IELTS Vs PTE – Which test is better?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are two of the most common English language proficiency tests. Both tests assess the four key language skills of a person: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. However, there are distinct differences between the two that can impact your choice depending on your purpose—whether for study, work, or immigration. 

Both IELTS and PTE are used for the same purposes, such as: 

• Education admissions: If you wish to apply for a course at one of universities and colleges overseas, you may be required to submit a IELTS or PTE test result 

• Work visa applications 

• Immigration purposes, especially for countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand 

• Test Components: Both IELTS and PTE tests consist of the assessment of four core language skills: listening, speaking, writing and reading 

• Test Result Validity: The test scores for both tests are valid for up to 2 years from the date of the test.  

• Acceptance: The result of both tests is generally expected by most universities, colleges and immigration Department in Australia. However, each organisation may have a different requirement regarding the English skill. It is advisable that you should check this requirement carefully before we enroll/apply.  

Test Format: 

• IELTS: This test consists of two options: Computer-based and paper-based tests. 

• PTE: PTE is completely a computer-based test for all four skills, including Speaking skill 

Speaking Section:  

• IELTS: The speaking test must be conducted face to face with a qualified examiner.  

• PTE: Speaking is assessed through a computer-based system using AI speech recognition. 

Duration:  

• IELTS: The test duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

• PTE: The test duration is approximately 2 hours. 

Result Processing Time:  

• IELTS: Results are available within 3–5 days for the computer-based test and 13 days for the paper-based test. 

• PTE: Results are usually available within 24–48 hours, making it a faster option. 

Question Types:  

• IELTS: Includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and essay writing. 

• PTE: Uses AI-based assessment with integrated skills questions such as reading & speaking and listening & writing. For example:  

• Speaking & Writing Section: Read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, re-tell lecture, answer short questions, summarize written text, and write an essay. 

• Reading Section: Multiple-choice (single and multiple answers), re-order paragraphs, fill in the blanks. 

• Listening Section: Summarize spoken text, multiple-choice (single and multiple answers), fill in the blanks, highlight correct summary, select missing word, highlight incorrect words, and write from dictation. 

• Cost:  The cost for the two tests is not significantly different. As of 2025, in Australia, the cost for IELTS is AUD460 while the cost for PTE is AUD410. 

• Scoring Comparison for Australia Immigration: