IELTS vs PTE
IELTS vs PTE

IELTS vs PTE

If you’re applying for an Australian visa, or want to study in Australia, you may have to pass an English language test as part of the application process. Two of the most commonly used English language tests in Australia are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

The score that you achieve on your English test is crucial for you to follow your dreams, so deciding which test to take is not a decision that should be taken lightly. We have gathered everything you need to know into this article, including a more in-depth look at what IELTS and PTE are, and the pros and cons of each, in order to help you decide between IELTS vs PTE.

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is a measure of proficiency in the English language that is acquired by testing four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You are then awarded a grade on a scale of one to nine, with one being for a non-English speaker, and nine being an expert English-speaker.

There are two forms of IELTS: IELTS Academic and IELTS General. IELTS Academic is for those applying for higher education or professional registration and has a larger focus on academic language.

IELTS General is more broadly used, and checks your general use of the English language to gauge whether you would be able to cope in a social and general workplace context, and is also used for those who are applying for secondary education.

What is PTE?

PTE is the Pearson Test of English Academic. It is accepted as proof of English ability by all Australian universities, and by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories that require proof of English language proficiency.

The test is taken on a computer and is divided into three parts that take place over three hours. Part one is speaking and writing, part two is reading, and part three is listening.

Your results are assessed using automated scoring technology, and test-takers are awarded a score between 10 and 90 based on their performance on all skills tested. The 10-90 scale is based on the Global Scale of English.

How are IELTS and PTE different?

You may now be wondering what the difference is between IELTS and PTE. The main difference between the two is that IELTS offers a choice between taking a paper-based or a computer-based exam, and the speaking section involves a face-to-face conversation with an examiner.

By comparison, PTE is all computer-based. It is also marked by a computer, and during the speaking section, you speak to the computer rather than a person. Whilst this is the main difference, there are other differences to take into account, for example:

  • IELTS offers a choice between the general test or the academic test, whereas only PTE Academic is available in Australia.
  • The test fee is the same if you book in advance, however, if you book late then PTE is slightly more expensive than IELTS.
  • The PTE test takes slightly longer (about 20 minutes) to complete compared to the IELTS test.
  • During the PTE exam, many of the questions are integrated so, for example, some questions in the speaking section may assess both speaking and listening, and questions in the reading section might assess both reading and writing. In IELTS the four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening are all assessed separately.
  • The computer-based IELTS test allows you to skip questions and return to them later, or check your answers at the end, whereas the PTE test only allows you to navigate forwards through the test.
  • Individual questions are timed on the PTE test but not on the IELTS exam.
  • The PTE exam is automatically marked by a computer. With the IELTS test, the reading and listening parts are automatically marked by a computer, whilst the speaking and writing sections are looked at by an examiner.
  • IELTS results are released 13 days after taking the test for paper-based exams, and 2-5 calendar days later for computer-based tests. PTE results are delivered in 5 business days.
  • Whilst both PTE and IELTS are accepted by a large number of universities and governments around the globe, IELTS is more widely accepted.
  • PTE generally has a more flexible cancellation policy if you are not able to take the test.
  • Whilst both tests offer plenty of preparation resources, PTE also has official mock exams available.

Score comparison

It is difficult to compare scores on the IELTS vs PTE exams, as they are marked on different scales. PTE undertakes periodic reviews of score concordance with other tests such as IELTS to help clear this up for us.

This research shows that at the lower end of the scale a PTE score of 23 is comparable to an IELTS score of 4.5, and a PTE score of 29 is comparable to an IELTS score of 5. If we look at the middle of the scale, a PTE score of 46 is comparable to an IELTS score of 6, and a PTE score of 66 is equivalent to an IELTS score of 7. At the top end of the scale, a score of 89 on the PTE is equivalent to a score of 8.5 on the IELTS.

This information can be used to compare your scores to others, or for those who have taken both tests to compare which they did better on. Many people have an opinion on which test is easier, however, this will depend on the individual and which test is better suited to you.

Conclusion: IELTS vs PTE

In conclusion, you can see that there are many factors to take into consideration when you are deciding whether to the IELTS or PTE exam. For example, whether you prefer speaking to a person or a computer, and whether you may need your results to be valid at different universities and governments around the world.

The choice is a personal one, however, you now have all of the facts necessary to make the right decision.

 

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tharanga silva
tharanga silva
12:09 02 May 23
My experience with englishwise is a great one. I did manage to get my desired score within few weeks time. My trainer... Himzy was very professional and her tricks worked really well to achieve my target score. I feel really comfortable to work with her and she responded to my quarries within second and that was the best thing about her. Even my wife wonder how much effect she put into her job and we never expected that kind of support when we join englishwise. The portal is regularly updated and has got all the tools you required to crack your PTE. Highly recommended this provider.read more
K L
K L
11:04 05 Apr 23
I got my desired score on the first attempt. I had no idea about PTE before as it was my first time. I'm very grateful... to English Wise and especially my tutor Sarah. I recommend everyone to join English wise to achieve your goal. I took 20 hrs private classes with trainer Sarah. She is very professional and guides you thoroughly. She is very supportive and she delivered very practical and useful learning sessions. Her constructive feedback and teaching techniques and strategies helped me to improve on my weakness. The course material and resources from English wise are very helpful to achieve the desired score. Highly recommended!!read more
Safa Moeed
Safa Moeed
00:02 01 Apr 23
I prepared for my PTE exam under the guidance of Ms. Ambika Sharma in less than a months time. I am so happy that I got... my desired score. She picked out where I am losing marks and helped me with teaching the right tips and strategies. Highly recommended!read more
Swikriti P
Swikriti P
03:14 18 Mar 23
Thanks to Ambika ma’am for providing me her precious time and guidance to achieve my desired score. I’m more than... grateful to her efforts. She was always helpful, supportive and always available for any issues. Greatly recommend her.read more
Navdeep Randhawa
Navdeep Randhawa
10:17 13 Mar 23
Best place I would recommend for Naati preparation. Jaswinder mam is really helpful and she is friendly and humble. She... will take your questions and will solve them instant. She will help you practice a lot in the class and gives chance to all the students in the class for the participation. Thank you so much ♥️read more
Puneet Dhingra
Puneet Dhingra
09:16 18 Feb 23
I have learned so much in my PTE classes with Englishwise."HIMZY/HIMNEET" is an excellent tutor.Himzy's method of... teaching is so wonderful & refreshing.I want to thank Englishwise & Shivi as well, EW arranged online, one to one pte classes in just one call. It was all easy n hassle free.As i had only 10 days to prepare for my exam so HIMZY broke down the pte learning material according to that. She was always patient and eager to help.& Finally, in just 6-7 one-to-one classes, I learned the methods, tips & tricks from Himzy to crack PTE exam, and i scored more than 80 in each module.I'm thrilled to have found ENGLISHWISE.read more
Mohit Ahuja
Mohit Ahuja
22:29 17 Feb 23
English wise has been phenomenal with their course material and services. Special shout-out to the PTE and Jaswinder... from the NAATI team for providing the calibre of coaching that allowed me to clear the exams in one attempt! Definitely recommend these guys ????????read more
Harsh patel
Harsh patel
10:43 16 Feb 23
My experience with English-wise was so good. I started my coaching 1 on 1 in first week of February and gave my PTE... exam on last week and got my desired score once. I am very thankful to Sakshi mam. She taught me so nicely, help me in rectifying all my mistakes, and directed me in the right direction. Very much thankful from the bottom of my heart. Cheers English-wise team. Keep up the good work.read more
Jayanta Bishwokarma
Jayanta Bishwokarma
05:51 06 Feb 23
I got my desired score at first attempt. Trainer guided me with instant feedback which helps me a lot. I would really... recommend English wise, if you looking for PTE classes.Thank you English wiseread more
VASANTHA KUMAR ANBARASI
VASANTHA KUMAR ANBARASI
05:26 06 Feb 23
I highly recommend English wise to whoever struggle to get their desired score. In my journey I did both in person and... online study mode. First I have to thank Senorita and Sakshi for all their effort to guide me and helped me to clear all my doubts and also given me many tips every time and they encouraged me each and every mock test with patience.During my online feedback class Sohal play a major role, especially on my all mock test feedback classes. Sohal always spot on all the mistakes I had made and corrected them and guided me, and all the staff who works in English wise are very kind and easy approachable.Thank you Duen lobo as well and my another online trainer Satvik. Thank once again for all of you, you people are very great.I got my desired score on my first attempt within two month of my training.read more
Vidhit Narang
Vidhit Narang
02:02 02 Feb 23
Thank you so much English wise team and my tuter Amee mam, specially, i scored my desired score in first attempt !!... Also with my working scedule tuter is very flexible and very proffesional !! Thanks for your templetes and mock tests really work for me !!?read more
Erleen Kaur
Erleen Kaur
05:20 12 Jan 23
My experience with English-wise was so good. I started my coaching in 1 week of December and gave my PTE exam today and... got my desired score once. I am very thankful to Miss Mannvinder. She taught me so nicely, help me in rectifying all my mistakes, and directed me in the right direction. Very much thankful from the bottom of my heart. Cheers English-wise team. Keep up the good work.read more
aruna mudiyanselage
aruna mudiyanselage
07:46 04 Jan 23
Thank you so much English wise team and my tuter Himnet, specially , i scored my desired score in first attempt !! Also... with my working scedule tuter is very flexible and very proffesional !! Thanks for your templetes and mock tests really work for me !!read more
kamal sandhu
kamal sandhu
06:02 22 Dec 22
Thank you Jaswinder mam for boosting confidence and for being friendly in teaching naati Punjabi. Today I passed my... naati exam. Thanks to Englishwise for providing such a good teacher.read more
Madhavi Bhusal
Madhavi Bhusal
06:30 29 Oct 22
This is the scam!!!! First they will say it’s on offer and forced you to pay and take class whenever you want to, due... to lockdown i could not do face to face and I didn’t wanted to take online and I asked them for refund but they denied and they blocked from Facebook and it’s been already more than 1 year they took my $495. They told me to find someone and refer but I don’t have anyone and how can I refer to someone where I’m suffering Already.Stop doing fake marketing and stop taking money from innocent students, I had to work so hard to make $495 and this people took it away???. SHAME ON YOU HARKIRAT KAUR???read more
Hairong Liu
Hairong Liu
04:50 16 Jul 22
Thank you so much.Englishwise helped me pass my PTE exam. I tried three times, but could not get 65, then I choose a... one on one course, just for one week and I pasted my exam with a good score of 72, so surprised!Ambika is a very good teacher, she helped me a lot, her tips were very useful. She encouraged me and built my confidence. I Highly recommend this company.read more
Caner Unal
Caner Unal
04:23 14 Jul 22
I strongly recommend Englishwise for PTE exams. I passed on the first attempt. Staff was really helpful during the... registration process. I had one on one lessons from Ambika and she was really helpful. She guided and trained me very well so I passed on the first attempt. Thanks very much Ambika and Englishwise!!read more
Nancy Verma
Nancy Verma
09:57 20 Jun 22
Thank you Englishwise for the amazing guidance that you provided me during my course. The staff was very cooperative... and helpful and gave personal feedback on my performances which helped me a lot to get the desired scores. I highly recommend to join Englishwise if anyone wants to get the desired scores.Thank you........read more
Veronica johanna garcia lozada
Veronica johanna garcia lozada
03:08 14 May 22
I paid for one month 250 dollars, I had an emergency with my family, I sent and email request my course cancellation,... they refused. I check the prices and for 250 dollar you have 6 months for use the platform, I ask to them because I paid 250 just for one month. I used the platform, I tried to be in class and I was connected with many people and waiting for the teacher more than 15 min. I didn’t get any class with teacher! Any class!! Any feedback …They send me an email and they told me I can access for 6 months to the platform because I paid 250 after one month the close the platform I asked them and they said it was the deal. I wasted money and time and I had an terrible experience and stressful. I could paid this money in a better place o paying my test.Please don’t get agreement with this people!!!Don’t waste your money and time. Awful experience!read more
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