What is this score for?
IELTS Online is built for international higher education, when the school accepts the Online Academic score. It is not for:
- Immigration or visas, including UKVI
- Professional registration
IELTS Online Guide
IELTS Online is IELTS Academic taken at home. Same questions, timing, and band scores as the centre Academic test.
How it runs:
- Listening, Reading, and Writing: one block of about 2 hours 30 minutes on Inspera (the lockdown exam software British Council and IDP use for IELTS Online), under live remote proctoring
- Speaking: a live video call with a real examiner
- Academic only: not General Training, not UKVI, and not a One Skill Retake route
Academic onlyNo Online General Training version
~2 h 45 minSpeaking 11-14 min plus Listening, Reading, and Writing ~2 h 30 min
Band 0-9Same IELTS Academic scoring scale
6-8 daysTypical electronic results window
Checklist0%
Before you buy IELTS Online
Check four things before you pay: purpose, acceptance, country, and your retake plan. The wrong IELTS product wastes the fee and can delay study or visa plans.
Ask the school in writing
Each university decides for itself whether to accept IELTS Online. Your electronic TRF (Test Report Form) shows the test was taken online, so do not book until admissions confirms Online acceptance for your programme and intake.
Check the live allowlist
Availability changes by partner, country, residency, and live session inventory.
- A country on one partner page does not guarantee the other partner has a session
- It does not guarantee the booking portal has a session either
- Check the British Council list and complete the IDP live booking-location check before relying on IELTS Online
One Skill Retake is unavailable
One Skill Retake (OSR) is not currently available for IELTS Online. OSR applies to eligible computer-delivered tests at a centre. If you need OSR, book a centre computer test instead.
There is **no single global fee**: price comes from the local partner booking page. Official partner guidance says special arrangements are not currently available for Online, so use an in-centre test if you need accommodations.
Test format
IELTS Online matches IELTS Academic content and timing. The test has two parts:
- Speaking: a separate live video session with a certified examiner, 11 to 14 minutes
- Listening, Reading, and Writing: one remotely proctored computer block of about 2 hours 30 minutes (Listening 30 minutes, then Reading 60, then Writing 60)
Listening format
Objective marking · band 0-9
TimeAbout 30 minutes
Items40 questions · 4 parts
PaceAudio plays once
Part 1
Everyday dialogue · question types vary
10 questionsEveryday dialogue
Type answers on screen while the recording plays. Word limits and spelling count. Part 1 is an everyday dialogue; form completion is common, but question types vary.
Part 2
Everyday monologue · question types vary
10 questionsSocial monologue
The real part may use matching, multiple choice, completion, or another official Listening type. Plan labelling is common in Part 2.
Part 3
Education / training conversation · types vary
10 questionsEducation / training dialogue
The real part can use other official types and may involve more than two speakers. Matching and multiple choice are common in Part 3.
Part 4
Academic monologue · question types vary
10 questionsAcademic monologue
The real part may use notes, a summary, or another official Listening question type. Note, summary, and sentence completion tasks are common in Part 4.
Best practices
- Type answers while the audio plays. Do not wait for a long paper-style transfer window.
- Follow word-limit instructions exactly, such as NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.
- Use on-screen tools only. Pen and paper notes are not allowed for Listening, Reading, and Writing Online.
At-home setup and test rules
Setup and room mistakes are common cancellation risks, so rehearse first. Use the same computer, network, and private room for the Inspera system check and the real exam, and install Inspera Exam Portal / Inspera Integrity Browser from your booking email at least one day before test day.
Technical requirements
DeviceIDP states Chromebooks are not supported. Run the live Inspera check on the exact machine you will use.
Laptop or desktop only. Phones and tablets are not test devices.
Operating system
Typical partner lists: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), or macOS 10.15 and newer.
Display and peripherals
One screen only. You need a webcam, microphone, and speakers.
- Headphones and earbuds are banned
- No Bluetooth peripherals
InternetBritish Council pages publish conflicting thresholds. Use the stricter 5 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload figure, then pass the live Inspera check.
Stable wired or Wi-Fi connection. No VPN and no mobile hotspot. Pass the Inspera system check before test day.
Memory
Partner guidance often cites about 2 GB minimum / 4 GB recommended on Windows, and about 4 GB minimum / 8 GB recommended on Mac.
Keyboard
English keyboard layout such as AU, US, or UK English as listed by your partner.
Age and ID
Age 18+. Book and sit with the same valid passport. British Council says it must remain valid for at least six months from the test date.
Unsupported extras
Second monitors, headphones, notes on paper for Listening, Reading, and Writing, other people in the room, and unapproved software can lead to cancellation.
Official launch flow
1
Book through British Council or IDP
Choose IELTS Online only where the live portal offers it. IDP booking rules:
- Nationals may book up to 48 hours before the test
- Non-nationals need proof of residency and at least four days for verification
- Book earlier where possible
2
Install Inspera and run the check
Download the lockdown browser from your confirmation materials. Complete the system check at least one day before each session.
3
Complete Speaking first
Speaking uses a separate login or PIN and a live video call with an examiner. It is usually scheduled before the Listening, Reading, and Writing block, so follow the exact times on your booking confirmation.
4
Join Listening, Reading, and Writing on time
Log in for Listening, Reading, and Writing with the credentials for that session. Late login is not allowed after about 30 minutes past the start.
5
Pass room and ID checks
A phone or tablet may be used only for the room scan at check-in, then switched off. Keep the passport you used at booking ready.
6
Finish under proctoring
Human and AI remote proctoring run together, and your screen and camera are recorded.
- Official Online FAQ allows one 5-minute bathroom break
- It must fall between Listening, Reading, and Writing sections
- You need proctor permission first
Room and conduct rules
Private room
Use a quiet, well-lit private space with a desk. It does not have to be your home, but it must stay private: a café, library, or open office is not acceptable.
Alone
No other person may enter or be heard. Interruptions can lead the proctor to stop the test.
Notes for Listening, Reading, and Writing
Use on-screen notes and highlighting only. Do not use pen and paper for those sections.
No banned audio gear
Listen through speakers. Headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth devices, VPNs, and hotspots are high-risk cancellations.
Uninterrupted Listening, Reading, and Writing block
The three timed sections total about 2 hours 30 minutes. Reserve at least 2 hours 50 minutes without interruption for check-in, security steps, and any permitted section break.
Cancellation window
IELTS Online FAQ wording allows cancellation up to 72 hours before the test. Refund rules follow local partner terms.
Do not start if Inspera checks fail, if your passport does not match booking details, or if your school has not confirmed Online acceptance. Fix those issues first.
IELTS Online band scoring
IELTS Online uses the same 0-9 band scale as IELTS Academic. You get four skill bands plus an overall band:
- Overall: the average of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, rounded to the nearest whole or half band (.25 rounds up to the next half, .75 rounds up to the next whole)
- Listening and Reading: objective answer keys
- Writing and Speaking: published examiner criteria
Raw-to-band conversions vary by test form, so treat the figures below as indicative only. Whole-band skill labels follow the official IELTS descriptors, and half-band rows are bridging labels for the slider.
Move the slider to highlight the matching band row. Indicative Listening / Academic Reading raw scores vary by test form.
6.5Competent to goodBetween band 6 and band 7 performance
| Band | Skill level | What it means | Indicative Listening / Reading raw ( /40 ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | Fully operational command; appropriate, accurate, fluent; complete understanding | Listening / Reading typically near full marks |
| 8.5 | Very good to expert | Between band 8 and band 9 performance | Often mid-to-high 30s |
| 8 | Very good user | Fully operational with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies; handles complex detailed argumentation | About 35 |
| 7.5 | Good to very good | Between band 7 and band 8 performance | About 32-34 |
| 7 | Good user | Operational command with occasional inaccuracies; generally handles complex language well | About 30 |
| 6.5 | Competent to good | Between band 6 and band 7 performance | About 26-29 |
| 6 | Competent user | Effective command despite some inaccuracies; uses reasonably complex language in familiar situations | About 23 |
| 5.5 | Modest to competent | Between band 5 and band 6 performance | About 18-22 |
| 5 | Modest user | Partial command; copes with overall meaning in most situations; many mistakes likely | About 16 Listening / 15 Academic Reading |
| 4.5 | Limited to modest | Between band 4 and band 5 performance | Below mid teens (varies) |
| 4 | Limited user | Basic competence limited to familiar situations; frequent problems in understanding and expression | Lower raw ranges |
| 3.5 | Extremely limited to limited | Between band 3 and band 4 performance | Low raw ranges |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | Only general meaning in very familiar situations; frequent communication breakdowns | Very low raw ranges |
| 2.5 | Intermittent to extremely limited | Between band 2 and band 3 performance | Minimal scoring responses |
| 2 | Intermittent user | Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English | Minimal scoring responses |
| 1.5 | Non-user to intermittent | Between band 1 and band 2 performance | Little scorable language |
| 1 | Non-user | No ability to use the language except a few isolated words | Little scorable language |
| 0 | Did not attempt | No assessable information provided | No answers attempted |
Results, retakes, and One Skill Retake
Plan deadlines around electronic delivery and Online retake rules. Centre policies do not automatically apply.
Result timingLeave buffer before hard deadlines.
IELTS Online results are typically available in 6 to 8 days after the test.
Delivery format
Results are electronic only through email and the results portal. There is no paper TRF for Online.
Score sharing
You can nominate organisations at booking. Institutions verify scores through the IELTS Results Service.
Score validity
IELTS recommends treating scores as valid for two years. Accepting organisations set their own policy.
Enquiry on Results
You can request an Enquiry on Results through the same process used for centre tests.
Full retake
You may book a full IELTS Online test again when you are ready. There is no Online One Skill Retake shortcut.
One Skill RetakeOfficial wording: One Skill Retake is not currently available for IELTS Online.
OSR lets eligible candidates retake one skill once, within 60 days of an original computer-delivered centre test that offers OSR.
If you need OSR
Sit a full computer-delivered IELTS at a centre that offers OSR, then book the single-skill retake under that product's rules.
Final checklist
Complete these checks on the same computer and connection you will use for the real exam.
Before purchase
Technical rehearsal
Immediately before starting
Start only when acceptance, allowlist access, Inspera checks, and ID details are confirmed. A delayed start is cheaper than a cancelled session.
Frequently asked questions
What is IELTS Online?
It is the official at-home version of IELTS Academic. Same content, timing, and band scoring as centre Academic, delivered through Inspera with remote proctoring and a live Speaking examiner.
Is there an IELTS Online General Training test?
No. IELTS Online is Academic only. If you need General Training, book an eligible test-centre option instead.
Can I use IELTS Online for UKVI, immigration, or professional registration?
No. Official Online guidance excludes immigration and visa use, including UKVI, and excludes professional registration. Use the centre product those authorities require.
Is One Skill Retake available after IELTS Online?
No. Official wording states One Skill Retake is not currently available for IELTS Online. OSR requires an eligible computer-delivered centre test.
Which countries can take IELTS Online?
Availability follows a living allowlist by partner, not a short blocked-country list. Check the British Council or IDP Online booking page for your location before you pay.
How long is the test?
About 2 hours 45 minutes of test content.
- Speaking: 11 to 14 minutes in a separate video session
- Listening, Reading, and Writing: one block of about 2 hours 30 minutes (Listening 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes)
When do IELTS Online results arrive?
Plan for electronic results in about 6 to 8 days. There is no paper TRF. Institutions verify scores through the IELTS Results Service.
What software do I need?
You need Inspera Exam Portal / Inspera Integrity Browser from your booking instructions, plus a laptop or desktop that passes the official system check at least one day before the test.
Can I wear headphones during IELTS Online?
No. Use speakers. Headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth devices, extra monitors, VPNs, and mobile hotspots are common cancellation risks.
What if my university accepts IELTS but not Online?
Ask admissions about IELTS Online specifically. A general IELTS Academic policy is not enough, and the electronic TRF identifies Online delivery.
Official sources
Every fact here comes from official IELTS, British Council, and IDP pages, checked for this guide on 29 July 2026.
IELTS Online hubWays to take IELTSIELTS Academic overviewAcademic format in detailIELTS scoring in detailOne Skill Retake (test takers)One Skill Retake (organisations; Online exclusion)British Council Online booking / countriesBritish Council Online FAQBritish Council Online user guideBritish Council Online technical requirementsIDP Online system requirementsIDP Online FAQ and booking rulesOfficial Academic sample questionsOfficial Academic Writing sample tasks PDFOfficial Speaking sample tasks PDF
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