The New IELTS Indicator Test: Is it worth it?

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The IELTS Indicator Test is a new offering available in countries where access to test centres has been limited due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The test is completely online and takes place in a timed live session that runs once a week with an offical IELTS examiner. 

 

Because it is online, you can take the entire IELTS test in the safety of your home and because it takes place under timed conditions, it is a reliable indicator of what your IELTS score would be if you were to take the face-to-face test in an approved test centre. Your IELTS overall band score and individual scores for listening, speaking, reading and writing components will be sent to you within seven days of taking the IELTS Indicator Test. You can use IELTS Indicator Test scores in university or work applications to give institutions or potential employers an idea of your English competency level. 

However, the IELTS Indicator Test is not a substitute for a face-to-face examination that has been conducted in an approved IELTS testing centre and your institution or education provider may ask you to take the offical IELTS test at a later date or when face-to-face testing becomes available in your country once more, even if you already have an IELTS Indicator Test score. 

The IELTS Indicator Test costs $149 USD so you should therefore be absolutely certain that the institution you are applying for will accept an IELTS Indicator band score or be prepared to budget for this in addition to the cost of taking a face-to-face IELTS examination. You should also ensure that your internet coverage meets the minimum requirements for the online test as you may not be entitled to a refund if you encounter a technical problem during the live test.

 

The IELTS Indicator Test is a fantastic new offering that will be much more convenient for many students studying IELTS around the world. It may save you a long journey to a test centre in your country, just remember to check with your employer or education provider whether they can accept the result of the IELTS indicator test before investing. 

 

So, is this the future of the IELTS test? Well, we don't know yet. If a lot of institutions decide to accept the results from the computer-based IELTS test and the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect face-to-face testing, it may well prove to be a suitable long-term solution. Only time will tell.