IELTS Video Call Speaking Test: What to Expect

The IELTS Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Speaking examiner. With the Video Call Speaking test, you take your Speaking test at an IELTS test centre through a secure, high-definition video call with your examiner.

The test follows the same IELTS Speaking format, timing, question types and scoring as the Speaking test conducted with an examiner in person.

Knowing what will happen before you arrive can help you feel more comfortable and confident on test day.

Here’s what you can expect from the moment you arrive at the test centre:

1. Check in and verify your identity

An IELTS team member will guide you through the check-in process and identity verification before your Speaking test.

2. Enter your private Speaking room

You’ll be taken to a quiet room where you’ll complete your Speaking test. Your examiner will be at another IELTS test centre and will join you through a secure video call.

3. Get ready for your video call

You’ll use a noise-cancelling headset so you can hear your examiner clearly. The IELTS team will help you with the equipment, so you don’t need to worry about setting it up yourself.

4. Meet your examiner

You’ll be able to see your examiner on screen, and your examiner will be able to see you. The Speaking test is a real-time conversation, so interact with your examiner naturally, just as you would in a normal interview.

5. Complete all three parts of the Speaking test

Your examiner will take you through the three parts of the IELTS Speaking test:

Part 1 – Introduction and interview 

You’ll answer questions about familiar topics such as your home, family, studies, work and interests.

Part 2 – Individual long turn 

You’ll be given a topic to speak about. You’ll have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.

Part 3 – Two-way discussion

 You’ll discuss ideas related to the topic from Part 2 in more detail. The questions are designed to encourage you to explain, compare, justify and discuss your ideas.

Once all three parts are complete, your Speaking test is finished.

The delivery is different, but the Speaking test itself remains the same.

The main difference is that your examiner is at another IELTS test centre and you speak to them through a high-definition video call.

You’ll take your Speaking test in a quiet room at the IELTS test centre.

You’ll have:

• A screen to see your examiner

• A noise-cancelling headset

• A secure video connection

• An IELTS team member available to help you with the setup

Your examiner will be able to see and hear you throughout the test.

You don’t need to operate the equipment yourself. The IELTS team will help you get ready before the test begins.

Treat your Video call Speaking test like a normal conversation.

1. Speak naturally

Use your normal speaking volume and pace. You don’t need to speak louder simply because your examiner is on a screen.

2. Maintain natural eye contact

Look towards the screen and interact naturally with your examiner.

3. Ask if you didn’t hear something

If you didn’t hear or understand a question, you can ask your examiner to repeat or clarify it.

4. Focus on the conversation

Try to stay engaged with the examiner and respond to the questions as naturally as possible.

5. Don’t worry about the equipment

You don’t need to touch or adjust the headset or other equipment during the test. Ask an IELTS team member for help if you experience any technical issue.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your Speaking test.

Remember that the Video call Speaking test is still a conversation with a certified IELTS examiner. The video call simply connects you with your examiner at another IELTS test centre.

Knowing the format and practising speaking before test day can help you feel more comfortable.

Knowing what to expect is the first step. Next, practice the IELTS Speaking format, understand how your performance is assessed and learn strategies to help you speak with confidence.

Prepare for IELTS Speaking

Practise IELTS Speaking questions across all three parts of the test and become familiar with the types of questions you may be asked.

Practice IELTS Speaking

Choose your preferred test date and centre and take the next step towards your IELTS goals.

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