PTE vs IELTS: Which English Proficiency Test You Should Appear for

PTE (Pearson Test of English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are English language proficiency tests used for education, employment, and migration. Both the tests are accepted for a UK visa. However, they have some differences. Which test is right for you entirely depends on the purpose for which you want to sit for the test.

In this blog, we have discussed the differences between PTE and IELTS.

PTE and IELTS Differences 

#1. Test Format  

PTE and IELTS include four sections– speaking, reading, listening, and writing. However, the test duration is different. IELTS offers 2 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the PTE test takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. In IELTS, you can skip questions and return to them later, but in PTE, it’s not allowed; candidates must answer the questions to move to the next one.

#2. Test Availability 

Test takers can give PTE only on the Computer. The IELTS test can be taken on a computer or pen-paper at different centres. It allows candidates to take the test online or at the centre. In India, there are 35 centres for the PTE test, whereas for IELTS, there are 82 test centres.

#3. Acceptance of the test 

The IELTS test is accepted for migration, higher education, and employment in more than 11,500 organisations across 140 countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK and New Zealand. PTE is only accepted by around 3,000 institutions in 73 countries. Canada doesn’t get PTE scores for immigration purposes.

#4. Test Scoring Method 

AI checks test takers’ scores in PTE, whereas, in IELTS, English experts check the scores for the reading and speaking sections. You can expect IELTS within 3 to 5 days; in PTE, you can get your score within 48 hours.

#5. Test Fee 

The IELTS and PTE test registration fee is INR 17000/- making it difficult to retake the test repeatedly. Hence, you must select the test per your goal and prepare well before appearing.

#6. Score Validity 

Both IELTS and PTE score validity is 2 years from the test date. Candidates must plan their education and migration within these 2 years. Since once the score validity ends, it will be of no use.

How to select the correct test – PTE VS IELTS

#1. Define your Goal

Before considering the test, you must know what your goal is to take the test. If it’s for higher education, then which institution? If it’s for migration to which country? Defining the goal helps you research further.

#2. Research 

Research which tests best suit your requirements. Learn which test the particular institution and country accepts for migration and admission. Moreover, you must also learn the test pattern, exam fee, format, etc.

#3. Get expert guidance 

Expert guidance is crucial for candidates while making decisions for their future careers. You can take expert advice from alums and teachers or join any study abroad class that offers unbiased counselling for your migration or education goal.

#4. Know Yourself 

The difficulty levels for the PTE and IELTS tests differ. PTE tests include more audio-visual content, and IELTS mostly includes academic text. Hence, you must consider your strengths and weaknesses.

#5. Make the decision

Now, when you have guidance and research, decide based on it. Always go with what interests you. During your research phase, you must review sample papers of both tests, learn the difficulty level, and plan to achieve your goal accordingly.

Once you decide which test you will appear in, start preparing for it.

Tips to Prepare for IELTS or PTE

• Prepare for IELTS or PTE with online resources like YouTube videos, e-books, study materials, etc. You can also get popular IELTS or PTE books and join any dedicated offline or online preparation class.
• Practise through sample papers and mock tests to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses so you can work on them.
• Give attention to vocabulary, as building strong vocabulary can help you improve all test sections, including reading, learning, speaking, and writing.
• Listening skills are crucial for both tests. Improving it will make you understand different English accents and will help you with the listening section test.
• The key to achieving the test is consistency. Practise for the test regularly.

Wrap Up 

PTE and IELTS are highly recognised tests across the world, allowing you to achieve your goals associated with study abroad, migration, and employment.  These tests assess your communication skills by examining your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. However, these tests include some differences in terms of difficulty level, test availability and acceptance. You can select any of the tests for you by understanding which test aligns with your goal and start the preparation.