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International students and working professionals usually undergo a massive dilemma regarding the choice of the perfect English proficiency test which can provide the much-needed impetus to their careers. However, in order to find the right test, many factors constituting the scoring pattern, test format, acceptance by different countries and institutions, ease of giving the test, number of test centers, etc. need to be taken into account. This blog aims to discuss the difference between PTE and IELTS, the two most important and highly accepted English proficiency tests across the globe. This in turn will help candidates enjoy a smooth ride towards success.
The IELTS is one of the most prestigious and famous English proficiency examinations which tests a candidate on various parameters. In addition to this, its scores are accepted throughout the globe by more than 12,000 organizations. Moreover, it has earned the trust of employers and governments worldwide too.
The IELTS examination is assessed on four criteria as far as a candidate’s English speaking skills are concerned: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The listening section is concerned with a 30-minute test where test takers will hear an audio recording and various questions related to multiple choice ones, fill-in-the blanks, summary, maps, etc. In the computer-based test (CBT), once the test is over, candidates are given two extra minutes to check their answers and in the pen and paper-based test (PBT), they are provided 10 extra minutes to write down their answers in the answer sheet.
The reading section comprises of a test of an hour which includes 40 questions and three passages. The questions range from match the headings, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blanks among others.
Task one in the writing section in this exam is different for both academic and general training candidates. The overall section is of an hour for both sorts of candidates but whereas the academic ones have to describe a bar graph, chart or diagram in task one, the general training ones need to write a letter. On the contrary, task two is the same for both kinds of candidates as they need to write an essay.
In the speaking test, the candidate needs to interact with a certified examiner and continues for nearly 11-14 minutes. This test will consist of many real-life questions and is going to be recorded. It is the same for both academic and general training candidates.
IELTS Related Links - Best IELTS Coaching Classes
IELTS provides scores in the range from 1-9, and 9 is the highest score in this case. Let’s have a look at the overall band score and its implications.
Band Score | Skill Level |
Band 9 | Expert user |
Band 8 | Very good user |
Band 7 | Good user |
Band 6 | Competent user |
Band 5 | Modest user |
Band 4 | Limited user |
Band 3 | Extremely limited user |
Band 2 | Intermittent user |
Band 1 | Non user |
Band 0 | Did not attempt the test |
If a candidate is giving the IELTS exam, he or she needs to be aware of various advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Let us discuss some of the pros and cons related to it.
If you want to study abroad, or are looking to get a work visa and permanent residency, then the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is another examination, which will test your English proficiency standards. In this blog, we will further discuss about this exam, apart from checking IELTS and PTE differences.
PTE is a completely computer-based test which is recognized by universities, governments and professional bodies all across the world. By combining AI and utilisation of human expertise, this test aims to provide a fairer assessment of a candidate’s English language skills. Now, we will discuss different formats of this exam:
The speaking and writing section of PTE has been designed to access a test taker’s ability to succeed in an English language academic and professional environment. This part is 54-67 minutes for PTE academic and around 50 minutes for PTE core. It contains seven different sorts of questions and is the biggest section of this test.
The next is reading section of the test which is approximately 30 minutes long for both PTE core and academic apart from constituting of nearly five varied sorts of questions.
This part of the test goes until 30-43 minutes in PTE academic and contains eight different type of questions. On the contrary, in PTE core, this section is 30 minutes long and includes five different question types. The questions depend upon audio or video clips and you can hear them only once before you answer the questions.
PTE Related Links - Best PTE Coaching Classes
So, the blog moves further as we continue to check PTE and IELTS differences and now we are going to check the scoring range in PTE which is from 10-90, and 90 is considered to be the highest score.
Score | Skill Level |
90 | Expert user |
80-89 | Very good user |
70-79 | Good user |
60-69 | Modest user |
50-59 | Limited user |
10-49 | Bad user |
Various advantages and disadvantages associated with the PTE examination are discussed here:
The blog moves forward and now we will indulge in a comprehensive comparison between IELTS and PTE so that candidates can receive deeper insights related to both these language proficiency exams. Apart from this, we will also showcase a comparison between IELTS and PTE scores.
So, let’s first check the differences between the formats of both these tests.
We are now going to conduct a comparison between IELTS and PTE scores.
PTE - A Score Range | IELTS Band Score |
86 and above | 9 |
83-85 | 8.5 |
79-82 | 8 |
73-78 | 7.5 |
65-72 | 7 |
59-64 | 6.5 |
51-58 | 6 |
43-50 | 5.5 |
35-42 | 5 |
30-34 | 4.5 |
Candidates who are preparing for either IELTS or PTE to fulfill their educational or professional ambitions, need to take care of various factors. There are four major skills constituting of reading, listening, writing and speaking which examinees have to master and we will discuss some points related to the same:
As far as considering the right test is concerned, it depends upon the examinees’ requirements as far as their professional and academic requirements are fulfilled. It’s also important to play to one’s strengths as a person comfortable with the traditional pen-and-paper format needs to book the pen-and-paper-based IELTS test. He/she should also be able to wait for at least 13 days as his results will be provided within this duration.
On the other hand, someone who is looking for faster results can book the PTE or the computer-based IELTS test. While the PTE scores will appear in 2 business days, the CBT IELTS test results will be provided within 3-5 business days.
It’s also important for candidates to research which test their institution or employer is going to prefer and plan accordingly.
As a conclusion, the writer would like to reiterate the fact that although both IELTS and PTE are highly cherished by various candidates and working professionals, there are several differences between both of them constituting of their formats, scoring system and numerous other aforementioned issues.
That is why it becomes doubly necessary for test takers to choose the right examination according to their strengths, preferences, and target institutions among others. Moreover, it’s highly important to take the guidance of renowned professionals and mentors in order to achieve a splendid score in these examinations.