Computer-delivered IELTS now available in Manila

THE BRITISH COUNCIL Philippines is now offering computer-delivered International English Language Testing System (IELTS), in addition to the paper-based test.

In a statement, the British Council Philippines said individuals who take the computer-delivered IELTS will take the listening, reading, and writing sections on a computer, instead of a paper exam.

The paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS are the same in terms of content, scoring, level of difficulty and test format.

The speaking test will still be conducted by a trained IELTS examiner.

The British Council Philippines said the computer-delivered IELTS offers more test date options throughout the week, and faster delivery of test results.

“Results will be sent to test takers 5-7 calendar days after completion of the test for computer-delivered IELTS, compared with the paper-based IELTS which is 13 calendar days after the completion of the test,” the British Council Philippines said.

With computer-delivered IELTS, test takers can do all the sections, including the speaking test, in one day.

On the other hand, the speaking test is typically scheduled two to three days before the paperbased exam.

Only designated British Council IELTS test centers are allowed to administer the computer-delivered IELTS “to ensure the integrity of the test is maintained, and leaks are prevented,” it said.

The British Council Philippines said it is working to increase the number of computer-delivered IELTS this year. At present, only one session is available per day in a limited number of test centers.

The paper-based IELTS tests are scheduled once a week.

The cost for both computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS is the same.

IELTS assess the language ability of people who want to study, work or emigrate to where English is the language of communication. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The British Council Philippines has a Learning Hub where test takers can take advantage of resources to prepare them for the IELTS. It has a library with IELTS materials, as well as conducts IELTS orientation, writing workshops and information sessions. —