Updates to test delivery:

From 28 June 2026, all IELTS tests in Australia will be delivered on computer. Read to learn more.

IELTS on paper

You can take IELTS Academic test and General Training test on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the paper-based test are the exact same as the computer-delivered test, but your test day experience is a little different. Test day staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets before each test and will then collect these booklets and answer sheets, before moving on to the next test part.

What to expect on the test day?

If you take IELTS on paper, you will complete the Writing, Reading and Listening parts on paper. You will use a black ink pen to complete your Writing test and write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet.

For IELTS on paper the Writing, Reading, and Listening tests are all completed on the same day with no breaks between each test. The Speaking test is completed in a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner, and this can be done up to seven days before or two days after the test.

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