Pursuing any Course in a Foreign Nation is a dream of many students across the globe, and similar is the situation in India as well. However, colleges in EU, Australia, UK, Canada, USA, and other major English–speaking regions look forward to students who are proficient in English. Hence, Exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE were introduced.
All these tests are widely accepted having slightly different patterns and use. On the one hand, TOEFL is used for admission in foreign Universities, IELTS, on the other hand, is used for both admission and migration purposes. PTE classes are relatively new and are mainly focused on English Skills of international students and workers that wish to get more points on visa applications.
In the present scenario, when the numbers of tests are increasing, it becomes important for us to identify the most relevant exam for us in these changing times. The following article will give you a comparative analysis of all these 3 Exams for a Better Understanding.
Click here – Account takeover – What You Need to Know
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE: Basic Differences
Before applying for any of these tests, candidates must be aware of the general differences between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Since all these tests have only slight differences among them, we are channelizing them into this table for a quick and easy comparison.
| Factors | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE |
| Test Name | International English Language Testing System | Test of English as Foreign Language | Pearson Test of English |
| Organized By | British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment | Education Testing Service | Pearson PLC Group |
| Fee | IELTS – Academic: ₹12,650 | TOEFL iBT: ₹11,265, TOEFL PBT: ₹12,577 | ₹13,300 |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Score | 1 to 9 | 0 to 120 | 10 to 90 |
| Test Components | ● Reading
● Writing ● Speaking ● Listening |
● Reading
● Writing ● Speaking ● Listening |
● Reading
● Writing ● Speaking ● Listening |
| Result Declaration | 13 days after Test | 6 days after test | Within 5 days after test |
| Acceptance | Popular in UK, Australia, and other European Nations | Popular in Canada, and USA | Comparatively New, accepted by Ivy League Colleges |
| Essay Question | 2 Essays | 2 Essays | 1 Essay. |
| Validity of Scores | 2 Years | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Mode of Exam | Pen-paper/Online Test; Face-to-face for Speaking Test | Internet-based | Computer-based |
| Official Website | https://www.ielts.org/ | https://www.ets.org/toefl | https://pearsonpte.com/ |
Read More about PTE: Click Here
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE: Advantages and Disadvantages
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, all these 3 exams have some advantages as well as a few disadvantages. To understand their characteristics clearly, we are dividing their advantages and Disadvantages in a tabular format to make a comparative analysis.
| IELTS | TOEFL | PTE |
| Advantages:
Preferred by those who have been learning Queen’s English, or English in UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Separate Exam for General Candidates, hence preferred by those who want to migrate. Preferred for formal Interview Setting. Conducted almost once every day, so preferred by those having less time. Written Paper, hence, preferred by those who are not comfortable with Computer |
Advantages:
Questions are straightforward and Easy as compared to IELTS, and PTE. Multiple evaluators for Speaking Test, minimizing the chances of Biasness. Readily acceptable in the USA, and Canada. Accessible with 4500+ centers all over the Globe. Slightly less expensive than IELTS, and PTE. |
Advantages:
Fastest result declaration is seen in PTE. Writing test is comparatively easy, as there is only 1 essay question. It takes least time among all these tests, and all the tests are completed in a single day. Entire test is automated, and there is no human intervention. |
| Disadvantages:
Fear of face-to-face Speaking Test in IELTS. Speaking Test is conducted on a separate date. Writing Test is tougher than other tests. Scores in IELTS are not as detailed as TOEFL, and PTE. |
Disadvantages:
Does not have a different test for those who wish to migrate.Candidates must be fast enough to register for the test, as late fees are high. It is the longest exam which may extend up to 4 hours. Extensively computer-based, making it difficult for those with lack of Computer Knowledge. |
Disadvantages:
Still not accepted at many International Universities. The speaking test is also conducted by Computer. Chances of a low score is higher due to a heavy accent. Recordings are tougher to understand as real lecture recordings are used in the test. |
Read More about TOEFL: Click Here
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE: Score Comparison
Since all these 3 tests compare candidates on a different scale, it becomes a necessity to identify the different marks and their proficiency level for a better understanding of marks distribution. Following table indicates the marks distribution of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE with the Proficiency Level indicator.
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Proficiency Level |
| 9 | 118-120 | 89-90 | Expert |
| 8.5 | 115-117 | 83-85 | Very Good |
| 8 | 110-114 | 78-82 | Very Good |
| 7.5 | 102-109 | 73-77 | Good |
| 7 | 94-101 | 64-72 | Good |
| 6.5 | 74-93 | 58-63 | Competent |
| 6 | 60-78 | 50-57 | Competent |
| 5.5 | 46-59 | 42-29 | Modest |
| 5 | 35-45 | 35-41 | Modest |
| 4.5 | 32-44 | 30-34 | Limited |
| 0-4 | 0-31 | 0-30 | Extremely Limited |
To know more about the IELTS Exam Pattern: Click Here
Click here – The Why and How of Self-Reflection: Becoming Your Best Self
From all the above comparisons, one can be pretty sure that all these 3 Exams are relevant in today’s world. It depends on the candidate to choose the test which according to him/her is most suitable for them. Where IELTS is more suitable for admissions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, TOEFL is more suitable for admission in colleges in the USA and Canada. PTE is comparatively new, and is not recognized in many regions of the world. However, PTE has started to gain recognition in recent times.
In view of the current scenario with the world suffering from COVID-19, it is advised to opt for online tests. However, all these tests are being done with full precautions. Candidates are advised to use their wisdom and knowledge to identify the test most suitable for their needs. If someone wants to migrate, then it would be advised to go for IELTS. For more details regarding IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, you can follow the official website.
