British Council in Hong Kong announces launch of IELTS on computer

HONG KONG,Aug. 27,2018 -- IELTS,the world's most popular English test for higher education and migration can now be taken on a computer from 31 August 2018 onwards.

We are continually enhancing IELTS to improve the experience for our test takers and stakeholders.

Computer-delivered IELTS will not replace paper-based IELTS but rather offer a choice in delivery and more availability.

Test takers can now choose the option and time to take IELTS that best works for them. They can also get their results faster,with results typically available between five to seven calendar days after the test has been completed.

The test content and structure remain the same in both options and,importantly,the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner. Whether test takers take IELTS on paper or computer,they can be confident that they are taking the same trusted English language test.

It's the same IELTS,at the same price,but with more choice.

Test takers who choose the option of computer-delivered IELTS can also access support materials with which to prepare for taking IELTS on a computer.

IELTS is one of the world's most popular high-stakes English language tests,with over three million tests taken in the past year,and is recognised by more than 10,000 universities,schools,employers and immigration bodies.

IELTS is the most widely used test of English for migration to Australia,Canada,New Zealand and the UK. It is recognised by more than 10,employers and immigration bodies,including all universities in Australia and the UK and many of the leading institutions in the USA.

Learn more about taking IELTS on computer: https://www.ieltsasia.org/hk/en/choose-test-format

Notes to editors

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture,English language,education and civil society. Last year we reached over 75 million people directly and 758 million people overall including online,broadcasts and publications. We make a positive contribution to the countries we work with-- changing lives by creating opportunities,building connections and engendering trust.

Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. britishcouncil.org

About IELTS on computer

IELTS on computer was launched in Australia in December 2017 and is being introduced across the IELTS testing network in 2018.

The test is the same as paper-based IELTS for content,scoring,level of difficulty,question format and security arrangements.

IELTS on computer includes Listening,Reading and Writing. The Speaking test will continue to be face-to-face,as it is a more reliable indicator of communication and it is what our customers tell us feels more natural for them.

This new option will not replace paper-based IELTS but rather offer a choice in delivery and more availability.

Results from IELTS on computer are available between 5-7 days after taking all four test sections.

The IELTS partners are committed to continuous investment in test development in order to enhance the IELTS experience.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System,the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration with more than 3 million tests taken in the last year.

Over 10,000 organisations trust and accept IELTS as a secure,valid and reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English for education,immigration and professional accreditation purposes.

IELTS is jointly owned by British Council,IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities and provides IELTS testing in more than 800 locations in over 100 countries.

About the test

Test takers are measured in listening,reading,writing and speaking skills. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (non-user) through to 9 (expert user).

IELTS offers a choice of two tests,to serve both academic and non-academic purposes. IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency needed for an academic,higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers,irrespective of their subject focus. IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical,everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. IELTS General Training is suitable for immigration purposes to Australia,New Zealand and the United Kingdom and Ireland.

A sample of government and professional associations who recognise or require applicants to hold an IELTS test result include:

Immigration,Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Department of Home Affairs (Australia)

UK Visas and Immigration

Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and National Council of State Boards of Nursing,USA

International Monetary Fund

For further media information,please contact:

Tiffany Cheung,Manager,Exams Marketing,East Asia on +852 2913 5551 or tiffany.cheung@britishcouncil.org.hk.