Which test is more widely accepted, IELTS or PTE?

IELTS is more widely accepted, recognised by over 12,500 organisations including governments, universities, and employers. PTE is accepted by around 3,900 institutions and fewer work programmes.

How are IELTS and PTE tests scored?

IELTS uses a band score from 0 to 9 aligned with the CEFR and includes human marking for speaking and writing. PTE uses a scoring scale from 10 to 90 based on the Global Scale of English and is fully computer-marked.

Can you retake part of the IELTS or PTE test?

With IELTS On Computer, you can retake a single skill if needed to improve your score. PTE does not offer this option and requires retaking the full test.

How do IELTS and PTE test formats compare?

Both IELTS and PTE assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. IELTS uses separate sections with real-life contexts, while PTE uses integrated tasks with multiple recordings and question types, all delivered via computer.

How long do IELTS and PTE tests take?

IELTS takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete, while PTE takes around 2 hours.

How quickly are results available for IELTS and PTE?

Both IELTS and PTE typically deliver results within 2 days, depending on the test format.

Which test offers better preparation resources?

IELTS offers extensive preparation support, including free access to IELTS Ready Premium with practice tests, courses, and classes when you book a test. PTE offers preparation packages and scored practice tests, but most resources are paid.

Is IELTS or PTE more difficult?

The difficulty depends on your strengths and test preferences. IELTS may feel more balanced with human evaluation, while PTE may suit candidates comfortable with computer-based and AI-scored testing. Proper preparation is key for both.

What IELTS or PTE score do I need?

The required score depends on your destination, institution, or visa requirements. IELTS and PTE use different scoring scales, but both can be aligned to CEFR levels, so you should check the specific requirements of the organisation you are applying to.

What’s the difference between IELTS and PTE?

Q: What’s the difference between IELTS and PTE?

IELTS and PTE are both globally recognised English proficiency tests that assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. However, IELTS offers wider global recognition, includes human marking for speaking and writing, and allows retaking individual skills, while PTE is fully computer-marked and has more limited recognition.

Q: Which is better: IELTS or PTE?

The better test depends on your goals and preferences. IELTS is generally preferred for its wider recognition and flexible features, while PTE may suit candidates who prefer a fully computer-based and AI-marked test.

If you need to prove your English to work, study or migrate abroad, you may want to know which is better : IELTS or the Pearson Test of English (PTE). We explore the differences to help you decide.

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Which is better: IELTS or PTE?

IELTS and PTE are both globally accepted English exams from trusted providers. They both assess Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, but there are some key differences for you to consider:

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Choose IELTS for wider recognition

Benefit from more choice with IELTS, recognised by over 13,500 organisations. PTE is recognised by fewer than 4,000 institutions and fewer work programmes.

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Computer vs human marking

All sections of PTE are computer-marked, while IELTS Writing and Speaking are marked by human examiners. Your choice will depend on your preferences.

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Resit just one skill with IELTS

If you take IELTS On Computer, you can retake one skill and not the whole test if you need to improve your score on one section.

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Best-value preparation resources

Book an IELTS test, and you’ll get free access to a full suite of exam preparation materials, giving you everything you need to get the score you want.

IELTS vs PTE: exam preparation

When comparing IELTS vs PTE, the level of difficulty depends depends on your test style and strengths. To get the score you need in any exam, you need to prepare well and familiarise yourself with the test format.

When you book IELTS with the British Council, you get free access to IELTS Ready Premium. It has everything you need to help you succeed on test day, including 40 scored practice tests, online courses and live and on-demand classes.

PTE Academic offers a range of paid preparation packages and scored practice tests from USD$35.99 each.

Explore our free preparation resources Take a free practice test

How do IELTS Vs PTE test formats compare?

Both tests assess Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills, but there are some differences in how they are tested. Here we compare the formats to help you decide which test is right for you.

IELTS and PTE both offer a relevant range of contexts

IELTS includes four audio recordings, including a social conversation and an academic monologue, with 30 questions in total.

PTE Academic includes eight audio recordings - one for each task type, while PTE Core has seven recordings and task types. There are typically 12-20 questions in both.

How does IELTS listening format work?

IELTS focuses on skills in context

There are three tasks in IELTS Reading, to be completed in 60 mins, while PTE Reading has five tasks to be completed in 30 mins.

The longer texts in the IELTS test reflect the English scenarios you can realistically expect to encounter, while the longer duration removes some of the time pressure.

How does IELTS reading test work?

Go for IELTS to build your academic writing skills

For IELTS, you’ll summarise a visual and write a 250-word essay. To get a good score, you will build a range of skills that will help you do well in academic settings.

For PTE, you’ll take Writing and Speaking together in one section. There are two writing tasks: one short summary and one short essay.

Learn more about IELTS writing test

A choice between human or machine testing

IELTS Speaking is a live conversation with a human examiner, either face to face or via video call, and takes less than 15 minutes.

For PTE Speaking, students stay at the computer and speak into a microphone; answers are recorded and scored by AI. The Speaking part of the test takes up to 44 minutes.

Test your speaking skills with IELTS

At a glance: IELTS vs PTE

Take a quick look at how IELTS compares to PTE across key areas that matter to you:

	IELTS	PTE
Skills assessed	Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Time	2hr, 45 mins	2hr
Scoring system	Band scores 0-9, aligned to CEFR	Points from 10-90, aligned to Pearson’s Global Scale of English
Results delivery	Typically within 2 days	Typically within 2 days
Accepted by	13,500+ organisations; includes all four major immigration authorities	3,900+ institutions; includes major immigration authorities
Prep	IELTS Ready Premium included (worth US$170)	Packages from USD$59.99-$109.99. Scored practice tests USD$35.99 each

IELTS vs PTE: What score do I need?

IELTS and PTE use different scoring systems and scales, but concordance studies enable us to align them. Take a look at the table below to see how they compare: