IELTS Versus PTE – What Is the Difference and Which One Is Best for You?

Both the PTE and IELTS are assessments of English competence, however more countries and academic institutions recognise and trust IELTS than PTE Academic. IELTS is therefore the clear choice for test-takers everywhere.

IELTS introduced the IELTS One Skill Retake globally in 2023. One section of the IELTS exam can be retaken without having to repeat the other three skills. Test takers who use PTE run the danger of losing their scores because they have to schedule, pay for, and sit for the entire exam.

What distinguishes the PTE-A from the IELTS?

We are aware that you want to appear for the best language proficiency test available. Additionally, you wish to obtain the ideal scores required for your study abroad.

Let's examine the distinctions between the PTE-A and IELTS.

IELTS provides an option between paper and computer, which is, in essence, the primary distinction between IELTS and the PTE. The PTE exam is entirely computer-based and scored by a potentially biased machine. Speaking test in the PTE is done in front of a computer, whereas speaking test in the IELTS is done in front of an examiner.

What are the differences between PTE and IELTS?

The PTE Academic and IELTS differ in a number of ways.

IELTS is more reasonable as it lets you retake a portion of the exam. Because IELTS integrates auto-marking with actual human examiners, it also guards against biased marking by a machine. The fact that IELTS offers both a computer and paper exam is one of the main distinctions. PTE-A can only be accessed via a computer. The only significant test that offers One Skill Retake is the IELTS. Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening are the four exam components available on the IELTS. You must schedule, pay for, and retake the entire PTE Academic exam if you fail it. IELTS gives you a fair second chance to achieve the score you require, unlike PTE.

More than 12,500 companies accept your IELTS scores. https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-recognising-organisations/recognise-ielts Only a few thousand companies and academic programmes worldwide recognise your PTE results. To put it briefly, more employers, universities, professional associations, and immigration departments recognise IELTS than PTE Academic.

What is the difference in official scores between IELTS and PTE?

PTE made modifications to the way its scores are related to IELTS. Getting a higher score on the PTE is more challenging than on the IELTS.

A new study comparing PTE and IELTS scores was published by PTE Academic. According to the research, PTE test-takers would need to get a higher score to be on par with IELTS, which ranges from an IELTS 7.0 to an IELTS 9.0.

Which test is easier, PTE or IELTS?

Neither of the test is easier than the other. IELTS, on the other hand, has an easier exam structure and is more accessible.

There are several interconnected questions on the PTE exam. Speaking and listening are combined in one section of the test or writing and reading in the test's reading section. The four different components of the IELTS, on the other hand, lets you to concentrate on the Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening tasks independently.

Why is PTE more challenging? The PTE test consists of three portions with a large number of brief exercises. Some students may become confused by the PTE's mixing of question types. For instance, you have just 54 to 67 minutes to finish PTE A, which includes speaking and writing.

In PTE-A, you can only go forward through questions throughout the test. You must fix your mistakes before you proceed to the next question. Each question has a time limit as well. You can, however, skip questions on the computer version of the IELTS and return to finish them later. Alternatively, you may review your response later. Individual questions on the IELTS are not timed.

The way the tests are graded is another significant distinction. Only the 'Describe Image' and 'Retell Lecture' portions of the speaking test will now be reviewed by humans, whereas the majority of PTE-A is mechanically assessed. These tests involve examining if an answer is unique or pre-written using a template. The Speaking and Writing portions of the IELTS are evaluated by a real person, while the Reading and Listening portions are automatically graded. This is due to the possibility of bias when some test sections are scored by a machine.

The Speaking test is another significant distinction. You take the IELTS speaking exam in person with a real person. PTE-A involves speaking into a microphone as people around you do the same.

In conclusion, now you’ve learned about the primary differences of PTE versus IELTS. So, before you make your choice, you should analyse the test structure, the scoring system, and the tasks. Moreover, remember that you have more alternatives with IELTS; you may take the test on paper, on a computer, or even online. And an essential aspect to consider is if you’ll feel more comfortable performing your speaking test with a machine or a human examiner.

If you have further questions or doubts about the test, feel free to contact our experts at MWT Education Consultancy for further assistance.