IELTS vs PTE: Know the Difference and Which is Easier?
Choosing an appropriate English proficiency test is crucial for all international students and immigrants. IELTS and PTE are the two most popular options a candidate has, but they differ from each other in various factors like format, scoring, acceptance, and cost. This blog explores all the potential differences between these two tests and puts to rest the IELTS vs PTE debate.
Table of Contents:
- IELTS vs PTE: An overview
- IELTS vs PTE: Exam Pattern
- IELTS vs PTE: Scoring
- Comparison between the IELTS and PTE Scores
- IELTS vs PTE: Cost of Application
An English Proficiency Test is required to study in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, or the United Kingdom. PTE and IELTS are the two most prevalent assessments that students can take before commencing their higher education.
IELTS vs PTE: Which one should a candidate select before pursuing their dreams?
Candidates seeking higher education abroad must demonstrate their English language skills. IELTS Academic has long been the preferred exam for those looking to study abroad. The British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English collaborated to deliver the IELTS test. However, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) has recently acquired favour for demonstrating English ability for international admission.
In this blog, we will discuss the significance and important distinctions between IELTS and PTE.
IELTS vs PTE: An overview
Although IELTS and PTE are both examinations meant to evaluate a candidate’s English competence and abilities, there are notable variations between them.
- IELTS offers both a traditional pen-and-paper test and a computer-based test, which are accessible in various time windows. Thus, a test taker may select the style of examination that is most pleasant for them. In comparison, PTE exclusively provides a computer-based test.
2. Both the PTE and IELTS examinations assess the same essential language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Except for changes in examination style and pattern, no test is easier than another. - Both tests last three hours. IELTS has four portions with significantly lengthy assignments, while the PTE comprises numerous brief activities spread throughout the three parts. Compared to IELTS, PTE places a greater focus on speaking and writing.
The key distinction between IELTS and PTE is that IELTS allows a test-taker to choose between a paper-based exam and a computer-delivered exam, whereas the PTE examination is entirely computer-based and scored by a machine. Furthermore, with IELTS, the speaking component is performed in the form of a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, but with PTE, a candidate must speak to a computer.
IELTS vs PTE: Exam Pattern
When studying for language exams, it is vital to comprehend the peculiarities of the test pattern, sections, organisation, and time constraints.
The IELTS exam consists of four test components, which are ordered as follows:
The following table summarises the major components of PTE vs. IELTS:
| Exam Section | PTE | IELTS |
| Listening | In a 45- to 57-minute portion, respond to a series of questions based on audio and video materials. | Students need to complete 40 questions in 30 minutes throughout four recordings. |
| Reading | In 32 to 40 minutes, perform objective activities such as MCQs, filling out blanks, and sequencing passages of text. | Students have to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes across three texts |
| Speaking | These two sections are combined in the PTE for 77- 93 minutes. Students must accomplish a variety of tasks, including introducing themselves, reading aloud, describing imagery, summarising readings, and writing essays. | In the IELTS writing Task, there are two essays to write in 60 minutes. The first is an analysis of a visual graph or data, and the second is an argumentative activity in which the aspirant explains a point of view. |
| Writing | These two sections are combined in the PTE for 77- 93 minutes. Students must accomplish a variety of tasks, including introducing themselves, reading aloud, describing imagery, summarising readings, and writing essays. | This section demands students to speak to the examiner about themselves, provide an opinion on a topic, or finally describe abstract concepts. |
Read More – IELTS Syllabus – Section-wise IELTS syllabus
IELTS vs PTE: Scoring
IELTS is rated from 0 to 9, with a 0.5 gap between each component. It is then averaged for the four sections where institutions need minimum scores of 6.0 and 6.5. Candidates are given an IELTS band score for each area and an average score based on the band scores.
PTE rates applicants on a worldwide scale of English from 10 to 90, with colleges preferring a minimum PTE score of 55 to 60. Like IELTS candidates, PTE applicants receive a full section-by-section analysis.
Read More – How to Estimate Your IELTS Band Score?
Comparison between the IELTS and PTE Scores
Here’s the breakdown of major differences between the IELTS and PTE scores
| Feature | IELTS | PTE |
| Score- range | 0-9 | 10-90 |
| Overall score | Average of overall modules | A Single score based on the weighted average |
| Score increments | 0.5 bands | 1 point |
| Standard Error Measurement (SEM) | 0.23 band | 2.3 points |
| Individual module scores | Yes | Yes |
IELTS vs PTE: Cost of Application
The application fees for the IELTS and PTE are not significantly different. The IELTS price is 16,250 INR, while the PTE fee is 15,900 INR. IELTS vs. PTE acceptance rate: Because of its early launch in 1989, the IELTS has a higher acceptance rate than the PTE. Over 11,000 institutions in 140 countries recognise IELTS results. PTE has gained popularity since its inception in 2009. Currently, over 3,000 universities throughout the world recognise PTE as proof of language competency.
Read More – IELTS Registration Fee – How much do you need to pay to take the test in India?
IELTS vs PTE: Retakes and Score Validity
Below is the information related to retakes and score validity of both the IELTS and PTE exams.
| Official Limit | There is no official limit for both examinations. The candidates can retake IELTS and PTE as many times as they want. |
| One Skill Retake | This option allows you to retake any one module within 60 days of your original full test of IELTS on a computer. This option can be availed of for one module once per full test. |
IELTS and PTE scores remain valid for two years after taking the examination.
IELTS vs PTE: Things to remember while preparing
Below are the things that one has to keep in mind before preparing for an IELTS and PTE exam.
- Candidates should take at least one mock test and compare their PTE scores to IELTS scores before choosing the best fit.
- The acceptance of test scores by the targeted university or country is crucial, as it affects the student visa process.
- There are academic differences between IELTS and PTE, including comfort with the examination type, ability to solve problems, writing comfort, and speaking accent.
- PTE is preferred for those with quick problem-solving, analytical writing, and thick accents.
Read More – The Best IELTS Reading Strategies Ever!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, there is no absolute “easier” test in the IELTS vs PTE discussion. In any case, keep in mind that each examination requires students to prepare to take on the pattern and structure provided for each, which necessitates extensive practice over time, even if the mock test score is rather high.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for, your personal preference, and what certification your desired university accepts. Applicants can prepare themselves for the respective tests; they can consider the tutors and test prep forums out there and plan their journeys abroad. For further information and assistance with IELTS and PTE applications and tests, connect with the experts at IMS Venturi.
IELTS vs PTE: FAQs
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How many questions do PTE and IELTS writing tasks have?
Ans. The IELTS writing component has two assignments, whereas the PTE writing section contains 2 to 4 questions.
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How many attempts have you had at the IELTS and PTE?
Ans. There is no maximum number of tries for the IELTS and PTE tests. A candidate can retake the PTE exam within 5 days. However, a candidate will have to pay the exam fee again for each try.
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IELTS vs PTE: which is easier?
Ans. Neither of the two tests is considered simple or challenging. However, given the difference in pattern and structure, some people may find one easier to accept than the other. Also, IELTS has a set number of questions, but PTE uses an adaptive technique.
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Which is the most difficult topic in PTE?
Ans. To succeed on your first attempt, properly study each section of the test to display your English abilities to the best of your ability. The PTE reading component of the exam is regarded as the most difficult of the three.
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Is 65 in PTE equivalent to 7 in IELTS?
Ans. PTE 65 is equivalent to IELTS 7.0. However, PTE 65 requires less study time than IELTS 7.0.