The three parts
From the ielts.org Speaking format page. The British Council describes the same parts but puts the total at about 11–15 minutes and the Part 2 talk at one to two minutes (British Council).
| Part | Length | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction and interview | 4–5 minutes | The examiner introduces themselves, checks your identity and asks about familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies or interests |
| 2. Long turn | 3–4 minutes including preparation | You get a task card, one minute to prepare with pencil and paper, then talk until the examiner stops you; one or two follow-up questions may follow |
| 3. Discussion | 4–5 minutes | More abstract questions linked to the Part 2 topic, asking you to explain, analyse and speculate |
How Speaking is marked
The examiner assesses you throughout on four equally weighted criteria: Fluency and coherence, Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy, and Pronunciation. The average of the four gives your Speaking band (ielts.org). The full wording is in our Speaking band descriptors guide.
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When and where the Speaking test happens
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken in one session with no breaks. The British Council holds Speaking on the same day or within seven days before or after the other sections, depending on the centre; on IELTS Online, Speaking usually comes first (British Council).
The British Council says the Speaking test is a live conversation with an examiner, face-to-face or by video call, at the test centre (British Council). IDP India says the Speaking test for IELTS on computer is scheduled alongside the other sections, with the time shown in the candidate login at least two days before, and that it is held at the test centre with a certified human examiner (IDP India).
Under-18s: IDP India says minors are now always accompanied by a chaperone in face-to-face Speaking tests (IDP India).
In the room
The British Council says the test takes place in a separate room with only you and the examiner (British Council). Bring the same ID you booked with: you cannot take the test with the wrong ID (ielts.org). Examiners may have accents from any English-speaking country, and non-native speakers with a high level of English can be examiners too (British Council).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS Speaking test?+
11–14 minutes per ielts.org (the British Council says about 11–15), in three parts.
Is the IELTS Speaking test recorded?+
Yes. ielts.org states that the Speaking test is recorded.
Can I make notes in IELTS Speaking Part 2?+
Yes. The examiner gives you a pencil and paper for your one minute of preparation.
Is IELTS Speaking on the same day as the other sections?+
Not always. The British Council schedules it on the same day or within seven days before or after the written sections.
Is the Speaking test different for General Training?+
No. Academic and General Training take the same Speaking test.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS Speaking: from 6 to 7
- IELTS Speaking band descriptors
- IELTS test day rules
- Free IELTS mock test with band score
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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