It is important for students to take the English language proficiency test if they want to migrate to an English speaking country to work or study.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are two of the most popular exams to prove language proficiency.
In this article I will discuss IELTS vs PTE and answer the most asked question, “IELTS vs PTE which is better for students in 2023?”
By the ending of this article you will have a clear understanding about which exam you must take with valid reasons.
IELTS Vs PTE: Format
To get a better understanding about IELTS vs PTE which is better for students to take in 2023, you must understand the format and types of questions in both exams.
IELTS
| Module | Duration | Number of questions | Type of questions |
| Listening | 40 minutes (including 10 minutes to transfer answers to an answer sheet) | 40 | Multiple choice Matching information Plan, map, diagram labeling Form, note, table, flow-chart, summary completion Sentence completion Short-answer questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 | 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 |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 | IELTS Task 1 Academic Bar Chart Table-Chart Multiple Graphs Map Pie Chart Process Diagram Line Graph IELTS General Task 1 Formal letter Informal letter Semi-formal letter IELTS Task 2 (Academic & General) Agree or disagree Opinion Advantages and disadvantages Direct essay Cause/solution essay Positive/negative essay Discussion essay |
| Speaking | 11 – 14 minutes | 8 to 10 | Part 1 – Introductive Part 2 – Cue Card Part 3 – follow-ups |
PTE
| Module | Duration | Number of questions | Type of questions |
| Speaking and writing | 54 – 67 minutes | 28 – 36 | Repeat sentence Describe image Re-tell lecture Answer short question Summarize written text Essay |
| Reading | 29 – 30 mins | 13 – 18 | Reading & writing: Fill in the blanks Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers Re-order paragraphs Reading: Fill in the blanks Multiple-choice, choose single answer |
| Listening | 30 – 43 minutes | 12 – 20 | Summarize spoken text Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers Fill in the blanks Highlight correct summary Multiple-choice, choose single answer Select missing word Highlight incorrect words Write from dictation |
NOTE: The PTE speaking and writing modules are the part of single section.
IELTS Vs PTE: Key Points
| Element | PTE | IELTS |
| Conductor | Pearson PLC Group | IDP |
| Official website | https://www.pearsonpte.com/ | https://www.ielts.org/ |
| Date | 2009 | 1989 |
| Price | ₹15900 INR | Computer-delivered & Pen-paper IELTS INR 15,500IELTS UKVI INR 15,750 |
| Validity | For academic purposes – 2 years For immigration purposes in Australia – 3 years | 2 years |
| Format | Computer-based | Pen-Paper-based and Computer-based |
| Length | 2 hours in 1 sitting | Two days One day – hours 45 minutes (Listening, reading, and writing) without any break. Speaking can take after or before other 3 modules |
| Results | 5 working days (mostly in 24 hours) | Paper-based test (13 days) Computer-based test (5 days) |
| Assessment Mechanism | Assessed by AI (Artificial Intelligence | Assessed by examiners (writing and speaking) |
IELTS Vs PTE: Score Chart
| Skill Level | PTE | IELTS |
| Expert | 89-90 | 9 |
| Very Good | 83-85 | 8.5 |
| Very Good | 74-84 | 8 |
| Good | 73-77 | 7.5 |
| Good | 64-72 | 7 |
| Competent | 58-63 | 6.5 |
| Competent | 50-57 | 6 |
| Modest | 42-49 | 5.5 |
IELTS Vs PTE Which Is Better For Students In 2023?
The answer to this question is different for every student. If you don’t want to spend two days taking the test and want to take the test you can go for the PTE test.
If you want to take the test which is cheaper in price than the IELTS exam is for you.
If you want to take the test on paper then the IELTS exam is the only option for you, as PTE is not available in pen-paper mode.
If you are comfortable with computer-based format then you can choose any of these exams as both are available in computer-based format.