If you’re planning to study or work abroad, you’ve probably heard about IELTS and PTE. These are the two most popular English proficiency tests accepted by universities, employers and immigration authorities worldwide. But the big question is – which one is better for you?
We understand how confusing it can be to pick the right test. Both IELTS and PTE have their pros and cons and choosing the right one can significantly impact your results and future opportunities.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about IELTS and PTE—the test structure, scoring, difficulty level, acceptance rates and which test suits your strengths better. By the end of this, you’ll have a clear idea of which test works best for you. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- What is IELTS?
- What is PTE?
- Key Differences Between IELTS and PTE
- IELTS vs PTE: Which One is Easier?
- IELTS vs PTE — Which Test is Better for You?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the oldest and most widely recognised English proficiency tests. It was introduced in 1989 and is managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 organisations in over 140 countries, including universities, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities. It is available in two formats:
- IELTS Academic – For those applying to universities or higher education institutions.
- IELTS General Training – For those planning to work abroad or migrate for permanent residency.
If you’re planning to take IELTS, joining an IELTS course can help you get familiar with the test format and improve your performance.
Test Format
IELTS has four sections:
| Section | Duration | Details |
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 recordings of native speakers, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 reading passages, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 writing tasks – one report/letter and one essay |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
The total test duration is about 2 hours 45 minutes.If you would like to know the exam patter for each module please read this blog.
Scoring
- Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9.
- The average of the four section scores gives the final overall band score.
Test Availability
- IELTS is available 48 times a year (up to 4 times a month).
- You can take it in a paper-based or computer-based format.
- Results for computer-based tests are available within 3–5 days; paper-based results take about 13 days.
Preparing with an IELTS online course can help you practice under exam conditions and increase your chances of achieving a higher score
What is PTE?
PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a newer exam introduced in 2009 by Pearson PLC. It has gained popularity for its quick results and fully computerised testing process.
PTE is accepted by over 3500+ universities and professional bodies, including the U.S, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and UK governments for immigration purposes.
Like IELTS, PTE Tests also fall into two categories — academic & general, academic for studying abroad and general PTE being for work visa or permanent residency.
Test Format
PTE has three sections:
| Section | Duration | Details |
| Speaking & Writing | 54–67 minutes | Includes personal introduction, read aloud, repeat sentence, and essay writing |
| Reading | 29–30 minutes | Multiple-choice, fill in the blanks, and reordering paragraphs |
| Listening | 30–43 minutes | Summarise spoken text, multiple-choice, and fill in the blanks |
The total test duration is about 2 hours.
Scoring
- PTE uses an automated scoring system based on AI technology.
- Scores are provided on a scale of 10 to 90.
- The overall score is calculated based on the performance in each section.
Test Availability
- PTE tests are available 365 days a year.
- Results are available within 48 hours after the test.
Key Differences Between IELTS and PTE
Let’s compare the two tests side by side to make it easier for you to decide:
| Aspect | IELTS | PTE |
| Format | Paper-based or Computer-based | Computer-based only |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with an examiner | Recorded answers (AI-based scoring) |
| Scoring | Human evaluation | AI-based scoring |
| Result Time | 3–13 days | 24–48 hours |
| Test Frequency | 48 times a year | Available every day |
| Accent Preference | British/Australian | Neutral (Global) |
| Acceptance | Widely accepted globally | Growing acceptance, especially for Australia and New Zealand |
| Test Difficulty | Traditional and structured | More focused on quick thinking and accuracy |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years for this also |
IELTS vs PTE: Which One is Easier?
If you know the English language well, you can get a decent score in both of them. Any test will feel easier if you have prepared well and are familiar with the language. For instance, IELTS requires you to speak face-to-face with an examiner. This can feel intimidating for some, but the advantage is that the examiner can adjust questions based on your responses, making it feel more like a conversation.
On the other hand, PTE’s speaking test involves recording your responses into a microphone. While this might feel less stressful for those uncomfortable with face-to-face interaction, it can also feel unnatural and mechanical for others.
And if you struggle with speaking in the first place, you should consider enrolling in an online PTE course or an online IELTS course.
Similarly, in the writing section, IELTS follows a more structured format that requires strong grammar and vocabulary. You’ll need to write a letter or report and an essay, which demands clear and organised writing. PTE’s writing section, however, is more flexible but has stricter AI-based scoring, especially for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Additionally, the listening section in IELTS can be challenging due to the presence of British and Australian accents. Understanding different regional accents and keeping up with the pace of the recordings can be tricky. PTE, on the other hand, uses more neutral and globally familiar accents, but it requires quicker responses, which can be tough if you need more time to process information.
For reading, IELTS features longer and more detailed texts, testing your ability to understand complex information. PTE’s reading section is shorter and more straightforward, focusing more on quick thinking and pattern recognition.
IELTS vs PTE — Which Test is Better for You?
The better choice varies from individual to individual. It totally depends on yourself. Here’s how to make a choice :
✅ Choose IELTS if:
- You are more comfortable with face-to-face speaking.
- You prefer structured and detailed reading and writing tasks.
- You are targeting the UK, Canada or other Commonwealth countries.
✅ Choose PTE if:
- You prefer quick test results.
- You are comfortable with computer-based testing.
- You are targeting Australia or New Zealand.
Conclusion
Both IELTS and PTE are great options, but the right one depends on your strengths and future goals. If you prefer a traditional format and detailed evaluation, IELTS might suit you better. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with technology and need quick results, PTE is a smart choice.
At the end of the day, the best way to succeed is to prepare well. If you’re ready to start your journey, check out Oops Study’s IELTS and PTE courses. Our expert tutors and personalised study plans will help you achieve your target score with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
It depends on your strengths. PTE is quicker, but AI-based scoring can be strict.
How long are IELTS and PTE scores valid?
Both are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Which test gives results faster?
PTE results are available within 24–48 hours; IELTS takes 3–13 days.
Which test is better for migration to Australia?
PTE is widely accepted for Australian immigration.
How many times can I take the tests?
You can take them as many times as you want.
Is face-to-face speaking harder?
It depends on your comfort level—some find it easier to talk to a person; others prefer recording answers.
Which one is better, PTE or IELTS?
It depends on your strengths and goals. If you prefer a structured format and face-to-face speaking, IELTS is a better choice. If you’re comfortable with computer-based tests and want quicker results, PTE might work better for you.
Is 65 of PTE equal to 7 IELTS?
Yes, a PTE score of 65 is considered equivalent to an IELTS band score of 7, based on standard score comparison charts.
Does Australia prefer PTE or IELTS?
Australia accepts both IELTS and PTE for visa and PR applications. However, PTE is widely preferred due to its quicker results and computer-based format.
