EdMIUMConsidering studying abroad or moving to another country? If yes, then it is important for international students to be able to take English proficiency tests in order to be allowed to stay in the country.The tests are mandatory for students who are not native English speakers. It is important to learn the basics of English, as it is a global language. Most of the schools worldwide accept either IELTS or TOEFL or PTE tests for their English fluency proof requirement. This article explains the difference between PTE vs IELTS in detail,
In this article, let us look at:
1. IELTS Exam Details
- IELTS is a standardized test used to determine an individual’s proficiency in speaking English. The exam is administered by the British Council, IDP and started in 1989.
- According to the research done, over 3 million have been for the IELTS test in the year 2017 in 140 countries.
- The IELTS score is valid for 2 years of time. Students can also appear for re-sit exam if they are not satisfied with the results of their previous appeared test. IELTS examinations are held four times a month throughout the year.
- The score band of IELTS ranges from 1-9, 1 measuring non-speaker and 9 measuring fluent speakers.
- The IELTS exam is categorized in two sections, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic is for students who are willing to pursue higher education. IELTS General Training is for individuals who are looking to migrate or settle in a foreign country or moving for work-related experiences.
- The duration of the IELTS examination is 2 hours, 45 minutes
The IELTS is divided into the following sections:
- Listening – 30 minutes
- Academic Reading – 60 minutes
- General Training Reading – 60 minutes
- Academic Writing – 60 minutes
- General Academic Writing – 60 minutes
- Speaking – 11 to 15 minutes
2. IELTS Exam Format
- IELTS tests are conducted in paper-based or computer-based format the reading section is examined by a face-to-face test by a trained IELTS examiner.
- IELTS is accepted in almost all English-speaking countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and some institutions of the United States.
- One will receive their IELTS examination results after 13 days of undertaking the test and can view the IELTS examination results online in 28 days after undertaking the test.
- It is expected that one must at least score 6.0 for English speaking qualification in university acceptance and professional visa acceptance.
- The score may differ from university to university, therefore it is recommended to enquire with the universities.
3. PTE Exam Details
- PTE stands for Pearson Standard Test. It was launched in the year 2009 by Pearson Language Tests.
- PTE is recognized by 6,000 universities around the world.
- PTE examination is computer-based. Students will have to write the test at a PTE secure centre . The centres will provide them with computer and headset to listen, read and answer questions.
- The duration of PTE examination is three hours. The training under PTE course covers all sorts of accents from different countries for helping the students to get the language better.
PTE test format is categorised in three parts:
- Speaking and Writing (together, about 77-93 minutes)
- Reading (32 – 41 minutes)
- Listening (45-57 minutes)
4. PTE Exam Format
- Individuals will receive PTE results within 5 business days making it the fastest English examination results.
- PTE results are valid for 2 years of time.
- PTE tests are considered on both academic and professional grounds and are also accepted for visa reference.
- PTE score is measured on a band from 10-90 points. 10 measuring non-speaker and 90 measuring fluent speaker.
5. PTE vs IELTS Comparison Table
| IELTS | PTE |
| IELTS is recognized in over 10,000 universities around the world. | PTE is recognized in over 6,000 universities around the world. |
| Paper-based or Computer-based. | Entirely computer-based. |
| Takes 13 days for results and 28 days for online results. | Takes maximum 5 days for results. |
| The duration of exam is 2 hours 45 minutes | The duration of the exam is 3 hours. |
| The validity of IELTS exam is 2 years. | The validity of PTE exam is 2 years. |
| Exams are conducted four times a month. | Exams are conducted over 360 days in a year. |
| Measured on scale ranging from 0-9 | Measured on scaled ranging from 10-90 points. |
Conclusion
IELTS or PTE either of these will help you improve your English language skills along with enhancing your capabilities to communicate better in an international country. Learning to speak, write, read and listen in English not only improves your understanding capacity but also will benefit you with encountering variety of experiences by communicating in the language.
