Skilled workers and students that plan to migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom from Nigeria and other parts of the world will have the option of writing their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) “from their own home or another suitable location” from early 2022.
IELTS made this known in a recent statement titled, “IELTS announces at-home testing option.”
According to the examination body, IELTS would no longer be limited to physical tests once ‘IELTS Online’ is unveiled in 2022.
Part of the statement read: “The test will have the same content and format as the existing pen-and-paper and computer-delivered IELTS tests. This includes a real-time face-to-face speaking test, delivered online by trained IELTS examiners.”
Also, the body said IELTS Online will comprise all four skills of IELTS Academic – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It will have the same top-notch assessment by examiners, and a speaking test with a human examiner to give a true indication of the test taker’s ability to communicate well in English.
Also, the statement quoted Christine Nuttall, Managing Director IELTS at Cambridge Assessment English, as saying: “IELTS Online is the next step in enhancing the test taker experience around the world. It will give test takers greater flexibility in taking the IELTS test.
“It will also mean faster results for test-takers, as validated results will be available as soon as three days after the test. By making the world’s leading test available online, we aim to empower even more people to take IELTS and follow their ambitions.
“In developing IELTS Online, we are bringing all the existing benefits of IELTS for test-takers and recognising organisations.
“IELTS Online will provide flexibility and confidence, using cutting edge AI and state-of-the-art security features to complement the expertise of IELTS examiners.”
Many young Nigerian migrants take IELTS tests physically in different locations all over Nigeria every year, as part of the requirements to be admitted into foreign universities or work abroad. Taking the test costs above N60,000 per time and the test is valid for 24 months.
