IELTS Online test user guide

• Double-check your test start time, including checking any time zone differences. Please note you will not be allowed to log in to the test if you are more than 30 minutes late.
• Check the email you received and have your username, password, ID and PIN codes ready. You’ll have one PIN code for your Speaking test and another for your Listening, Reading and Writing tests.
• Make sure your passport or photo ID is the same as the one you used to book the test.

• Make sure you are alone in the room for the pre-test checks and the test.
• Keep all doors closed. If there are glass walls, use curtains or blinds, or add window film to ensure privacy.
• Place your computer on a desk or table and sit comfortably on a chair. You cannot take the test lying down or sitting on a sofa.
• Remove all bags, notes, pens, pencils, headphones and accessories, including wrist watches.
• Remove posters from the walls.
• Keep your water in a transparent bottle without a label.

• Make sure your speakers, microphone and camera are on. Remember, you can’t use headphones.
• Disconnect your computer from any unnecessary devices like printers and second monitors. Cover these devices.
• Close all browser windows and programmes not needed for the test.
• Keep your phone or device nearby for the pre-test scan, with mobile data switched off. You will switch off your device after the scan.
• Make sure your face is visible. 

• Launch the Inspera Integrity Browser
• Log in with your username and password
• Select your test (i.e. Speaking).
• Enter your test PIN code (remember your Speaking PIN code is different from your PIN code for Listening, Reading and Writing).
• Take a photo of yourself and the photo page of the ID you registered with.
• Join the waiting room and wait to be told when the test is starting.
• Let the examiner/proctor scan your room.

Remember not to do these things during your test:

• Do not constantly look away from the screen.
• Do not leave your desk at any point (unless it’s to take a bathroom break, in which case you must tell the proctor first).
• Do not use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl +C or Ctrl +V during the Listening, Reading and Writing test.

A remote proctor will monitor your Listening, Reading and Writing test online and ensure the test maintains the security standards set by IELTS. In the Speaking test, your examiner will perform this role.

No. They will only interrupt the test if something seems wrong, or if you raise your hand to tell them you have issues during the test or need to take a bathroom break.

The proctors will only remain active for the duration of your test. Once your test is finished, both you and the proctor will exit the Inspera Integrity Browser and access to your camera will be stopped.

You can take a 5-minute bathroom break, but it must be between tests. If you need a bathroom break, raise your hand and wait for the proctor to contact you.

No. All your work must be on the computer.

If it’s a short break, you will get extra time to complete your test. If the connection cannot be restored, the British Council will help you organise a test retake. To avoid issues, please make sure you have a stable internet connection.