How does IELTS compare to other English tests?
If you plan to study, work or live in an English-speaking country,universities, employers and visa authorities use tests like IELTS to check your English skills.
Why do you need an English test?
Universities, employers and visa offices use English tests like IELTS to check your level of English. These tests ensure you have the language skills you need to study, work and live abroad.
What’s important when choosing an English test?
The best English test for you will depend on your needs, destination and preferred format. Here are some things to consider:
A widely recognised test gives you more choice
All these tests are accepted by many universities and employers, but some more widely than others. Before booking, always check your test is accepted by your chosen university, employer or visa authority. IELTS is accepted by more than 13,500 organisations globally, from governments to professional bodies.
Choose a test that assesses real-world skills
IELTS assesses how well you can use English in real-life academic, professional and social situations. Whether you plan to study or work abroad , an IELTS score gives you confidence that you’ll be to communicate with ease.
Support to help you get the score you need
Preparing well helps you feel more confident. Understanding the format, question types and timing makes a real difference. Book IELTS with the British Council to access our IELTS Ready platform with free practice tests, guidance from experienced IELTS teachers, classes and more.
At-a-glance: common English tests
These tests assess all four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking, but question types, test time and purposes differ.
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Test of academic English skills. Taken on a computer at a test centre or at home.
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Available for testing academic and general English. Taken on a computer in a test centre.
Which is better: IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. PTE?
Now you know what to look for in an English test, let’s see how IELTS compares to the most common English tests available.
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Academic English General English | Academic English | Academic English General English |
| Test delivery | On computer at a test centre Online from anywhere | On computer at a test centre Online from anywhere | On computer at a test centre |
| Acceptance | 13,500+ organisations (includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK visa authorities) | 13,000+ institutions (Not accepted for Canadian and UK visas) | 4,000+ institutions (includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK visa authorities) |
| Scoring system | Band score from 0-9 | Band score from 1-6 | Scored on a 10-90 scale |
| Scores aligned to CEFR? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Results delivery | Typically within 2 days | Typically within 2 days | Typically within 2 days |
| Preparation resources | Access to free resources including scored practice tests, courses and online classes | Paid practice tests, courses, guides and books | Paid tests, question bank and guide |
Start your IELTS journey with the British Council
IELTS is trusted and accepted by more organisations globally than any other test. So whether you’re applying for work, study or visas, IELTS gives you the freedom to go where you choose.
So whether you want to study, work or live abroad, choose IELTS for the freedom to go anywhere.
Why more people trust IELTS
IELTS is recognised globally and respected everywhere. Here’s why:
IELTS is accepted by more institutions, governments and employers than any other test.
IELTS measures what matters, giving confidence that you’re ready for what’s next.
Take IELTS on computer and typically get your results within 2 days.
Improve your score in one part of the test without retaking the whole test.