Computer-based IELTS or CB IELTS is a computer-based version of IELTS. It consists of the Listening, Reading and Writing tests. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests will still be conducted face-to-face. CB IELTS will be available from May 6th 2005 at the following IELTS centres: Bangladesh, Dhaka; Egypt, Alexandria and Cairo; Agouza; India, New Delhi (British Council and IDP Education Australia); Italy, Milan; Jordan, Amman; Kenya, Nairobi (Australian University Studies Institute); UAE, Abu Dhabi; UAE, Dubai; Vietnam, Hanoi.
For more information about CB IELTS at your local center, please contact the local British Council office. In some places, IDP Australia is responsible for conducting it (mentioned in the list above along with the centers)
CB IELTS is being introduced initially at a limited number of IELTS centres, which have been chosen on the basis of specific technical and administrative requirements. The availability of the computer-based test will gradually be increased to meet the developing needs of both candidates and test score users globally. The IELTS partners intend to gather feedback from the initial rollout and plan to expand the number of centres offering the computer-based test in the future.
To apply for CB IELTS, you should contact one of the centres offering CB IELTS. Contact details can be found on the IELTS website (www.ielts.org). Please be aware that places are limited so you should apply for a test as early as possible. The computer-based test costs the same as the paper-based test.
The CB IELTS Listening and Reading tests are marked by computer, while the Writing test responses are marked by qualified IELTS examiners, in the same way as the paper based version. This approach maintains the security, validity and consistency for which IELTS is internationally recognised. The Speaking test is not taken electronically. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests are conducted face-to-face. CB IELTS and paper-based IELTS are scored using the same nine-band scale. There is no difference between the difficulty of the computer-based test and the paper-based test. All IELTS candidates receive their test scores within two weeks of taking the test. A candidate’s Test Report Form will look the same whether they have sat the test in its computer-based or paper-based format. In order to maintain consistency and security, all IELTS candidates must wait 90 days between sitting each test, whether it is a paper-based or a computer-based test.
At this stage CB IELTS is only available for the Academic module. The IELTS partnership intends to make the General Training module available in the future.
Any queries regarding CB IELTS or the IELTS examination in general can be asked in RxPG IELTS forum
CB IELTS Discussion Thread
RxPG IELTS Discussion Forum
