plurals matter as they do on paper. A typing slip such as "recieve" will be marked as wrong, so check as you type if there is time. Our Listening tips cover common traps.

Speaking is not on the computer

The Speaking test is still with a human examiner. The computer is not marking your speech. So practise with a partner, or with a speaking practice tool, and record yourself.

Practical tips for test day

1. Practise typing for 60 minutes of Writing practice before the test. Try writing one Task 2 essay in 40 minutes and Task 1 in 20.
2. Do at least a few full practice tests on a screen, with headphones for Listening.
3. Learn the keyboard shortcuts you may use, such as copy, paste and undo, but do not rely on them.
4. Arrive early and check headphones and audio during the sound check.
5. Do not stare at the clock. Use it to check progress at fixed points, for example at 20 and 40 minutes in Writing.
6. Keep your hands relaxed and take a breath between sections.

Is computer-delivered better for you?

It depends. You may prefer it if:

• You type faster than you write.
• You like to restructure paragraphs while drafting.
• You find handwriting tiring.

Paper may suit you better if:

• You think best with pencil and underlining.
• You get tired reading from a screen.
• Your typing speed is slow.

Pick the option that matches how you normally practise, and check availability with your centre, since not every centre offers both formats.

Practising for either format

Whatever format you take, you need the same skills. Scorify can give AI feedback on typed Writing practice and on Speaking practice, with estimated bands that are only a guide. Practise in the same format as your real test whenever you can.

Checklist

• Confirm format, dates and rules with your test centre.
• Practise typing, screen reading and headphone listening.
• Plan Writing answers before you type.
• Type carefully, because spelling errors are still errors.
• Speaking remains face to face.