PTE vs IELTS: What's the difference? Your complete 2025 guide

If you're planning to study, work, or migrate abroad, proving your English proficiency is essential. Two of the most popular tests for this purpose are PTE (Pearson Test of English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). But which one should you choose?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down every aspect of both tests to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, preferences, and strengths.

PTE vs IELTS at a glance

Before diving into the detailed comparison, here's a snapshot of the key differences between PTE and IELTS to help you quickly understand which test might suit your preferences and requirements better.

Test format and structure: Key differences

The fundamental difference between PTE and IELTS lies in their approach to testing English proficiency. PTE Academic employs an integrated skills approach where tasks often combine multiple language abilities simultaneously - for example, you might listen to a lecture and then write a summary, testing both listening and writing skills together. In contrast, IELTS follows a more traditional compartmentalized structure with four distinct sections that test each skill separately. This difference significantly impacts how you should prepare and what to expect on test day.

PTE Academic structure

PTE Academic is a 2-hour computer-based test with three main sections: Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes), Reading (29-30 minutes), and Listening (30-43 minutes). The test includes 20 different question types that assess integrated skills.

Speaking & Writing Section (54-67 minutes):

• Personal Introduction
• Read Aloud
• Repeat Sentence
• Describe Image
• Re-tell Lecture
• Answer Short Question
• Summarize Written Text
• Essay Writing

Reading Section (29-30 minutes):

• Multiple Choice Single Answer
• Multiple Choice Multiple Answer
• Re-order Paragraphs
• Fill in the Blanks ( Dropdown )
• Fill in the Blanks ( Drag and Drop)

Listening Section (30-43 minutes):

• Summarize Spoken Text
• Multiple Choice Single Answer
• Multiple Choice Multiple Answer
• Fill in the Blanks
• Highlight Correct Summary
• Select Missing Word
• Highlight Incorrect Words
• Write from Dictation

IELTS Academic structure

IELTS consists of four separate sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). You'll take the first three parts on the same day, while the Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or within seven days before or after.

Listening Section (30 minutes):

• 4 recordings with 40 questions total
• Includes conversations and monologues
• Various question types: multiple choice, matching, form completion

Reading Section (60 minutes):

• 3 long passages with 40 questions
• Academic texts from journals, books, magazines
• Question types: multiple choice, matching, true/false/not given

Writing Section (60 minutes):

• Task 1: Describe visual information (150 words, 20 minutes)
• Task 2: Essay writing (250 words, 40 minutes)

Speaking Section (11-14 minutes):

• Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)
• Part 2: Individual long turn/cue card (3-4 minutes)
• Part 3: Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)

Scoring systems: Understanding your results

The scoring methodology is one of the most crucial differences between these tests, as it directly affects how your English proficiency is evaluated and reported to institutions.

PTE Scoring

PTE uses a scale from 10 to 90 points, with scores based on communicative skills, enabling skills, and overall performance. The test is completely computer-marked using AI, ensuring consistent and unbiased evaluation.

Common PTE Score Requirements:

• Study abroad: 50-65 points minimum
• Immigration: 65+ points typically required
• Professional registration: varies by field

IELTS Scoring

IELTS uses a band score system ranging from 0 to 9, with gaps of 0.5 for each section. Your overall band score is calculated as the average of the four sections. The Reading and Listening sections are computer-marked, but Writing and Speaking sections are evaluated by trained IELTS examiners.

Common IELTS Score Requirements:

• Study abroad: 6.0-7.5 bands minimum
• Immigration: 7.0+ bands typically required
• Professional registration: varies by field

Score conversion chart

Test experience: What to expect

Understanding the actual test-taking experience can help you choose the format that aligns with your comfort level and testing preferences, ultimately impacting your performance.

PTE test experience

PTE is conducted entirely via computer and assesses speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. If you're comfortable with technology, enjoy quick results, and are happy to speak directly into a microphone, PTE could be an easier ride.

Advantages:

• No human interaction reduces anxiety for some test-takers
• Faster results (24-48 hours)
• Consistent AI scoring eliminates human bias
• Can book with as little as 48 hours notice
• More flexible test dates and locations

Considerations:

• Requires comfort with computer-based testing
• Speaking into a microphone feels unnatural for some
• Limited ability to clarify questions

IELTS test experience

IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-delivered formats, with the Speaking test conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner. IELTS will probably be more comfortable if you test well under face-to-face communication and like traditional exam formats.

Advantages:

• Face-to-face speaking feels more natural for many
• Option to choose paper or computer format
• Can ask for clarification during speaking test
• One Skill Retake option available for computer-based tests
• More widely accepted globally

Considerations:

• Longer overall test duration
• Results take 1 day for computer test and 13 days for Paper based test.
• Human evaluation may introduce slight variability

Global acceptance and recognition

When choosing between PTE and IELTS, it's essential to consider which institutions and countries accept each test, as this could significantly impact your study abroad or immigration plans.

PTE Acceptance

PTE is accepted by more than 3000 institutions and over 3,300 universities globally, including academic, professional and governmental organizations in countries such as Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand and the UK. It's particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand.

IELTS Acceptance

IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organizations globally, including all immigration departments that require English language testing for English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. IELTS has a greater acceptance rate by top universities worldwide, with over 11,000 institutes accepting IELTS across 140 countries.

Cost comparison

The test fees vary by country and currency. Here's a comprehensive breakdown for 2025:

Test fees by country/currency

Additional costs

PTE additional fees:

• Late booking fee: $35 USD (other regions)
• Score review: $125 USD
• Rescheduling: Free if done 14+ days before; 50% fee if 7-14 days before

IELTS additional fees:

• No late booking fees
• Rescheduling fee: $75 USD (if done 5+ weeks before)
• Score review (EOR): varies by country

Note: Prices may vary slightly between test centers and are subject to change. Always check official websites for the most current pricing.

Recent updates for 2025

Both testing organizations have introduced significant changes and improvements for 2025 to enhance the testing experience and better align with real-world English usage patterns.

PTE updates

The PTE 2025 format continues with its three-section structure with no breaks between sections, automated scoring, and AI-powered exam tools. On November 4, 2024, Pearson introduced new scoring method changes for two spoken question types: 'Describe Image' and 'Retell Lecture', where human experts now double-check the AI's score on the Content aspect of these responses.

IELTS updates

IELTS 2025 introduces several enhancements including adaptive AI-driven questions, enhanced audio clarity for virtual test-takers, and the option to choose between online or in-person interviews for speaking tests. On February 22, 2025, all paper-based test candidates must use black ballpoint pens.

Which test is easier?

The question of difficulty is highly subjective and depends on your individual strengths, learning style, and comfort with different testing formats rather than one test being inherently easier than the other. Based on general student feedback, around 60-70% of test-takers tend to find PTE easier than IELTS. However, the difficulty depends on your individual strengths:

Choose PTE if you:

• Prefer computer-based tests
• Want faster results
• Are comfortable speaking to a computer
• Like objective, AI-based scoring
• Have strong integrated English skills

Choose IELTS if you:

• Prefer face-to-face interaction
• Want maximum global acceptance
• Like traditional test formats
• Need paper-based option
• Prefer human evaluation for subjective skills

Preparation strategies

For PTE:

• Practice with AI-based tools and computer simulations
• Focus on integrated skills (tasks that combine multiple abilities)
• Work on pronunciation and fluency for computer recognition
• Use the official PTE practice platform
• Take advantage of platforms like LearnPTE.com for comprehensive practice

For IELTS:

• Practice all four skills separately and together
• Work on handwriting for paper-based tests
• Practice speaking with real people
• Focus on task-specific strategies for each section
• Use official Cambridge IELTS books and materials

Making your decision

Consider these factors when choosing between PTE and IELTS:

1. Your target institution's requirements - Check which scores they accept
2. Your comfort with technology - Are you comfortable with computer-based testing?
3. Timeline pressure - Do you need results quickly?
4. Speaking preference - Do you prefer face-to-face or computer interaction?
5. Test availability - Which test has more convenient scheduling in your area?
6. Retake options - Consider which test offers better retake policies

Conclusion

Both PTE and IELTS are excellent measures of English proficiency, and both are widely accepted for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. The choice between PTE and IELTS will be based on which option best suits your strengths and comfort zone. The material and level of difficulty are similar. What differs is the testing setting and delivery.

If you're leaning towards PTE, remember that LearnPTE.com offers comprehensive preparation resources including mock tests, practice question banks with feedback to help you achieve your target score.

The most important thing is to choose the test that aligns with your strengths, prepare thoroughly, and approach your chosen test with confidence. Both paths can lead you to your study abroad, work, or immigration goals – the key is selecting the one that feels right for you.