Video Call Speaking (VCS)

To be able to offer IELTS to you at more times and locations, your IELTS Speaking test may be delivered through a video call.

It will be the same IELTS Speaking Test, face-to-face and live with an experienced IELTS Examiner, except that you and the examiner will be in different locations and will be having your interview through Zoom.

To maintain the same test security and identity verification standards accepted by IRCC, colleges and universities, your Speaking Test will still be at the same official IELTS Venue where the rest of your test is held.

The same IELTS Speaking Test is used, with identical content, timing and marking.

ILSC will notify you if your Speaking test will be conducted through Video Conference Speaking. Please read on to learn more about what to expect on test day for your VCS Speaking Test.

IELTS VCS Explained

IELTS Video Conference Speaking Test Room

VCS On your test day

  • Bring your Identification Document (ID) to the test centre (this must be the same valid ID you registered with)

  • Apart from your ID, you may take a small bottle of water into the test room with you (in a transparent container, with the label removed)

  • After your identity check and test day photography process, you’ll be taken to a waiting area and an invigilator will take you into the test room once the Examiner is ready

  • If you use glasses, please bring them with you on your test day as you’ll be required to read your Part 2 topic from the screen

IELTS Video Conference Speaking During Test

When you enter the test room

  • An invigilator will be in the room with you before the test starts and will ensure you’re happy with the sound levels

  • The invigilator will check your ID with the Examiner before your Speaking test starts

  • You must leave your ID on the desk during the test

Before the test starts

  • Sit down and make yourself comfortable

  • You should be in the centre of the screen

IELTS Video Conference Speaking Tests English Testing Canada

During the test

  • The format of the Video-Call Speaking test is the same as the in-person test (the only difference is your Examiner will be on the screen, you’ll wear a headset and your Part 2 topic will appear on-screen)

  • Tell the Examiner if you can’t hear what they are saying, and they can repeat themselves

  • Don’t touch anything on the table unless asked to do so by the Examiner

  • Avoid touching your face with the paper/ pencil etc. as this could affect the sound quality of the test

  • You can use the paper and a pencil to make notes before you speak in Part 2, you’ll be prompted by the Examiner when you can use this and you’ll still have up to 2 minutes for your Part 2 answer (all parts of the test have the same timings as an in-person test)

  • The Examiner will tell you when the test is finished, and the connection will end

  • There will be a help button you can press if you need assistance. Wait there and the invigilator will come to you

After the test

  • When leaving the room, ensure you take your ID

  • Leave the paper and pencil on the desk; you are not allowed to take these out of the room

  • Remember to collect your belongings from the secure area before you leave the test centre