What is the IELTS Indicator?

what is the IELTS indicator explained

The IELTS Indicator

The IELTS indicator is nearly identical in structure to the face-to-face IELTS test, it is timed and follows the four parts of the IELTS. Furthermore, IELTS examiners mark the IELTS indicator which means that it can give an accurate indication of a test-takers prospective real-world score.

As we are all aware, at present it is not possible to take a face-to-face IELTS test in a test centre anywhere in the world. However, while everyone is waiting for news about when face-to-face IELTS testing will be safe to re-start, IELTS have just recently introduced the IELTS Indicator.

  • The IELTS indicator can be taken from home.
  • Available on a weekly basis.
  • Marked by genuine IELTS examiners.
  • Includes the 4 stages of the IELTS exam: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • As close to the face-to-face test as possible.

Who accepts the IELTS Indicator?

Many universities in the UK and worldwide are now accepting the IELTS Indicator scores in place of a face-to-face test. It is important that you check with the institution you are applying to before booking an IELTS Indicator test. You can see the current list of countries below:

online English language teacher indicates students IELTS score

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • China
  • Denmark
  • United Kingdom
  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Qatar
  • United States of America

You can find a list of universities and institutions which accept IELTS Indicator here.

Preparing for the IELTS Indicator with LSI/IH Portsmouth

If you book an online IELTS course with LSI/IH Portsmouth, our expert team of experienced and quality IELTS teachers can prepare you in the normal way for IELTS, and you can take an IELTS indicator test during or at the end of your course.

Advantages of studying with LSI/IH Portsmouth

LSI/IH Portsmouth is ranked joint number 1 language school in the UK. We now bring our first-class teaching to you, through the internet we can connect with you at your place of choice. Our teachers are expert language specialists and have a track record of success preparing students for IELTS.

Advantages of studying online

Online study is very convenient! You can study in the comfort of your own home and at short notice enrol on a high-quality IELTS course. Need a certain band score in a short space of time? Sign up with us to begin your preparation. It is also cost effective. Studying on an online course means that you do not have to pay for flights and accommodation.

Next step…

Are you interested in studying at LSI/IH Portsmouth?

Want to sign up for our online IELTS course?

Want to know more about us?

Test indicating results to a student

IELTS Indicator: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the format of the IELTS Indicator test?

    The IELTS Indicator is virtually identical to the offline IELTS test. It has the same four parts (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening) as the face-to-face IELTS test. Correspondingly, each section has the same number of questions, and lasts for the same amount of time as an IELTS test.

  2. When is the IELTS indicator available?

    There is an indicator test available once a week. It is important that when you book your test that you pay close attention to time zones and the time you are given. You can check time zone differences here and book your test here.

  3. How does it work in terms of timing?

    Similarly to the face-to-face IELTS test, you will sit the reading, listening and writing together in a 2 hour 45 minute period, and then a speaking interview will be arranged online with an IELTS examiner. The reading and writing portions of the test are both 60 minutes, the listening is 30 and the speaking 11 to 14 minutes.

  4. Who will mark my exam?

    All IELTS indicator tests are marked by IELTS examiners and follow the usual thorough marking system of the IELTS exam. This ensures that your result is genuine and can be used as an accurate indication. To see more information about how IELTS examiners are recruited and trained, click here.

  5. What scores will I receive?

    Just as in the normal IELTS, you will receive the same four individual scores (for reading, listening, writing, and speaking), plus an overall score. It must be stressed that these scores are called ‘indicative scores’ and will provide you with the most accurate online indication of what your IELTS score would be.

  6. How much does the IELTS indicator cost?

    An IELTS indicator test costs $149 (approximately £120). This is significantly lower than the typical IELTS exam which (as of today) costs approximately $225. However, each IELTS test centre has the freedom to charge their own fee. To see the conversion rates from your currency to dollars, click here.

  7. How long does it take to get my results?

    Again, this is comparable to the IELTS test. You will receive the results within 7 days of completing the test, as with an IELTS certificate, the IELTS indicator will provide you with an overall indicative score and indicative scores for each area of the test (speaking, writing, reading, and listening).

  8. Can I take the Academic or General Training version of IELTS as an IELTS indicator test?

    At present, you can only take the Academic IELTS as an IELTS indicator test. This is due to the fact that the indicator is aimed at supporting prospective University students during the Corona Virus pandemic. If the General IELTS becomes available this blog will be updated accordingly.

  9. Can I use an IELTS indicator test as proof of my English level on my CV?

    Yes! IELTS certificates are used throughout the world as proof of candidate’s English language level. However, if you require proof of your language level for an employer, it is always better to check with the employer that they would accept an IELTS indicator before taking the test.

  10. How can I book an IELTS Indicator test?

    You can book your test directly through their website here. It is important that you make sure you have checked through the website’s checklist to be certain that you meet the technical and document requirements to be able to take the test from home (check here).

  11. How can I prepare for the IELTS indicator test?

    As the exam follows exactly the same structure, content and timings as a face-to-face test, you can follow an LSI/IH Portsmouth IELTS preparation course online. Our team of specialists have a track-record of success and will help you prepare in the most efficient and effective way for the test.

  12. Need any more information about online IELTS preparation courses or the indicator test?

    Our team at LSI/IH Portsmouth has a history of success preparing students for the IELTS test, to see more about our regular IELTS course and find out more about how we prepare candidates for IELTS click here. Furthermore, if you would like to e-mail us directly, please do: [email protected]

  13. What does an IELTS band score mean?

    Your IELTS band score is the final grade you receive as a result of completing the IELTS test. Technically nobody can fail the IELTS test, only receive a higher or lower bands score. Below is an approximate comparison of IELTS band scores to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

CEFR IELTS band score TOEFL
A1 1.0 – 2.5 0 – 29
A2 2.5 – 3.5 30 – 41
B1 4.0 – 5.0 42 – 63
B2 5.5 – 6.5 72 – 88
C1 7.0 – 8.0 95 – 110
C2 8.5 – 9.0 117 – 120

Next step…

Are you interested in studying at LSI/IH Portsmouth?

Want to sign up for our online IELTS course?

Want to know more about us?

IELTS teacher helping student