How PTE is different from IELTS

Pearson test of English (PTE) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are both English tests, conducted to test proficiency in English Language. IELTS was established in 1989 and is accepted by most Australian, British and Canadian academic institutions and for Australian and Canadian Immigration. On the other hand, PTE Academic was launched in 2009, and is also accepted by several academic institutions and the Australian Immigration. This article will provide an insight into similarities, differences, and the score equivalence between these two tests.

 Similarities between IELTS and PTE

Both IELTS and PTE assess the English Language skills in four areas mainly Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. There are two versions of IELTS test, namely Academic and General. IELTS academic is mainly required for higher education or professional registration, while IELTS General is usually required for migration, work experience and training programs, although it may vary in every country. In IELTS, the listening and speaking of both Academic and General are same but writing and reading section can vary. Likewise, Pearson also has PTE Academic and PTE General, however, PTE General is not recognized for immigration purposes.

Differences between IELTS and PTE

IELTS is graded on a 9-band scale with 9 being the highest score, where the test taker has demonstrated a fully functional usage of the language and 1 being the lowest, where the test taker has no ability in English Language except a few words. Each section is graded individually, and the overall score is determined by calculating the average and rounding it up. Both IELTS Academic and General are paper based tests and the speaking section in IELTS is conducted by a trained IELTS examiner face to face. The test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Nowadays, students also prefer appearing in the computer delivered IELTS test. The details about the differences between paper based and computer delivered IELTS will be covered in our next blog.

On the contrary, PTE Academic is graded on an overall scale of 90 with 90 being the highest and 10 being the lowest. Each section of PTE academic also has a maximum score of 90; however, the speaking and writing section of the test are conducted together. All the sections of PTE Academic test are computer based and the test lasts for three hours with an optional 10 minutes break in between. The entire PTE Academic test is graded by an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm.

Score Equivalence: IELTS and PTE

The following diagram taken from official PTE academic website, demonstrates the equivalent of IELTS and PTE academic scores:

IELTS or PTE Academic?

Choosing which test to register, can depend on personal preference, ease of human interaction, typing speed, requirements of visa and numerous other factors.

At Wings PTE Academy, the best PTE training institute in Brisbane, we can help you choose, make recommendations and assist you in preparing the right exam depending on your strengths and your requirements.

Join Wings PTE for IELTS and PTE coaching in the city of Brisbane, to get more insight on both the tests. Please feel free to attend a free demo class and have a conversation with our expert faculty to clarify your doubts regarding IELTS and PTE coaching.