IELTS Elephant

Sharing the tried and tested methods to pass the IELTS test

Great news! IELTS has announced a temporary online option – IELTS Indicator – for those of you who are unable to sit exams due to coronavirus restrictions. IELTS Indicator was designed to support your progress in your University and Educational Institution applications during the COVID-19 crisis. Please watch this video and read all information in this article carefully before applying.

What is the new IELTS test – IELTS Indicator?

IELTS Indicator is an online test that can be taken from the safety and comfort of your home. It is available for a limited time while IELTS testing is currently suspended due to COVID-19. The test includes four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking of the Academic training marked by real IELTS markers and examiners. IELTS Indicator is an official IELTS product you can trust. However, it is not yet accepted by all organisations. Before you book, be sure to check the list below or contact your university or educational institution.

Who accepts IELTS Indicator?

As of 4th of May, 2020 and based on the official IELTS Indicator website, IELTS Indicator is accepted by the following institutions:

Australia

• Australian Film, Television and Radio School
• Australian Institute of Higher Education
• Bella College Australia
• Deakin College
• English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry
• La Trobe College Australia
• Le Cordon Bleu Australia
• Newcastle International College
• NIT Australia
• TAFE NSW
• TAFE Queensland
• Western Sydney University International Admissions
• Western Sydney University International Office

Belgium

• UC Leuven-Limburg

Canada

• Capilano University
• Humber College
• Mount Royal University
• Red Deer College
• Royal Roads University
• UBC Sauder School of Business
• University of Lethbridge
• University of Northern British Columbia

China

• Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University

United Kingdom

• Aberystwyth University
• Architectural Association School of Architecture
• Bath College
• Birkbeck, University of London
• Brunel University London
• Coventry University
• Cranfield University
• Edinburgh College
• Glyndwr University
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Hartpury University & College
• Leeds College of Music
• London Brunel International College
• Norwich University of the Arts
• Queen’s University Belfast
• Robert Gordon University
• St Mary’s University
• Staffordshire University
• Study Group
• The London Film School
• The University of Northampton International College
• Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
• University College London
• University of Stirling
• University of Ulster
• University of West England, Bristol
• University of Winchester
• University of Wolverhampton

Hong Kong

• The University of Hong Kong

Ireland

• Technological University Dublin

Japan

• Hosei University

Mexico

• Colegio Sagrado Corazon

Malaysia

• Awesome Language Center
• EMS Language Centre

New Zealand

• Massey University
• Newton College of Business and Technology
• Pacific International Hotel Management School
• Professional Business & Restaurant School (PBRS)
• Southern Institute of Technology
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
• University of Otago – Foundation Studies
• UP Education
• Western Institute of Technology at Taranak

United States of America

• American University Undergraduate Admissions
• Auburn University at Montgomery
• Beloit College
• Boise State University Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
• California College of the Arts, San Francisco Campus
• California State University, East Bay
• Carnegie Mellon University Integrated Innovation Institute
• Chapman University Graduate Admissions
• Colgate University
• College of Charleston Undergraduate Admissions
• DePaul University Graduate Admissions
• DePaul University Undergraduate Admissions
• Eastern Michigan University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Fullerton College
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University Graduate Admissions
• Gonzaga University Undergraduate Admissions
• Grossmont College
• Husson University International Admissions
• Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis International Undergraduate Admissions
• Marshall University
• Mesa Community College
• Miami University Undergraduate Admission
• Montana State University Bozeman Undergraduate Admissions
• Northeastern University College of Social Sciences and Humanities – Graduate Programs
• Northern Arizona University Center for Intl Education
• Oakland University
• Ohio University Graduate College
• Ohio University Undergraduate Admissions
• Old Dominion University
• Point Loma Nazarene University Undergraduate Admissions
• Portland State University Graduate School
• Purdue University Undergraduate Admissions
• Rochester Institute of Technology Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
• Rutgers University, New Brunswick Undergraduate Admissions
• Saint Michael’s College
• Savannah College of Art and Design All Campuses
• St. Mary’s University Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
• Syracuse University Undergraduate Admissions
• Syracuse University Graduate Admissions
• Temple University Beasley School of Law
• Trinidad State Junior College
• University of Alabama, Huntsville
• University of Central Florida Graduate Admissions
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs
• University of Colorado Denver
• University of Dayton Office of International Admissions
• University of Delaware Graduate Admissions
• University of Idaho Graduate Admissions
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor
• University of Missouri
• University of Northern Iowa
• University of Portland Undergraduate Admissions
• University of South Dakota
• University of Texas, Tyler – Office of Graduate Admissions
• University of Tulsa Undergraduate Admissions
• University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce
• University of West Georgia
• University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
• Valdosta State University
• Wake Forest University School of Business
• Westminster College, Utah
• Wichita State University Graduate School
• Wichita State University Undergraduate Admissions
• Winona State University

Who is the IELTS Indicator test for?

The IELTS Indicator test is designed for those who meet ALL of the following conditions: 

1. You are planning to study abroad in the next few months and the university requires proof of your English level. 
2. You are unable to take the IELTS test in your country due to coronavirus restrictions.
3. You have contacted your university or educational institution about IELTS Indicator and they confirmed that they accept IELTS Indicator.
4. You are taking the IELTS Academic test. IELTS Indicator does not (yet) include the general training for immigration purposes.
5. You have all the test requirements below.

Test Requirements – What do you need to take the IELTS Indicator test?

Before booking the IELTS Indicator Academic test, make sure you have the necessary equipment and set-up.

• A quiet and comfortable space to take the test. Like the in-person test, you can’t take a break once the Listening, Reading and Writing sections begin. You can’t stop or pause the test so you should eliminate any unnecessary interruption in your home so you won’t lose time and marks. 
• A laptop or desktop computer – Mac or PC only. You cannot take IELTS Indicator on a mobile or a tablet device. 
• A reliable internet connection. Don’t take the test, if you don’t have a stable internet connection.
• Speaker or headphones for good sound quality during your Listening test. Don’t forget to do a volume test before your test starts.
• A working web camera and microphone so you can complete your Speaking test. Make sure it’s all working properly. 

Your computer must meet the minimum and recommended system requirements. For example, you will need to have the Zoom application downloaded on your computer and the ability to download and install a Safe Exam Browser (SEB).

For more information about computer equipment requirements and instructions on how to download the programs you need, read this page.

How does IELTS Indicator test work?

You can take the IELTS Indicator on any suitable desktop computer or laptop with reliable internet access. 

It is recommended to perform a computer check at least 3 days before your test so as to make sure that it works fine. If you have Windows, read this guide. If you have a Macbook, read this guide.

In addition, you should read the test day guide to give you an understanding of how to log in and what to expect in the test.

You will need to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing in one sitting – approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. The Speaking test will be conducted separately. You will do the Speaking test with an examiner face-to-face over a computer using a video call with the Zoom application. Please read the IELTS Indicator test day Speaking guide.

As with the normal IELTS test, each section will be strictly timed. So make sure you prepare well and master all the IELTS strategies in which you can find in this complete online preparation course.

Official IELTS examiners will mark the IELTS Indicator test in the same way and with the same marking criteria as the normal IELTS test. You will receive your results within seven days of completing all sections of the test. 

When does the test take place?

IELTS Indicator Academic test will take place once a week. The next available dates are on April 29, May 6 and May 13 at 8:00am UK time. You can view the time of the test in your local time-zone before booking the test. To book your test, visit https://www.ieltsindicator.com/book/.

How much does IELTS Indicator cost?

IELTS Indicator costs $149USD. So you need to prepare well before booking.

How do you prepare for the IELTS Indicator test ?

The test format and the difficulty level of the IELTS Indicator test is exactly the same as the normal IELTS test, paper based or computer based. So you should prepare the same way as you would for the normal IELTS test.

Nevertheless, it is important to practise on a computer since you will be taking the test on a computer. You can find free practice tests for computer-delivered IELTS on the official British Council page. You can also practise answering Writing, and Reading questions on your computer by completing the assignments of our complete IELTS preparation course.

It is equally important to prepare well by learning and practising all the IELTS strategies, tips and techniques you need to know to achieve a high band score. Our online complete IELTS preparation course provides everything you need to learn as well as extra practise material for you, so do check it out.

For those who lack ideas and vocabulary for the Speaking and Writing module check the book with the IELTS most common topics.

Please note

IELTS Indicator is available only in some countries. If the IELTS test is suspended in your country due to coronavirus restrictions, but IELTS Indicator is not available in your country you need to check this page regularly as this might change.

Finally, before booking the IELTS Indicator test you should:

1. Be sure that the university and organisation you are applying to will accept this new IELTS test.
2. Have all the necessary equipment and set-up (read Instructions). 
3. Prepare well and feel confident and ready to take the test. Do these 3 simple checks to ensure you’re ready.

Useful Resources

• Check if IELTS Indicator is available in your country and book your test here.
• Check if your educational institution is in the list of those who accepts IELTS Indicator here.
• Find more information and FAQs here.
• Instructions with everything you need to know and do before taking your IELTS Indicator test here.
• Instructions on how to check your computer equipment & software requirements before test day – Windows Instructions and MacOs Instructions.
• Instructions on how to perform a computer check at least 3 days before your test – Windows Instructions and MacOs Instructions.
• You test day guides – IELTS Indicator Speaking guide and Login and test day guide.
• Prepare for the test and practice answering questions on your computer with this course.
• Check all products and services to choose the ones that best meet your needs in order to pass IELTS quickly here.