From March 29: Paper-based IELTS test will be discontinued, only computer-based test will be available

The official paper-based IELTS test will be "killed" in Vietnam from March 29, 2025, leaving only the computer-based test.

Only IELTS on computer will be available in Vietnam from March 29, 2025 - Photo: BRITISH COUNCIL

A press release issued by the British Council and IDP this morning, January 7, said that the IELTS exam in Vietnam will switch completely to computer-based testing after March 29, 2025.

According to the two IELTS test organizers, this change is made with the aim of providing a faster, more efficient and convenient testing experience for candidates while maintaining the quality and global reliability of the IELTS test.

British Council and IDP further inform that candidates who have registered for IELTS on paper after 29 March 2025 will be contacted by the test center to inform them of the alternative options. Detailed instructions will be provided to ensure the best interests and preparation for candidates.

Candidates will be given the option to switch to IELTS on computer for free. Switch to a paper-based IELTS test date on or before 29 March 2025 for free. Receive a full refund of the test fee.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. More than 12,500 organisations worldwide trust IELTS, including educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies.

The computer-delivered IELTS test has several key features. First, candidates can register for the test just 1-2 days before the test and take it on any day of the week, making it easier for candidates to arrange their time accordingly. Candidates will receive their results within about 2 days.

Candidates can retake any skill - Listening, Speaking, Reading, or Writing - to improve their score, saving time and money compared to retaking the entire test. One Skill Retake is only available for IELTS on computer.

The computer-based test will be exactly the same as the paper-based test in all four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) of the test, ensuring fairness and international standards. The computer-based test is designed to be simple, ensuring easy operation, helping candidates focus fully on the test to achieve maximum efficiency.

What is the average score of Vietnamese IELTS candidates?

According to statistics released by IELTS, in 2023-2024, the average score of Vietnamese candidates in the IELTS (Academic) exam will reach 6.2.

This score is similar to the average IELTS score of Vietnamese candidates in 2022, which is also 6.2 out of a total score of 9.0.

However, in terms of rankings, Vietnam's position has changed. Specifically, with a score of 6.2, the latest IELTS (Academic) test results of Vietnamese candidates ranked 29th out of 39 countries and territories surveyed. In the 2022 IELTS survey, Vietnam ranked 23rd out of 40 countries.

Among the scores, Vietnamese candidates achieved the highest score of IELTS (Academic) 6.0, accounting for about 21% of the total number of candidates. Next, 18% of candidates achieved a score of 6.5 and also 18% achieved a score of 5.5. Only 1% achieved a high score of 8.5 or higher.

Regarding the component scores, Vietnamese candidates achieved 6.3 in the Listening test, 6.4 in the Reading test, 6.0 in the Writing test and 5.7 in the Speaking test.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tu-29-3-bo-thi-ielts-tren-giay-chi-con-thi-tren-may-tinh-20250107093536508.htm