Candidates can now take their IELTS on computer with the British Council

Wednesday, 12 December 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

British Council Sri Lanka Country Examinations Director Rob Low and British Council Sri Lanka Head of Business Development – UK Qualifications Dileepa Manawadu

The British Council in Sri Lanka has announced that IELTS candidates in the country, registered through the British Council, can take the globally recognised English proficiency test on a computer.

British Council Sri Lanka Country Examinations Director Rob Low

British Council Sri Lanka Country Director Gill Caldicott

At an event held at the British Council Colombo on Wednesday 5 December, guests and members of the press were introduced to the operations and benefits of this novel test-taking experience, one that is certain to bring greater ease and flexibility to test-takers in the country.

The computer based alternative offers more test sessions a week, allowing candidates greater flexibility in scheduling their assessment dates in comparison to the fixed calendar schedule of the paper-based format. Candidates will also be able to receive their test results sooner – in five days as opposed to the 13-day waiting period of the alternative system.

“We are consistently dedicated to improving the IELTS test-taking system and experience,” said British Council in Sri Lanka Country Director Gill Caldicott, commenting at the event on this new step forward. “IELTS on a computer is significantly beneficial in more ways than one, offering candidates greater flexibility and convenience.”

The new computer delivered format, allows candidates to take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of the examination on a computer, while the Speaking test will remain face-to-face. While the first three sections have to be completed on the same day, the latter can be taken up to a week either before or after the other sections have been completed. It is important to note however, that the test content, scoring, timing, and level of difficulty, will remain the same irrespective of the mode in which they are taken.

“IELTS on computer is not intended to replace the paper-based system, but will serve only to provide more options to candidates,” added British Council Sri Lanka Country Examinations Director, Rob Low. “Rest assured, candidates choosing this new computer delivered alternative will be taking the same trusted English language test, with the same security arrangements as with the paper delivered option.”

IELTS is one of the world’s most popular English language tests for higher education and migration, with over three million tests taken in the past year alone. Recognised by over 10,000 educational institutions, employers, and immigration bodies worldwide, in Sri Lanka it is more popularly taken by those who wishing to pursue migration, education, and employment options abroad.

IELTS on computer was first launched in Australia in December 2017, and has since been introduced across the IELTS network in 2018.

The British Council, as the established primary provider of English language education and resources in Sri Lanka, is currently offering testing at its Colombo premises thrice a week, with more sessions set to be scheduled – up to three times daily – over the course of the coming months.