fbpx
Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
6th Oct 2021

IELTS to launch new online test in early 2022

Short on time? Here are the highlights:
  • IELTS will launch IELTS Online in early 2022 to give students the ability to take the test at their homes or other suitable location
  • The new online test will be delivered through a purpose-built platform loaded with security features to ensure test integrity
  • Institutions can book into webinars beginning this month to get more information about IELTS Online

Students around the world will soon have the ability to take IELTS Academic, a leading test of English for international higher education, from the comfort of their homes or another suitable location.

IELTS Online will launch early in 2022. It will have the same content and format as the current pen-and-paper and computer-delivered IELTS tests, but it will be hosted on a purpose-built secure remote proctoring test platform.

The new online IELTS has a couple of significant advantages, including that it will (1) expand access to the test by making it available to students who can’t make it to testing centres, (2) allow students to obtain test results even faster.

Students taking IELTS Online will have their English proficiency tested in the four skills of IELTS Academic: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The upcoming launch is of particular interest to colleges and universities in the major English-speaking destinations – including the US, Canada, and the UK – because IELTS is a highly respected test and one that was severely disrupted (along with all major English-language tests) when the pandemic took hold, impacting thousands of students and educators the world over.

Security and integrity are priorities

The platform will feature video call speaking software to “deliver secure English language tests to streamline the experience for test takers, examiners and proctors.” In addition, IELTS’ own proctors will be trained specifically for the new platform and will further ensure test integrity for IELTS Online. These examiners will deliver the real-time face-to-face speaking component of the test online and IELTS’ in-house staff will also mark students’ tests. On top of human oversight, AI monitoring is built into the platform “to flag any malpractice.”

Expanding access

Christine Nuttall, Managing Director of IELTS at Cambridge Assessment English, said,

“IELTS Online is the next step in enhancing the test taker experience around the world. It will give test takers greater flexibility in taking the IELTS test. It will also mean faster results for test takers, as validated results will be available as soon as three days after the test. By making the world’s leading test available online, we aim to empower even more people to take IELTS and follow their ambitions.”

Online webinars are scheduled as early as this month to provide additional detail on the new online test.

For additional background please see:

Most Recent

  • UK Home Office launches Graduate Route review Read More
  • Germany expands in-study work opportunities for foreign students Read More
  • Survey findings underscore the link between English proficiency and career success Read More

Most Popular

  • Canada’s foreign enrolment grew by more than 30% in 2022 Read More
  • Measuring cost of study and cost of living across study destinations Read More
  • Recruiting in the Emirates: Big goals, world-class education, and new scholarships Read More

Because you found this article interesting

Survey findings underscore the link between English proficiency and career success New research from Pearson shows that English language learners see mastery of English as vital to their career...
Read more
British Columbia releases details of new Provincial Attestation Letter system under Canada’s international student cap British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, and a leading destination for international students within Canada. On 1 March,...
Read more
UK: Post-study work rights worth billions but current policies leading to weaker enrolments this year A new analysis released by Universities UK indicates that the UK’s 2019 announcement of extended post-study work rights...
Read more
Demand for study abroad in Australia, Canada, UK already affected by new international education policies New, restrictive policies concerning international students in the UK, Canada, and Australia are already having a significant impact...
Read more
South Korea announces results of annual evaluation of universities and colleges’ international programmes On 8 February 2024, the Korean government announced the results of its annual evaluation of colleges and universities’...
Read more
Australia’s “blueprint for change” for higher education calls for a more diverse and balanced international enrolment After just over a year of consultation and review, 820 written submissions, 180 meetings, and a hotly debated...
Read more
Former edtech unicorn’s stock price plunges as universities take DIY approach to online learning The edtech giant 2U is experiencing market and financial pressures severe enough that earlier this month it warned...
Read more
Malaysia opens new post-study visa option for degree graduates Effective 1 December 2023, Malaysia introduced a package of new visa settings designed to make it easier for...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links