Part of the team for the set up of the IELTS Computer Lab: King Toha, IT support analyst; invigilator Kai Yuan; Sophie Yuan, assistant test administrator; Michelle Brock, testing coordinator; invigilator Than Phuoc Phan Dang; and Anita Frost, national space and property manager.
The world’s most popular high-stakes English-language test can now be done on computer – and Massey University’s Wellington campus is one of only two places in New Zealand where it’s on offer.
Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) at Massey University has long offered the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). But earlier this month, it started running the new test on computer for the first time in Wellington.
"IELTS on computer is available six days per week, and results are provided within five to seven days, instead of the usual two-week week wait," says PaCE business manager Joy Hotter. "Providing the test on computer will also dramatically decrease paper use."
Ms Hotter says the new testing option is great news for people needing the English proficiency test for University Entrance, employment, or immigration purposes. She believes many people will prefer computer-delivered tests, but paper tests are still available to cater for those who prefer a handwritten test.
Daniel was one of the first people to take the new computer-delivered test.
Flexible and faster testing
Daniel, from Germany, was one of the first candidates to take the new computer-delivered test and says anyone comfortable with typing should consider the online option.
“I found it was quite a good way to take a test,” he says. “Compared to the paper-based version, it’s not a big difference. It’s easier to type and quicker to erase as well. It’s a bonus to have the results sooner than two weeks.”
For more information on computer-delivered IELTS visit: https://www.ielts.co.nz/computer-delivered-ielts/