Rules, comparisons and data

Can you take LanguageCert Academic online at home?

Yes. LanguageCert Academic is offered online with live proctors, and a valid passport is the only ID accepted. LanguageCert says UK degree-level courses at a Higher Education Institution can accept the online version, but Australian visas need the test centre version: Home Affairs does not accept LanguageCert Academic Online. You need a laptop, a wired headset and a smartphone.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Where the online version counts

LanguageCert's Academic page says that for a degree-level course at a UK Higher Education Institution you can take LanguageCert Academic at a test centre or online, and that the test centre is the only option for Australian visa purposes. Australia's Department of Home Affairs names LanguageCert Academic Online among the at-home tests it does not accept (Home Affairs).

PurposeOnline at home?Source
UK university, degree level or aboveYes, per LanguageCert; check with the universityLanguageCert
UK visa needing a SELTNo; use LanguageCert Academic SELT at a UKVI centreLanguageCert
Australian visaNo; test centre onlyHome Affairs

Equipment you need

Only laptops are allowed; desktop computers are not. The laptop needs Windows 10 or 11 (not the S editions) or macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later, a dual-core 2.4 GHz processor or faster and a built-in webcam. You also need a wired headset with a built-in microphone; wireless headsets and external microphones are not allowed (LanguageCert online guidelines).

Your smartphone, running Android 10 or later or iOS 17 or later, is used for ID checks and as a second camera through the ExamShield Mobile app. It must be at least 70% charged to connect, and you cannot connect below 25% even while charging (LanguageCert).

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Room and ID rules

The room must be private, with no open spaces or glass walls, and have one door that closes and is visible on your webcam. It must be well lit, with the light not pointing at the webcam. Only one sheet of plain paper and a pencil are allowed, and only for the speaking exam; no extra devices such as smartwatches or extra monitors (LanguageCert).

For the online Academic test, only a valid passport is accepted, and the details in your candidate profile must match it exactly. You photograph it and scan its chip with the app. Log in at least 10 minutes early. You can reschedule free up to 48 hours before the test; later changes cost a fee (LanguageCert).

Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.

Frequently asked questions

Is LanguageCert Academic Online accepted for Australian visas?+

No. Home Affairs lists LanguageCert Academic Online among the at-home tests it does not accept; take it at a test centre.

Can I use a desktop computer for LanguageCert online?+

No. Only laptops with a built-in webcam are permitted.

Can I use AirPods or another wireless headset?+

No. You need a wired headset with a built-in microphone.

What ID do I need for LanguageCert Academic online?+

A valid passport. It is the only ID accepted for the online Academic test.

Can I take notes in the online test?+

Only one sheet of plain paper and a pencil, and only for the speaking exam.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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