IELTS Video-Call Speaking: What to Expect
Arvind from Shillong was told his Speaking test would be “by video call” and wondered whether he would be taking it from home.
At the time of writing, IDP IELTS India says video-call Speaking is taken in a test room at an IELTS test centre, with a certified examiner based in another test centre. It says the content, scoring and timing match the in-person test.
Where Is Video-Call Speaking Offered?
The official IELTS guide says you take Speaking face to face or by video call. The IDP IELTS India page describes video-call Speaking as available at a select number of centres and does not name them, so ask your test centre which format applies to you.
You do not take this version from home. A member of the IELTS team guides you to the test room, verifies your identity and sets up the equipment, so you don’t need to touch anything.
IELTS Online is a separate option. As of October 2026, the official IELTS website says it is offered in some countries, for IELTS Academic only, and is taken at home or another suitable private location.
Face to Face vs Video Call: What Changes?
The way you meet the examiner changes, and the test stays the same, according to IDP IELTS India.
| Feature | Face to face | Video call |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sit | Test room at a test centre | Test room at a test centre |
| Where the examiner is | In the room with you | At another test centre, on a video call |
| Content and questions | Three parts, 11–14 minutes | Same content and question format |
| Scoring and timing | Four criteria, certified examiner | Same scoring and timing |
What Happens in the Room?
IDP IELTS India’s page describes these points:
- Staff guide you to the test room, verify your identity and set up the equipment.
- You wear a noise-cancelling headset and speak to a certified examiner in a high-definition video call.
- You take the usual three parts, which our Speaking test format guide explains.
Bring the same identification document you used when you booked your test. The official IELTS website also says to leave personal belongings outside the test room, and that phones need to be switched off and watches are not allowed. Our test day checklist covers what else to carry.
What happens if there is a technical problem is not described on that page, and the page directs queries to centre staff. Ask your test centre before the day.
What Stays the Same?
According to IDP IELTS India, the content, scoring, timing, question format and security arrangements match the in-person test. That means:
- Part 1: Introduction and interview, 4–5 minutes.
- Part 2: Long turn, 3–4 minutes including one minute of preparation.
- Part 3: Discussion, 4–5 minutes.
- Marking: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
For what Speaking test day looks like in a face-to-face room, see our test day guide.
How to Prepare for a Screen-Based Test
This part is advice, not an IELTS rule. Practise speaking to a screen, for example on a video call with a friend, so that talking to an examiner on a screen feels familiar.
Speak clearly at a natural volume. If you can’t hear a question, say so straight away: IDP IELTS says asking the examiner to repeat a question is acceptable, and our guide to going blank in Speaking has phrases to use.
Incorrect: “Video-call Speaking is easier.”
Correct: IDP IELTS India says the content, scoring and timing are the same as the in-person test, so prepare exactly as you would for face-to-face Speaking.
Tip
Ask a friend to put three questions to you on a video call, then ask whether you sounded clear.
Key Takeaways
- Video-call Speaking is taken at an IELTS test centre, not at home.
- You speak to a live certified examiner based in another test centre.
- Content, scoring and timing match the in-person test, according to IDP IELTS India.
- Ask your test centre which format applies and how technical problems are handled.
The bottom line: The way you meet the examiner changes, but what you are assessed on does not.