IELTS vs PTE: Score, Fees, Acceptance

Over 3 million people take the IELTS and PTE exams each year, making them among the most popular English language proficiency tests worldwide. For international students, understanding the key differences between the PTE English Test and IELTS can significantly affect their chances of studying or working abroad. Whether you're aiming for higher education or better career opportunities, knowing which test aligns best with your goals is crucial.

PTE vs IELTS Overview

Here's a comparison between IELTS and PTE, highlighting their key differences and similarities.

Aspect	IELTS	PTE
Popularity	The most popular English test worldwide, with over 3 million tests taken annually.	Over 1 million tests taken annually
Test Types Available	Available on paper and computer	Computer-based only
Acceptance by Canadian Immigration	Yes	Yes (PTE Core is accepted for general migration; PTE Academic is accepted for SDS study permits)
Speaking Test Format	One-to-one speaking test with a real person who understands different accents.	Talking into a microphone in a room full of other test takers who may also be speaking at the same time can be distracting.
Marking Method	Reading and Speaking tests are marked by experts who understand different cultural nuances.	Marked by AI

Comparison Between IELTS and PTE English Test

While both IELTS vs PTE are designed to assess English proficiency, they differ in format, exam mode, and scoring. IELTS offers a choice between paper-based and computer-based tests, whereas PTE is entirely computer-based.

Aspects	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	PTE (Pearson Test of English)
Full Name	International English Language Testing System	Pearson Test of English
Conducting Body	British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English	Pearson PLC Group
Purpose	Assess English language proficiency for study, work, and migration purposes	Assess English language proficiency for study, work, and migration purposes
Frequency of Exams	Multiple dates throughout the year	Available on-demand, with flexible test dates
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
Duration	2 hours and 45 minutes	Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Exam Mode	Available in paper-based and computer-based formats	Computer-based only
Fees (as of 2024)	Typically around $215-$240	Typically around $200-$220
Usage	Widely accepted by universities, employers, and governments worldwide, including Canada	Widely accepted by universities and governments worldwide, including Canadian immigration
Eligibility	Available to anyone, with no specific eligibility requirements	Available to anyone, with no specific eligibility requirements
Validity Period	2 years from the date of the exam	2 years from the date of the exam
Result Declaration	Results are declared within 3-5 days for computer-based tests (Paper-based remains ~13 days)	Results are declared within 48 hours

PTE vs IELTS: Exam Format

Here is a detailed description of the IELTS vs PTE exam format:

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

PTE is a computer-based English proficiency test comprising three main parts: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening.

The Speaking & Writing section includes tasks like summarising spoken text and essay writing, evaluated by AI.
The Reading section assesses comprehension through multiple-choice questions and reordering paragraphs.
The Listening section involves listening to audio clips and answering questions based on what was heard.

PTE’s computer-based format ensures consistent evaluation and quick results within 48 hours, making it a convenient choice for test-takers.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS offers a comprehensive assessment of English skills with four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The Listening section involves audio recordings followed by questions, testing attention to detail.
Reading includes passages with various question types like multiple-choice and matching headings.
Writing tasks include essay writing and data interpretation, allowing candidates to showcase their academic writing skills.
The Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, assessing fluency and pronunciation.

IELTS provides a broader evaluation of language abilities, taking up to 2 hours and 45 minutes, and results are typically available within 13 days.

Preparation Tips: PTE Vs IELTS

Here are some PTE vs IELTS preparation tips that should help candidates score better:

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Familiarity with the Format: Understand the computer-based format and practice using online resources and mock tests.
Time Management: Practise completing tasks within the allocated time to improve efficiency during the exam.
Focus on Speaking & Writing: Since these sections are evaluated by AI, practice speaking clearly and concisely. Use structured templates for writing tasks.
Improve Listening Skills: Listen to various accents and practice summarising spoken texts to enhance comprehension.
Review and Feedback: Take advantage of scoring and feedback services offered by PTE coaching materials and organisations to identify weak areas.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Understand the Test Format: Familiarise yourself with the structure of each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Build Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by reading diverse materials and practising with vocabulary lists.
Practice Time Management: Complete practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment.
Speaking Practice: Engage in regular conversations in English to improve fluency and pronunciation, especially for the face-to-face Speaking test.
Writing Skills: Practice writing essays, reports, and letters within the word limits to improve coherence, skills, and task achievement.

IELTS vs PTE: Proficiency level

IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 on a band scale, reflecting proficiency levels clearly. PTE scores range from 10 to 90 using the Global Scale of English, offering a more detailed assessment of language skills.

IELTS	PTE-A (overall)	PTE-A (listening)	PTE-A (reading)	PTE-A (speaking)	PTE-A (writing)
5	41	40	43	40	43
5.5	45	43	48	42	51
6	52	48	54	46	62
6.5	58	57	62	54	74
7	66	66	68	65	82
7.5	75	74	74	75	88
8	82	79	78	81	89
8.5	88	85	84	86	90

Contrasts for IELTS Vs PTE

Here are the differences between the PTE English Test and vs IELTS :

Scoring System:

IELTS: The 9-band scale offers a clear spectrum from basic to expert language proficiency, widely recognised and understood globally.
PTE: Using a scale from 10 to 90, PTE's Global Scale of English provides a finer assessment, detailing proficiency levels with precision across all language skills.

Exam Format:

IELTS: Offers flexibility with paper-based and computer-based options, including a face-to-face Speaking test with a trained examiner.
PTE: Fully computerised, it assesses Speaking via microphone and uses AI for scoring, providing a standardised evaluation environment.

Section Structure:

IELTS: Each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—has distinct tasks created to assess different aspects of language proficiency.
PTE: Integrates tasks like summarising spoken text and multiple-choice questions across Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening, focusing on comprehensive language skills evaluation.

Result Turnaround:

IELTS: Due to its human-based evaluation for Speaking and Writing, results typically take up to 13 days to process and deliver.
PTE: Offers rapid result turnaround within 48 hours, leveraging automated scoring for all test sections.

Acceptance by Canadian Immigration:

IELTS: Recognised and accepted for Canadian immigration applications, meeting official language proficiency requirements.
PTE: Widely accepted globally, and PTE Core is now recognised by Canadian immigration authorities, making it suitable for all permanent residency and economic migration applications.

Countries that Accept Tests IELTS Vs PTE

IELTS vs PTE is important for students aspiring to study abroad, with IELTS offering a traditional 9-band scoring system and widespread global acceptance, while PTE provides a computer-based format and scores on a scale from 10 to 90, appealing to those seeking efficiency and precision in assessment.

Top 10 Countries Accepting IELTS

Top 10 Countries Accepting PTE

Top Universities Accepting IELTS and PTE

Here are the top 10 universities that accept PTE vs IELTS scoring :

Universities	Accepted IELTS Score	Accepted PTE Score
University College London	6.5 or higher	68-77
University of South Alabama	6.5 or higher	78-86
Northern Arizona University	6.5 or higher	78-86
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology	Minimum 5.5	59-67
NorQuest College	Minimum 5.5	59-67
Trinity Western University	6 or higher	68-77
Thompson Rivers University	6.5 or higher	59-67
Yorkville University	6 or higher	68-77
Dalhousie University	6.5 or higher	78-86

Takeaway

If you’re considering PTE, you might appreciate its automated format for being straightforward and accessible. However, IELTS provides a structured approach with real interactions, which can give you a clearer picture of your English proficiency.

Plus, the face-to-face speaking test in IELTS might feel less intimidating than speaking into a microphone, offering a more genuine assessment of your pronunciation and fluency. Each test caters to different preferences and comfort levels, so choosing the one that suits you best is key.

Considering your English proficiency test options? Explore the differences between IELTS and PTE to make an informed choice! Contact AECC today for personalised guidance and expert advice on which test suits your study or migration goals best.

IELTS vs PTE: Choose the Right Test for Your Success!