Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the official sources list
ielts.org: "Different accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand and North American, are used" (ielts.org). IDP's own list names British, Australian, New Zealand, American and Canadian accents (IDP). The word "including" means the list is not closed.
| Accent | Named by |
|---|---|
| British | ielts.org, IDP |
| Australian | ielts.org, IDP |
| New Zealand | ielts.org, IDP |
| North American (American, Canadian) | ielts.org; IDP names both |
Your own accent is not a factor
IDP calls it a myth that the test will be in your native accent: wherever you sit it, the recordings use this range (IDP). Each recording is heard once only (ielts.org).
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How to prepare
IDP's experts suggest exposing yourself to many accents through podcasts, videos and radio stations (IDP Community), and IDP mentions BBC radio as one source (IDP). Practise writing what you hear too: IDP says numbers are most likely in the first part of the test but can appear in any question (IDP), and spelling counts.
The accent does not decide your spelling: IDP says British or American spelling is accepted if it is correct (IDP).
Frequently asked questions
Is there an Indian accent in IELTS Listening?+
ielts.org's list names British, Australian, New Zealand and North American accents and does not mention others.
Is IELTS Listening only in a British accent?+
No. ielts.org says several accents are used.
If I hear an American speaker, must I use American spelling?+
No. IDP says either spelling is accepted if it is correct.
Can I replay a recording I did not understand?+
No. ielts.org says each recording is heard once only.
Keep reading
Related
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