• IELTS

PTE vs IELTS : Know the Difference and Which is Easier?

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3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Mar 21,2025 03:38 PM IST

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.

PTE vs IELTS.webp

An English proficiency test is required to study in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and others. PTE and IELTS are the two most widely used assessments that students can take before commencing their higher education. PTE vs. IELTS: 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 study abroad. However, the PTE has recently gained attraction for proving English ability for studying abroad.

In this blog, we will discuss the key differences between IELTS and PTE, as well as which is better: PTE or IELTS.

Differences Between IELTS and PTE

The key difference 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.

1. Acceptance

The biggest difference between IELTS and PTE is acceptance. IELTS is the most widely accepted English language exam in the world, recognised by more than 12,000 organisations in over 140 countries. While PTE, in comparison to IELTS, is accepted by over 3,500 organisations.

2. Exam Pattern

IELTS and PTE also differ in terms of exam patterns. On the one hand, IELTS has four sections, while PTE has three sections. The four IELTS sections are as follows:

Test components in IELTS.webp

The three sections of the PTE exam are as follows:

The following table compares IELTS vs PTE:

Exam Section	PTE	IELTS
Listening	Students would answer eight different questions within a 30-43 minute time frame.	Students need to complete 40 questions in 30 minutes throughout four recordings.
Reading	This section comprises five different question types, each with a time limit of 29-30 minutes.	Students have to answer 40 questions in 60 minutes across three texts.
Speaking	PTE, in comparison with IELTS, has two sections combined: speaking and writing, lasting 77- 93 minutes. Students must answer seven different questions.	With a total time of 11-13 minutes, this section is divided into three parts.
Writing	A single section combining writing and speaking. The time limit is 77-93 minutes with seven different question types	Students have to describe visual information and discuss a problem within 60 minutes.

3. Scoring

IELTS vs PTE score is another major difference. IELTS is rated on a range of 0 to 9, with a 0.5 gap between each component, and then averaged for the four sections where institutions need minimum scores of 6.0 and 6.5.

While PTE, in comparison with IELTS, scores candidates from 10 to 90, with colleges preferring a minimum PTE score of 55 to 60. PTE applicants, like IELTS candidates, receive a full section-by-section analysis for their scores.

4. Cost of Application

The application fees for the IELTS and PTE are not significantly different. The IELTS exam fee is INR 18,000, while the PTE exam fee is INR 17,000.

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

How to Choose Between IELTS and PTE?

Here are some pointers for choosing the best exam between IELTS and PTE:

1. Test Format: Choose IELTS if you are comfortable with the computer-based format. If you prefer a paper-based format, then choose PTE.

2. Test Structure: The IELTS has four sections, while the PTE has three sections.

3. Evaluation Type: If you want answers to be checked by humans, go with IELTS, while for an automated scoring system, PTE is better.

4. Purpose: If your purpose is to study abroad, choose either IELTS or PTE, whichever you find easier. While for PR and work visas, prefer PTE.

Best Tips to Prepare for IELTS and PTE

Here are the best tips you can start following from today to crack IELTS and PTE exams:

1. Take mock tests.

2. Listen to popular English podcasts.

3. Learn new words and practice daily.

4. Watch English movies with subtitles.

5. Read a diverse range of English newspapers and books.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, there is no absolute “easier” test between IELTS and PTE. In any case, keep in mind that each examination requires students to prepare well according to pattern and structure provided for each. To crack either IELTS or PTE, students need to practice extensively over time.

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, connect with the experts at Canamprep.

FAQ

How many questions do PTE and IELTS writing tasks have? The IELTS writing component has two assignments, whereas the PTE writing section contains 2 to 4 questions. How many attempts have you had at the IELTS and PTE? There is no maximum limit, and you can

The IELTS writing component has two assignments, whereas the PTE writing section contains 2 to 4 questions.

How many attempts have you had at the IELTS and PTE?

There is no maximum limit, and you can take the IELTS and PTE exams as many times as you want.

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Neither of the two exams can be considered easy or difficult as it all depends on students’ preparation. 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.

Which is the most difficult topic in PTE?

The PTE reading component of the exam is considered the most challenging of the three.

Is 65 in PTE equivalent to 7 in IELTS?

PTE 65 is equivalent to IELTS 7.0. However, PTE 65 requires less study time than IELTS 7.0.

What is IELTS 7 equal to PTE?

An IELTS score of 7 is equal to a PTE score of 66.

Is PTE accepted in Canada?

Yes, PTE is accepted in Canada for both study visa and immigration purposes.

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