In early March, many IELTS testing centers around the world postponed testing because of the COVID-19 corona virus pandemic. This situation has impacted many IELTS candidates and made it difficult, if not impossible, for them to obtain the test results they need to further their applications for studying abroad.
The IELTS indicator test is being offered for a limited time in countries affected by COVID-19. It is a fully online format for the IELTS test. With the IELTS indicator, candidates can attempt the entire IELTS test online. This includes all four parts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Is it different from the regular IELTS?
The IELTS indicator will have the same exact format as the regular IELTS test. The only difference will be that the entire test will take place over the internet. This means you can do the test in the comfort of your own home or other place of your choosing.
Candidates will need to complete the entire test in one sitting. The length of the test will be 2 hours and 45 minutes for writing, listening, and reading. The time for each section will be the same as for the standard IELTS test.
- 60 minutes for Reading
- 60 minutes for Writing
- 30 minutes for Listening
You won’t be able to pause the time or come back to the test later.
The Speaking part will be 11 – 14 minutes and conducted separately from the other portion of the test.
The speaking test will be conducted via video conferencing. You will have an interview with a qualified IELTS examiner following the same format as the regular IELTS test.
Currently, the IELTS indicator is only suitable for IELTS Academic test candidates. There is no equivalent test for the IELTS General test.
What do I need for the test?
Since the test is conducted entirely online, you will need to make sure that you prepare the space where you will take your test. You should ensure you have:
- A quiet area for you to work in.
- 3 uninterrupted hours to take the test.
- A steady, reliable connection to the internet
- A computer or laptop with a working microphone and webcam. (you cannot use a mobile device to take the test and you will not be able to take the test without a webcam.)
- Some way to listen to the audio for the speaking test (speakers/headphones)
Reading, Listening, Writing
The test will require you to install a “Safe Exam Browser” to take your test on. The IELTS indicator test uses the Inspera SEB to conduct the test.
You will need to install this application onto your computer (it works with either Windows OS or Mac iOS).
Once you begin your test you will not be able to access any other windows or tabs on your computer, so be sure you are fully prepared on your test day before beginning your exam.
Speaking
The speaking portion of the test will be conducted over the Zoom video conferencing platform. You should not need to install any extra applications to do this.
Where is the test available?
IELTS indicator is intended to be offered for a limited time in areas where the regular testing has been postponed due to COVID-19. Presently (04/26/2020), the test is available in the following countries:
- Austria
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Egypt
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
As the situation develops, the availability of the test around the world may change. For the latest developments, check the IELTS indicator website here.
Will my University accept it?
While the IELTS indicator is being offered to the affected countries, it isn’t guaranteed that your institution will accept the score for the IELTS indicator.
It’s a good idea to check directly with your College or University to determine the eligibility of IELTS indicator scores for admission.
Additional Details
The IELTS indicator is held once a week in the countries listed above. The price of the test is $145USD for one attempt.
Once attempted, the candidate will receive their evaluated results within one week (7 days).
