IELTS paper-based tests will be discontinued and switched to computer-based testing starting March 30th.

According to an announcement from the British Council and IDP, all IELTS exams in Vietnam will be switched to a computer-based format starting from March 30th.

"This change aims to provide a faster, more efficient and convenient exam experience for candidates," the announcement from the British Council and IDP stated.

Both the paper-based and computer-based IELTS tests share similarities in test format, questions, and scoring methods. However, the computer-based IELTS test offers several advantages, including features that help candidates save time and focus more on their preparation, such as: receiving results within approximately two days; flexible test scheduling seven days a week with 2-3 test sessions per day; last-minute registration 1-2 days before the test date; and maximizing score improvement with the IELTS One Skill Retake feature (which is only available for computer-based IELTS tests).

From March 30th, the IELTS exam in Vietnam will be entirely computer-based. (Illustrative image)

Candidates who registered for the paper-based IELTS test from March 30th onwards will be contacted by the test center to inform them of alternative options, including: free conversion to the computer-based IELTS test; free conversion to a paper-based IELTS test on or before March 29th; or a full refund of the test fee.

IELTS is a popular standardized English test for non-native English speakers, assessing four skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—on a 9-point scale. In Vietnam, the exam is jointly organized by the British Council and IDP.

Currently, more than 12,500 schools and organizations worldwide use the results of this test for purposes such as studying abroad, immigration, or job applications.

According to global IELTS test data for 2023-2024, compiled at the end of September 2024 and published on the IELTS website, the average IELTS score for Vietnamese people is 6.2/9.0 in the Academic test, ranking 29th out of 39 countries. In contrast, in 2022, Vietnam ranked 23rd out of 40 participating countries.

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/dung-thi-ielts-tren-giay-chuyen-sang-may-tinh-tu-30-3-ar918714.html