We seem to live in a golden age of computer-based testing. 

The IELTS partners have also taken a positive step towards improving your IELTS experience for the candidates. 

They have now integrated computer-based test delivery sessions for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. But. 

What is the difference between Computer-delivered IELTS & IELTS? 

Which is better Computer or Paper-based IELTS?

Is IELTS Computer-based?

Is Computer-based IELTS easy?

Is the result faster in the computer-based test?

People often search these questions on google, in this article we’ll answer them all.

Also, Many Candidates have been asking since then, whether to choose a computer-based test or to go for the old paper-based test. 

The topic has been in debate since then, so I have tried to clear all the possible questions and doubts that may appear while choosing between a computer-based and paper-based test.

What’s in it for me:

1- 6 reasons why I would prefer a Computer-based IELTS test rather than the old school paper test.

2- Is the marking the same in the computer-based exam?

3- Is IELTS on a computer harder than IELTS on paper?

4- I need special arrangements to take IELTS. Can I sit the computer-delivered test? 

5- Is the result faster in the computer-based test?

6- Countries in which a Computer-based IELTS test is available.

The following are the 6 reasons why I would prefer a Computer-based IELTS test rather than the old school paper test. 

1. WORD COUNT

• The most common but still the best benefit of the computer-based test is that it made the candidate less stressful as they don’t have to focus on the word count. 
• The Computer automatically counts the words. 

2. QUICKER RESULT

• One of the top benefits of the computer-based test is that the candidates will get the result quicker than those giving paper-based tests. 

3. COUNTDOWN TIMER 

• An automatic countdown timer comes handy with the computer-based IELTS test.
• It is a good thing as it warns you about the remaining time during the test.

4. EASIER TO EDIT 

• Test taken on a computer screen can be easily editable. Most candidates found that editing on the computer makes it much easier to organize and structure their essays.

5. HANDWRITING ISN’T AN ISSUE

• Most of the students were worried about their handwriting that whether the examiner will able to read it correctly. 
• Now, if you have chosen to take the test on Computer, then you don’t have to worry about the handwriting.

Answering some of the most asked questions

Ques 1 – Is the marking the same in the computer-based exam?

Answer – Yes, it is as exact as the paper test. All the rules and markings will be the same. 

The only difference is that you have to type on a screen instead of on a paper. 

Ques 2. – Is IELTS on a computer harder than IELTS on paper?

Answer – No, it will be the same as the paper- test. The difficulty level, scoring, and the result, all will be the same for both. 

Ques 3. – Should I take IELTS on paper or Computer?

Answer – This is up to your personal choice.

If you are comfortable giving an exam on a computer, then you should go for the computer-based test. And if you are not comfortable typing or reading from the screen, then go for the paper-based test.  

Ques 4 – I need special arrangements to take IELTS. Can I sit the computer-delivered test? 

Answer – Test takers with special requirements are encouraged to contact their test center to check if the computer-delivered test is suitable for them or not. 

Ques 5. – Is the result faster in the computer-based test?

Answer – Yes, if you have given a computer-based IELTS test, then you will get the result faster than students with the paper-based test.

As always here is a bonus tip or advice for you – 

REMEMBER YOU HAVE A CHOICE (BTW PAPER VS COMPUTER)

Some people may be uncomfortable or inexperienced with technology. They might be worried about their typing ability or about looking at a computer screen for too long.

Remember that you always have a choice between taking the computer-based or paper-based IELTS test. 

You can choose to depend upon your convenience and ability. 

Countries in which online is available

• Argentina (Buenos Aires)
• Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Wollongong)
• Azerbaijan (Baku)
• Bahrain (Manama)
• Bangladesh (Dhaka)
• Brazil (Brasilia, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo)
• Cambodia (Phnom Penh)
• Canada (Calgary, Halifax, Mississauga, Montreal, Ottawa, Scarborough, Toronto, Winnipeg)
• Chile (Santiago)
• Colombia (Bogota, Medellin)
• China (Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing)
• Cyprus (Nicosia)
• Egypt (Cairo, Alexandria)
• France (Paris)
• Germany
• Ghana (Accra)
• Greece (Athens)
• Hong Kong (Macao, Hong Kong)
• India (Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bathinda, Bangalore, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Noida, Pune)
• Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya)
• Ireland (Dublin)
• Israel
• Italy (Bari, Milan, Salerno, Rome)
• Japan (Tokyo)
• Jordan (Amman)
• Kazakhstan (Almaty, Astana)
• Kenya (Nairobi)
• Kuwait (Salmiya, Safat)
• Laos (Vientiane)
• Lebanon (Beirut)
• Malaysia (Kuala Lampur, Penang)
• Mexico (Mexico City, Condesa, Coyoacan, Satelite, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Queretaro)
• Myanmar (Yangon)
• Nepal (Kathmandu)
• New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington)
• Nigeria (Lagos)
• Oman (Muscat)
• Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore)
• Peru (Lima)
• Philippines (Manila, Cebu, Baguio)
• Poland (Warsaw)
• Portugal (Lisbon)
• Qatar (Doha)
• Romania (Bucharest)
• Russia (Moscow, St Petersburg)
• Saudi Arabia (Al Khobar, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah)
• Singapore (Singapore)
• South Africa (Johannesburg, Pretoria)
• South Korea (Seoul)
• Spain (Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid)
• Sri Lanka (Colombo, Kandy)
• Switzerland (Bern, Saint Gallen)
• Taiwan, China (Kaohsiung, Taipei, Taichung, Taoyuan, New Taipei City, Hsinchu)
• Thailand (Bangkok)
• Turkey (Ankara, Erzurum, Istanbul)
• Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)
• Ukraine (Kiev)
• United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah)
• United Kingdom
• Uzbekistan (Tashkent)

Summary: 

• WORD COUNT
• QUICKER RESULT
• COUNTDOWN TIMER
• EASIER TO EDIT 
• HANDWRITING ISN’T AN ISSUE

I hope we’ve answered all your queries, if any doubt, share in the comment section below.