Location
At the registered venue assigned to you, you must be physically present for both pen-and-paper and computer-based assessments. The biggest difference is the number of candidates who appear for each type of test, with around 150 candidates appearing for a paper-based test in a large hall and one candidate per computer for a computer-based test.

Medium
In a pen-paper based test, you take the test with a pen/pencil and a piece of paper, writing your answers on the paper, but in a computer based test, you must answer the questions using the computer desktop.

Assesment
In a pen-paper based examination, the examiner collects the candidates’ answer sheets, which are then sent to Cambridge marking faculty, which takes a long time, but in a computer based test, the answers are directly uploaded to the Cambridge server, where the evaluation is comparably quick.

Timing
The timings are the same for both tests, but in the pen-paper based test, you get an extra ten minutes to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet, whereas in the computer based test, you don’t get any extra time and must simultaneously write your answers in the given boxes on the screen.

THE ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER-BASED TESTS

1. On a computer, students find it simple to amend their responses.
2. Students feel more at ease taking the test in less crowded test venues.
3. There is no need to be concerned about individuals who have poor handwriting.
4. Because the computer screen is separated into two pieces, a pupil does not have to bother about flipping pages.
5. Because the screens given are of sufficient size, reading becomes easier.
6. The results are received much sooner than with a pen-and-paper test, usually within 4-5 days.
7. There are test sessions accessible every day of the week.
8. More speaking time slots are needed.
9. Last-minute test registration is possible, but only if seats are available, which is three days prior to the test.

COMPUTER-BASED TEST DRAWBACKS

1. Students who are not computer savvy may have difficulty highlighting, drawing, or taking notes.

2. Students who have previously struggled with sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time may find it even more challenging this time.

3. If you don’t have a fast typing speed, avoid computer-based tests because they may take longer than expected.

Author: Tabinda Khan

Education Counselor | IELTS Trainer

Edu-Wire Overseas Education Consultant