PTE vs IELTS: This is the major doubt among students who are planning to work or study abroad. Providing the English language proficiency scores is a necessary requirement. As qualifying these will prove the universities that you are able to comprehend the lectures, interact with peers and can survive in a foreign land without facing language barriers. However, there are two popular tests: IELTS and PTE. But do you know which one is ideal for you? If not, you are at the right place. So go through this write-up and explore everything about IELTS vs PTE in detail.

Overview of PTE and IELTS

To know the differences between the language proficiency tests, you need to get along with their basics first. So, read the section for the same:

What Is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is accepted by over 11,000 institutes globally. This includes academic institutes, immigration departments and government organizations to evaluate candidate’s language proficiency.

What Is PTE?

Pearson Test of English or PTE is accepted by more than 3000 organizations worldwide. These consists of educational institutes, government bodies and more. Moreover, this is a computer based test with quicker results.

Once you have an overview of PTE and IELTS, it is time to explore the major differences between the exams. So read the upcoming segment to get information on PTE vs IELTS in brief.

Key Differences Between PTE and IELTS

PTE and IELTS, both are language proficiency tests and are valid to prove your skills in English. However, both have some differences that you can explore from the table below:

Factors	IELTS	PTE
Test format	Paper based and Computer based test	Completely computer-based test
Scoring system	0-9 Band score for each section	Scored on 10-90 score scale
Result declaration	3-5 days for computer-based and 13 days for paper based	Usually within 12 days
Acceptance	Global recognition for study, work and PR	Accepted in many countries but not by all the institutes
Speaking test	Face-to-face with an examiner	Conducted via computer
Test duration	2 hours and 45 minutes	2 hours

After getting along with the key differences for both the tests, it is time to move ahead and explore the format and syllabus. This will help you to know them better.

How the Format of PTE and IELTS Differs?

While studying for either of the test, you need to explore the details of the format or the syllabus. This includes the pattern and the time limit. This will help you yo prepare well and score higher.

Listening

Listening section of PTE lasts for 30-43 minutes. In this you have to respond to series of questions based on audio and video. There are 8 types of questions. These includes; summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary and more.

Listening section of IELTS is of 30+10 minutes. In this, you need to complete 40 questions throughout for four recordings. The question types includes; Multiple choice, Matching, Plan, map or diagram labelling and more.

Speaking

Speaking and Writing part of PTE are of 54 – 67 minutes. The question types includes; 25 – 33 questions: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture etc.

The speaking section in IELTS is of 14 minutes. It includes 3 tasks; introduction, cue cards and follow-up questions.

Reading

The reading section of PTE is of 29-30 minutes. The question types in this includes; Multiple choice, Fill in the blanks and Reorder paragraphs.

In IELTS reading section, you will get 60 minutes. In this you will get question types such as; Multiple choice, Matching information or headings, features or sentence endings, Sentence completion or summary completion.

Writing

The speaking and writing section in PTE is of 54-67 minutes. In this you will get question types like; summarise written text and Essay writing.

In IELTS writing, you will get 60 minutes for a summary completion or a graph or, a chart and an essay writing.

These are the differentiation as per the format of both the tests.However,

if you want to understand it better and have your hands on the same, you can take IELTS and PTE mock test before the actual test. As through it you can experience what you will be getting in the actual test.

How Does the Scoring System of PTE and IELTS Differ?

PTE vs IELTS score calculation differs as PTE uses a 10-90 score scale to evaluate language skills. On the other hand, IELTS results use band scores for the same. So, from the table below, you can understand the PTE vs IELTS score calculating process.

PTE Score	IELTS Band	Proficiency Level
86 – 90	9.0	Expert
83 – 85	8.5	Very Good
79 – 82	8.0	Very Good
73 – 78	7.5	Good
65 – 72	7.0	Good
58 – 64	6.5	Competent
50 – 57	6.0	Competent
42 – 49	5.5	Modest
36 – 41	5.0	Modest
30 – 35	4.5	Limited
0-29	0-4.0	Extremely Limited

This is how the scoring system for IELTS and PTE works. Now, it is time to know which test is your ideal fit. Thus, read the upcoming segment to explore.

How to Choose the Right Test for Yourself?

Choosing the ideal test from IELTS vs PTE can be tricky and includes several factors to consider. Thus, in this section, you will get along the pointers to keep in mind while you find the exam you should take.

Test Format

IELTS is a traditional paper-based test that allows you to write on a paper and speak with a human examiner in the interview section. However, it also allows you to take a computer-based test but the speaking remains face-to-face.

If you are comfortable to take test on a computer with a fully automated process, then PTE is the one for you. Here you do not have to interact with a human examiner even in the speaking section.

Speaking Section

In PTE, you have to speak into a microphone, and AI evaluates your response. This eliminates human bias. But it may be challenging if you are uncomfortable speaking to a machine.

In IELTS, a human examiner assesses your speaking skills through a face-to-face interview. This can be beneficial if you are confident in conversational skills.

Result Declaration Time

The PTE provides you with the results in 24-48 hours, making it the better choice if you need quick scores.

The IELTS provides you the results in slightly longer time, depending on whether you choose the computer-based or paper-based test. It is generally between 3 to 13 days.

Difficulty Level

IELTS needs a strong writing and speaking skills, especially for high scores. This is as humans examiner will assess fluency, coherence, and grammar.

PTE is often considered easier for non-native speakers because it uses AI scoring and has predictable question types.

Cost of Taking the Test

The fees for PTE and IELTS vary by country, but both generally range between $180 to $250 USD. However, you need to check it on the official website for any updates on the cost.

Conclusion

Hopefully you have understood everything about PTE vs IELTS. As this write-up have explained everything from basics to key differences to format and more. In addition to this, you also got to know about the tips to choose the ideal test for yourself. However, if you are confused about anything then worry not. Take the PTE and IELTS Mock Test to get along with the format and everything and score well to secure a seat in your dream university.