STEM Courses in Australia for International Students
18 September 2025
Choosing the right English proficiency test can be a challenging task for many students and professionals who want to pursue their academic or career goals in English-speaking countries. There are various factors to consider, such as the test format, the scoring system, the availability of test centers, and the recognition of the test by different institutions. In this blog, we will help you make an informed decision by comparing two of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests, the IELTS vs PTE.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a widely recognized English proficiency exam that evaluates a person's proficiency in the English language. It has global recognition, with more than 11,000 institutions worldwide, such as universities, employers, immigration agencies, and professional organizations, accepting its results. The IELTS assesses a candidate's English language skills in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The writing section is a 60-minute test with two tasks, including writing an essay and describing a graph or chart.
The reading section is a 60-minute test with three passages and 40 questions.
The listening section is a 30-minute test where you listen to an audio recording and answer questions, such as short answer, summary, multiple choice, etc.
The speaking section consists of three tasks, including introducing yourself, speak on given topic, and discussing the topic.
IELTS scores range from 1-9, with 9 being the highest score. The score is based on the performance in each section and the overall band score.
| Score Band | Score Meaning |
|---|---|
| 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 | Didn't attend the test |
There are several pros and cons to consider when taking the IELTS exam, some of which are:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| IELTS is accepted by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, making it a popular choice among students and professionals. | The IELTS exam can be expensive, especially if a candidate needs to take the exam multiple times. |
| IELTS is offered multiple times a month, allowing candidates to choose a date that works best for their schedule. | Some candidates may experience test anxiety, which can affect their performance on the exam. |
| The exam has a standardized format, which means that candidates know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. | Some candidates may find the speaking test format challenging, as they have to speak to an examiner in person. |
| The IELTS exam offers two different test formats - Academic and General Training - to cater to the different needs of test-takers. | While IELTS test centers are available in many countries, they may not be available in some remote areas, making it difficult for some test-takers to access the exam. |
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a computer-based English proficiency test that measures a candidate’s skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking the language. Many universities and employers around the world accept the PTE as a valid proof of a candidate’s English level. The PTE is designed to offer a fast and accurate assessment of a candidate’s English ability.
The PTE test format and sections are as follows:
The Speaking and Writing section of the PTE test assesses a candidate's English language proficiency in an academic environment, and contains seven different question types that take 54–67 minutes to complete, making it the longest section of the test.
The reading section of the test takes 29–30 minutes to complete and contains five different question types. One item type, "Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks", also assesses a candidate's writing skills.
The listening section of the test takes 30-43 minutes to complete and consists of eight different question types. The questions are based on audio or video clips that play automatically, and test-takers are allowed to take notes while listening.
PTE scores range from 10-90, with 90 being the highest score. The test uses an automated scoring system, and the results are usually available within 3 to 5 working days.
| Score Range | Score Meaning |
|---|---|
| 90-100 | Expert User |
| 80-89 | Very Good User |
| 70-79 | Good User |
| 60-69 | Modest User |
| 50-59 | Limited User |
| 10-49 | Low user |
There are several pros and cons to consider when taking the PTE exam, some of which are:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| PTE is a computer-based exam, which means that the results are typically available faster than other English proficiency tests. | Some test takers may find the computerized format of the test less intuitive or less comfortable compared to traditional pen-and-paper tests. |
| PTE is accepted by many universities and colleges around the world, including in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA. | The speaking and writing sections of the exam are graded by a computer, which may not accurately assess a test-taker's language proficiency. |
| The test is graded by a computer, which reduces the possibility of human error or bias in grading. | The listening section of the test may be challenging for those who are not used to hearing a variety of English accents or who struggle to understand spoken English. |
| PTE offers flexible test dates and times to accommodate different schedules. | The test center locations may not be available in all areas, which can make it difficult for some test-takers to access the exam. |
The primary difference between IELTS vs PTE is the test format. IELTS is a paper-based test, while PTE is computer-based. Both tests assess the candidate's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, but the test formats are entirely different.
IELTS vs PTE score is another difference between the two tests. IELTS uses a band score system, while PTE uses a scaled score system. The IELTS band score ranges from 1 to 9, while the PTE scaled score ranges from 10 to 90.
Both IELTS and PTE are widely accepted by universities and employers worldwide. However, some institutions may prefer one test over the other, so it's essential to research the requirements of your target institution or employer before deciding which test to take.
The content and difficulty level of the two tests are also different. While both tests assess a candidate's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, the content and types of questions are different. For example, the PTE test uses more visual and audio materials, while the IELTS test uses more academic texts.
Preparing for an English proficiency test is essential for achieving a good score. Test-takers should start preparing well in advance and focus on building their skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Here are some tips to help test-takers prepare for their IELTS or PTE exam:
Knowing the test format and the types of questions that will be asked can help test-takers prepare more effectively. Study the exam format and practice sample questions.
Consistent study is key to achieving a high score. Set aside time each day or week to study and practice English.
Taking practice tests can help test-takers identify areas where they need improvement and get familiar with the test format.
Test-takers should focus on improving their weaker areas. For example, if they struggle with writing, they should spend more time practicing writing tasks.
Getting feedback from a tutor or teacher can be beneficial. They can provide valuable feedback on areas where the test-taker needs to improve.
Building a strong vocabulary can help improve all sections of the test. Test-takers should focus on learning new words and using them in context.
Listening comprehension is a critical component of the IELTS and PTE exams. Test-takers should practice listening to English audio and watching English videos to improve their listening skills.
When deciding which test to take, test-takers should consider their personal strengths, study preferences, and target institutions or employers. If a candidate is comfortable with a computer-based format and prefers faster results, the PTE may be a better option. On the other hand, if a candidate is more comfortable with a paper-based format and prefers a more traditional approach, IELTS may be the right choice.
Test-takers should also consider the requirements of their target institutions or employers. Some institutions may prefer one test over the other, so it's a must to research the essential requirements before making a decision.
The IELTS and PTE are two popular English proficiency tests used by students and professionals around the world. While both tests assess a candidate's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, there are some differences between ielts and pte in the test format, scoring system, and difficulty level. When deciding which test to take, test-takers should consider their personal strengths, study preferences, and target institutions or employers. Preparing for the test is also essential, and test-takers should focus on building their skills in all areas and take advantage of resources such as practice tests and feedback from teachers. With careful preparation and consideration, test-takers can choose the right test for them and achieve their desired score.
