PTE vs IELTS: Which Language Test is Best for Immigration?
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Are you planning to immigrate to an English-speaking country and looking for the best language test to fulfill your immigration requirements? Are you finding yourself in a predicament of choosing between the IELTS vs. PTE exams?
Then, get ready to untangle the knot with our expert analysis and overcome this obstacle with ease.
What is IELTS?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally recognized language proficiency test designed to assess the English language skills of individuals who want to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries.
It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The IELTS test is available in two versions:
- IELTS Academic, which is intended for those seeking higher education or professional registration.
- IELTS General Training, which is suitable for immigration purposes or non-academic training.
What is PTE?
PTE (Pearson Test of English) is an English language proficiency test that assesses the reading, writing & speaking, and listening skills of non-native English speakers. It is widely recognized and accepted by universities, colleges, and governments around the world, including countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
What is the Difference Between IELTS and PTE?
Before we deep dive and understand the exam cost and which exam is the most accepted for immigration, Let us examine what is the difference between IELTS and PTE in the form of a table.
| Parameters | PTE (Pearson Test of English) | IELTS (International English Language Testing System) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Computer-based test | Computer-based and paper-based test |
| Speaking and Writing | Computerized, recorded digitally | Face-to-face with an examiner (speaking), Handwritten (writing) |
| Scoring System | Automated scoring system using AI technology | Scoring by trained examiners |
| Result Availability | Results available within 5 business days | Results available within 13 days |
| Test Sections | Integrated skills assessed together (e.g., listening and reading) | Skills assessed separately |
| Test Dates and Availability | Flexible test dates and frequent availability | Limited test dates and availability |
| Test Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Globally most accepted | Accepted by universities and institutions worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the US | Widely accepted by universities and institutions globally |
| Accent Bias | No specific accent bias | Some bias towards British and Australian accents |
| Writing Task Word Limit | No specific word limit in writing tasks | Word limit specified in writing tasks |
PTE vs IELTS: Exam Pattern & Structure
When preparing for language exams, grasping the intricacies of the test pattern, its sections, structure, and time allocation is vital for effective planning and success. Let’s understand this in detail:
PTE Exam Format
Below, we present this essential information about the PTE exam structure in the form of a table:
| Test Section | Task Types | Time Allocated |
|---|---|---|
| Listening |
Summarize spoken text |
45–57 minutes |
| Reading |
Reading & writing: Fill in the blanks |
32–40 minutes |
| Speaking & Writing |
Repeat sentence |
77–93 minutes |
IELTS Exam Format
Below, we present this essential information on the IELTS exam structure in the form of a table:
| Test Section | Task Types | Time Allocated |
|---|---|---|
| Listening |
Multiple choice Matching information Plan/map/diagram labeling Form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion Sentence completion Short-answer questions |
30 minutes |
| Reading |
Multiple choice Identifying information Identifying the writer’s views/claims Matching headings Matching features Matching sentence endings Sentence completion Summary/note/table/flow-chart completion Diagram label completion Short-answer questions |
60 minutes |
| Writing |
Part 1: Identify information and trends in a graph, chart, table, or diagram, and explain it Part 2: Write an essay on a given topic |
60 minutes |
| Speaking |
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Part 2: Talk about a particular topic Part 3: Discussion on the topic given in Part 2 |
11–14 minutes |
PTE vs IELTS: Score Comparison
While both tests evaluate your English language skills, there are some key differences in their scoring systems.
| PTE Academic score (Update) | IELTS score (Conversion) | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| 86-90 | 9 | Expert |
| 83-86 | 8.5 | Very Good |
| 79-83 | 8 | Very Good |
| 73-79 | 7.5 | Good |
| 65-73 | 7 | Good |
| 58-65 | 6.5 | Competent |
| 50-58 | 6 | Competent |
| 43-50 | 5.5 | Modest |
| 36-43 | 5 | Modest |
PTE Scoring
In PTE, the scoring is based on a scale of 10-90, with 10 being the lowest and 90 being the highest. The scores are divided into the following:
- Overall: Reflects your overall English language proficiency
- Communicative skills: This score assesses your listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills
- Enabling skills: Measures your grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse.
IELTS Scoring
IELTS uses a 9-band scale for scoring. Each band corresponds to a level of English proficiency, ranging from band 1 (non-user) to band 9 (expert user). How to get a good band score in IELTS? Explore this article to know more about the same.
The test provides separate scores for each of the four language skills:
- Listening: Each question in the listening section carries 1 mark.
- Reading: Each question in the reading section is also worth 1 mark. Incorrect responses receive a score of 0.
- Writing: The writing section is assessed based on four criteria, with equal weightage given to each criterion. The criteria are Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. An average score is calculated based on these criteria.
- Speaking: The speaking section is evaluated using four assessment criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. A band score is assigned for each criterion.
PTE vs IELTS: Exam Cost
When comparing the exam costs of PTE and IELTS, it's important to note that the fees can vary depending on the test location and currency exchange rates.
- The cost of the PTE exam is around $330 (CAD).
- The IELTS exam fee ranges from $309 and $335 (CAD).
- In Indian Rupees PTE exam cost is Rs.15900 and IELTS exam cost is Rs.16250
Check this link to gain a thorough understanding of the PTE exam format and IELTS test format
PTE vs IELTS: Which is Easier?
The most commonly asked question is which one is easy, PTE or IELTS. Well, It is difficult to categorize either the PTE or IELTS exam as easier or more challenging.
The perception of difficulty can vary among individuals, and certain sections may be found easier by some test-takers while others may struggle with those same sections.
- It's important to note that both exams require extensive preparation to achieve a high score, regardless of any perceived ease or difficulty.
- While some students may find the writing section of the PTE exam less difficult compared to the IELTS alternative, they may also consider the reading portion of the IELTS test to be simpler than its PTE counterpart.
- Surveys and feedback have indicated that the written English section is often considered the toughest in IELTS, while the spoken English section is seen as more challenging in PTE.
In Conclusion, neither test rewards subpar language skills, and thorough preparation is essential for success in either examination.
Choose Your Path: PTE vs IELTS for Immigration Success
Making the right choice between PTE vs IELTS for immigration purposes can be a crucial decision. While IELTS is widely recognized globally and has a long-standing reputation, PTE offers a modern and technologically-driven approach.
Additionally, If you are seeking to immigrate to Canada, Australia, Germany, Sweden, or Austria, then seek help from GetGIS expert consultants. Our immigration counselors are well-versed in immigration rules, and we have many client success stories to prove it.
As your ultimate guiding partner and fulfillment of your immigrating abroad dream, IELTSmaterial and GetGIS work together to meet your needs.
Book a Free Consultation to check your eligibility today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTE valid for PR in Canada?
How many attempts are there for the PTE exam?
Can I move forward, skip questions and then come back to them later?
How many months are PTE & IELTS valid?
Can I retake the IELTS without paying?
