PTE vs IELTS: Which is the Better English Language Test in 2025?

PTE Academic is a fully computerized test that lasts for almost 2 hours. Meanwhile, the IELTS has paper-based and computer-based options, taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

PTE and IELTS’ main structural difference is in approach. PTE’s question types are made to assess multi-skill tasks, while IELTS focuses on individual skills for each test.

PTE is scored using a scale from 10-90 and is evaluated via an automated scoring system. On the other hand, IELTS uses band scale scoring with 0.5 increments.

PTE and IELTS have similar test sections including Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing, but they differ in duration, question types, structure, and number of tasks.

PTE and IELTS vary in scheduling aspects like advance booking required, test frequency, session times, test centers, and flexibility level.

Consider taking the PTE exam if you prefer computer-based testing, need faster results, and perform better with automated scoring. Meanwhile, choose the IELTS exam if you excel in face-to-face speaking, prefer paper-based options, and need longer reading comprehension time.

How Do PTE and IELTS Test Format and Structure Compare?

PTE Academic is a fully computerized English proficiency test that last for approximately 2 hours. It has 20 different question types across 3 parts which include Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening.

Meanwhile, the IELTS test can be taken either paper-based or computer-based. The IELTS exam takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the four components, which are Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

What Are the Key Structural Differences Between PTE and IELTS?

The main structural difference between PTE and IELTS is in terms of approach. PTE’s question types are designed to assess a combination of single and multi-skill tasks, with Speaking and Writing mixed up to form Part 1. On the other hand, IELTS focuses on individual skills for each test section, and they are evaluated independently.

How Do Scoring Systems and Score Conversion Work for PTE and IELTS?

PTE is scored using a scale from 10-90 points based on the Global Scale of English, utilizing an automated scoring system. Meanwhile, IELTS uses band scale scoring in half-band increments, with test examiners evaluating your skills based on your performance across the four test sections.

The table shows the general academic equivalency of how IELTS and PTE scores translate.

What Are the Differences in PTE and IELTS Test Sections?

PTE and IELTS evaluates based on similar English language skills which include Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. However, they vary in duration, question types, structure, and number of tasks.

What Are the Differences in PTE and IELTS Speaking Sections?

With regards to the Speaking section, PTE combines Speaking with the Writing section to comprise Part 1. It features tasks like reading aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, and answer short questions.

By comparison, IELTS Speaking is conducted as a live interview that last for 11-14 minutes. It has three distinct parts which include introduction and interview, the long turn, and two-way discussion.

What Are the Differences in PTE and IELTS Listening Sections?

For the PTE Listening assessment, there is 30-43 minutes allocated time to finish the different question types. The audio or video is only played once, but taking notes is allowed.

Conversely, IELTS Listening has 40 items across four sections of increasing difficulty. It lasts for 30 minutes, and the question types consist of multiple choice, matching, diagram labeling, and form completion.

What Are the Differences in PTE and IELTS Reading Sections?

PTE Reading have 13-18 total questions lasting for 29-30 minutes. It has integrated tasks mixing reading with some writing skills to answer question types like reading & writing fill in blanks, multiple choice, and re-order paragraphs.

IELTS Reading has a duration of 60 minutes where test-takers will answer 40 items across three passages. It includes question types like gap-filling, matching headings, sentence completion, and short-answer questions.

What Are the Differences in PTE and IELTS Writing Sections?

The Writing section in PTE is integrated within Speaking and Writing section, Part 1 of the PTE test. It includes tasks like summarizing written text, writing an email, and essay writing.

Meanwhile, IELTS Writing takes 60 minutes to complete. There are two distinct tasks that differ across exam types. The output is evaluated based on 4 criteria which include task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

How Do Test Availability and Booking Flexibility for PTE and IELTS Compare?

PTE and IELTS have significant differences in terms of scheduling aspects which include advance booking required, test frequency, session times, test centers, and flexibility level.

Which is Better for You: PTE or IELTS?

To choose which test is better for you, familiarize yourself with what each test specifically offers.

Consider PTE if you prefer the following.

• Prefer computer-based testing
• Need faster results
• Perform better with automated scoring
• Favor integrated skills assessment
• Require flexible scheduling

Consider IELTS if you prefer the following.

• Excel in face-to-face speaking
• Prefer paper-based options
• Need longer reading comprehension time
• Perform better with individual skill assessment
• Target institutions with IELTS preferences

What Are the Differences in Fees and Costs of PTE and IETLS?

The fees for PTE and IELTS differ and can be seen in the following table.