IELTS indicator home test

Last update: 9 May 2020

There is good news for people who currently cannot take the IELTS exam due to closed down test centers during the corona pandemic. The creators of the IELTS Academic and IELTS General have developed the IELTS indicator test. A new official online test that can be taken from home. This article explains what the test is and how it can help you.

How is the IELTS Indicator set up?

IELTS Indicator is taken online. Which means that you can take the test from home or any place that you are comfortable. However we advise you to find a quiet place where you can have the right conditions to concentrate on your exam.

You will need a laptop or desktop PC. This can be a Mac or a Windows device. IELTS Indicator cannot be taken from a smartphone or tablet. Also make sure that you have proper audio on your device: working speakers and a microphone. A headset with microphone is advisable. Also make sure that you have a reliable internet connection.

The test takes a maximum of 2:45 hours. Once started, the test cannot be paused. All parts of the regular test are also included in the IELTS Indicator test: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The last 2 are done on your computers, so that’s why a good working audio setup is essential. Every part of the strictly timed.

After you have done the test, the IELTS organization will assess your results. The questions asked are not more difficult, nor easier dan the regular IELTS exams. You will receive the results and final score within 7 days.

Where is IELTS Indicator available?

The IELTS Indicator is only available in countries that currently cannot have regular exams due to the coronavirus pandemic. Currently that is: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, SAR of China, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe. However this list can change over time. Please visit the website regularly if anything has changed.

What does IELTS Indicator cost?

The good thing about the IELTS indicator test is that it has a fixed price: USD 149. So in contrast to the regular IELTS tests it doesn’t matter where you are from or where you are going to take the test, price is fixed. And at USD 149 it is much lower than most of the test locations elsewhere in the world.

What organizations accept IELTS Indicator?

Since it will take quite some time till the coronavirus pandemic will be fully under control, more and more organizations are starting to accept the IELTS Indicator. Currently the following countries have institutions (mainly universities) that accept IELTS Indicator: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Malaysia, New Zealand, United States of America. However to be fully sure that your destination organization will accept it as well, always make your that you contact them for confirmation.

Is IELTS Indicator suitable for visa procedures?

No, unfortunately IELTS Indicator is not accepted for sole immigration purposes.

What are the advantages over other online tests?

Of course, you can take other tests online. However, the IELTS Indicator test has some great advantages over other tests such as the TOEFL Home Test (also known as TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition) or the Duolingo English test. The TOEFL Home Test has no special price for its online version and is therefore priced based on your location, which on average is USD 200, which is still USD 50 more than IELTS Indicator. The Duolingo English test has only a limited amount or universities that will accept the test. IELTS has established good academic connections with universities for over 40 years. Therefore even if your desired university is not yet accepting the IELTS Indicator, there is a good chance they will do in the future. Email your university inquiring if they accept IELTS Indicator. Bookmark Admissiontestportal.com and come back later to see which new organizations are added to the list.

Lastly. These are challenging times. But let this not hold back your dreams of studying abroad. Try to stay home as much as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones around you. The online IELTS Indicator test can help you with this. Contact your desired university on their specific measures and requirements on the corona situation. At this point it might seem far away, but remember that studying abroad is a dream that you should never let go.