IELTS, the world's most trusted high-stakes English test, launches on computer in Saudi Arabia

Key points:

ELTS on computer offers faster results and more test availability

The first computer-delivered IELTS test will take place in Riyadh today

Jeddah:

Test takers can now take IELTS - the world’s most trusted high-stakes English language test - on a computer.

With the first computer-delivered test taking place today, test takers can get their results faster (5 – 7 days) and to choose from more test dates.

While test takers now have the choice between taking IELTS on computer or paper, the listening, reading and writing test content remains the same. Importantly, the speaking test will also continue to be face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner.

The test content and structure remain the same whether taking IELTS on computer or paper and, importantly, the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner. Whether test takers take paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS, they can be confident that they are taking the same trusted English language test.

James Shipton, Head IELTS at the British Council, said “We are continually enhancing IELTS to improve the experience for our test takers and stakeholders. IELTS on a computer will deliver significant benefits, offering a choice in delivery and more availability.”

“Security of the test is key. The computer-delivered solution we have developed is secure and capable of delivering the world-leading quality assurance measures that IELTS is renowned for,” Mr Shipton said.

 Warwick Freeland, Managing Director – IELTS, IDP Education, said the new test experience puts test takers first by offering more test sessions a week and faster results, while still maintaining the trust, integrity and security that is relied upon by the 10,000 organisations that accept IELTS.

“Whether the test is taken on computer or paper, an IELTS score is an opportunity to proudly demonstrate your English language proficiency to employers, governments and educational institutions,” he said. 

IELTS on computer will be available at IDP Riyadh from today. British Council and IDP will announce further test centre locations over the coming months.

For more information or to book your test visit ielts.org

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About IELTS on computer

IELTS on computer was launched in Australia in December 2017 and is being introduced across the IELTS testing network in 2018.

The test is the same as paper-based IELTS for content, scoring, level of difficulty, question format and security arrangements.

IELTS on computer includes Listening, Reading and Writing. The Speaking test will continue to be face-to-face, as it is a more reliable indicator of communication and it is what our test takers tell us feels more natural for them.

This new option will not replace paper-based IELTS but rather offer a choice in delivery and more availability.

Results from IELTS on computer are available between 5-7 days after taking all four test sections.

The IELTS partners are committed to continuous investment in test development in order to enhance the IELTS experience.

About IELTS

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration with more than 3 million tests taken in the last year.

Over 10,000 organisations trust and accept IELTS as a secure, valid and reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities and provides IELTS testing in more than 800 locations in over 100 countries.

IDP: IELTS Australia is a subsidiary of IDP Education, one of the world's leading international education services organisations. IDP has been helping students study in English speaking countries for close to 50 years.

Cambridge Assessment English is the world's leading provider of exams for learners of English. Each year these exams are taken by more than 5 million people in 140 countries.

IELTS USA, manages the delivery of the IELTS test centre network throughout the United States. With more than 3,000 organisations accepting IELTS in the US, IELTS is becoming the test more people trust for US study and work purposes.

Test takers are measured in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (non-user) through to 9 (expert user).

IELTS offers a choice of two tests, to serve both academic and non-academic purposes. IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers, irrespective of their subject focus. IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. IELTS General Training is suitable for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and Ireland.

© Press Release 2018