Graduate programs, universities, and employers around the world commonly require non-native English speakers to demonstrate strong English proficiency skills. Standardized English language testing serves as a way to objectively measure the English proficiency of applicants whose native language is not English. The three most prominent English certification exams are:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL iBT
But what exactly do these acronyms mean, and what’s the difference between the PTE, IELTS and TOEFL exams?
As an international student or job seeker looking to study, work or immigrate abroad, choosing the right English proficiency test is an important decision. The English test you take can determine whether or not you are admitted into your desired university program, or hired for a dream job.
By the end of this detailed PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL comparison guide, you’ll understand all the key differences between these three popular English language assessments so you can decide the best exam to take for your specific needs.
Which Organizations & Universities Accept These Tests?
Before deciding whether to take PTE Academic, IELTS or TOEFL iBT, it’s important to check that the test you choose is accepted by the schools and institutions you are applying to.
Wide Acceptance
- All three tests enjoy widespread acceptance. Thousands of academic programs at colleges, universities, and business schools recognize PTE scores, IELTS bands, and TOEFL scores to prove an applicant’s English skills.
- Immigrations departments in English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and Canada accept results from these tests for visa and permanent residency applications.
Acceptance Specifics
- In the USA, the TOEFL exam is more commonly required and preferred, especially by graduate schools.
- In Canada and UK, both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted.
- Australia and New Zealand readily accept PTE and IELTS scores.
So be sure to double check the English test requirements for each institution or location you plan to apply to.
Exam Format and Content
PTE Academic
- Format: Computer-based exam taken at secure test centers
- Skills Assessed: Speaking, writing, listening and reading
- Sections: Speaking (read aloud, repeat sentences, describe image, re-tell lecture), Writing (summarize text, essay), Listening (summarize spoken text, fill in blanks, highlight text), Reading (reading comprehension, fill in blanks)
IELTS
- Format: Paper-based test; Speaking section conducted face-to-face.
- Skills Assessed: Speaking, writing, listening and reading
- Sections: Speaking test with examiner (part 1 intro questions, part 2 long turn speak, part 3 discuss topics), Listening (conversations, monologues, lectures), Reading (3 passages to answer 40 questions), Writing (graph/visual data report, essay)
TOEFL iBT
- Format: Internet-based; Speaking scored by AI algorithm
- Skills Assessed: Speaking, writing, listening and reading
- Sections: Reading (3-4 passages), Listening (lectures, conversations), Speaking (independent tasks, integrated tasks), Writing (integrate listening and reading to write essay)
The formats vary, with PTE conducted on a computer with almost all questions types automated, while IELTS and TOEFL involve more human examiners or raters for speaking/writing. But all three tests ultimately assess the same four key English skills.
Difficulty Levels: Which Test Is Harder?
There is an overall perception that IELTS is the hardest exam, assessing advanced language skills, while TOEFL is considered easier with more basic content. PTE lies somewhere in the middle with moderate difficulty.
However, the actual test difficulty varies hugely for individual students depending on personal factors. Someone very comfortable with computers may find PTE or TOEFL easier, while those with excellent vocabulary may shine on IELTS. Being able to process information quickly under pressure also influences perceived difficulty.
Additionally, one’s accent, fluency levels, grammar knowledge and other English language abilities impact how simple or complex each test seems. So while general observations of test difficulty exist, no exam is universally easier or harder for every test taker.
The key is to try practice tests for PTE, IELTS and TOEFL to gauge which format and content plays best to your personal strengths. Choose the standardized test that caters most to your English proficiency level and skillset.
Cost Comparison: PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL
The fees to take and send score reports for these three popular English tests are:
| Test | Registration Fee | Scores Sent To | Rescheduling/Cancellation |
| PTE Academic | $200 | $20 per recipient | Fees apply |
| IELTS | $225 | First report free, then $25 per recipient | Fees apply |
| TOEFL iBT | $215 | First 4 reports free, then $20 per recipient | Free rescheduling/cancellation |
- PTE and TOEFL both charge $200-215 as a base price to take the actual test.
- IELTS costs $225, making it the most expensive upfront.
- Sending scores to additional recipients beyond those included costs $20-25 per score report for all three tests.
- Rescheduling or cancelling your test date attracts extra fees for PTE and IELTS, but is free for TOEFL.
So TOEFL offers the most flexibility if your plans change last minute. But PTE lets you send scores to as many destinations as needed for the same $20 fee per report.
IELTS can work out significantly pricier if you end up taking the test multiple times and sending scores to many destinations. Shop around for regional discounts where available.
Registration and Scheduling Process
PTE
- Schedule online through Pearson VUE website
- Select test location center and appointment time
- Print your confirmation email
- Take valid passport for identification
IELTS
- Register on IELTS official website
- Choose paper or computer-delivered test
- Select preferred test center and date
- Print test day confirmation letter
- Present valid ID (passport/driver’s license)
TOEFL
- Register on ETS website
- Pick test location center and appointment
- Get email confirmation with appointment number
- Bring valid passport to exam
For all three tests, you book cropped exam slots in advance at approved test centers. Official confirmation containing your ID details is essential for entry on exam day, along with acceptable identification documents like a passport.
Scoring and Results Timeline
| Test | Scoring System | Results Released |
| PTE | Scored on 90-90 scale, 10 points per band. Overall score and sectional band scores | Within 5 business days |
| IELTS | Banded scores from 1-9 for overall and sectional performance | 13 days for computer, up to 17 days for paper |
| TOEFL | Total 120-120 scale. 30 points for each sections. Overall score and sectional scores | After 6 days |
Understanding the scoring and metrics makes comparing tests effortless. Ensure the organization you are applying receives your results before admissions deadlines!
Which Test Should You Take? How To Decide
Choosing which test to take – PTE, IELTS or TOEFL – depends most importantly on the acceptance policies of the institutions or immigration programs you are applying to. Applicants to US colleges and universities will likely need TOEFL, while PTE and IELTS meet requirements for Australia and New Zealand.
The exam format should also guide your decision – if you prefer handwritten vs computerized tests, or excel at processing information quickly. Compare the difficulty level of each test against your personal English abilities through practice exams.
Finally, weigh up the costs in registration fees, score sending, and potential retakes or cancellations. Consider all these factors – local acceptance, format, difficulty, and affordability – to determine if PTE, IELTS or TOEFL best fits your situation and testing strengths. Check specific score requirements and make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Deciding between taking PTE, IELTS or TOEFL depends largely on factors like regional test acceptance policies, your personal strengths, cost considerations, and English skill level. PTE Academic provides detailed scores the fastest but has a unique computer-based format not everyone likes.
IELTS better suits advanced English speakers who can demonstrate written and oral skills for human examiners. But the traditional paper format and high costs are downsides. While the TOEFL iBT has wide acceptance in the US/Canada and seems easier for intermediate speakers, the fully automated nature can prove challenging.
Carefully weigh up whether PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL aligns better to your English abilities, professional/academic goals and budget to determine the best test for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which test has easier scoring requirements for immigration?
A: IELTS and PTE use the same banded scoring system from 1-9 for immigration purposes. TOEFL has a separate Immigration points scale based on total score. Check official immigration department score guidance.
Q: Can I take the PTE General test instead of PTE Academic?
A: No – PTE General tests basic survival English skills. PTE Academic assesses advanced academic and professional English skills required for university and immigration.
Q: How many times can I take each test in a period?
A: You can take PTE, IELTS or TOEFL as many times as you want. But repeated attempts close together may incur additional fees. Scores are usually valid for two years before expiring.
Q: Which test has the highest test security?
A: PTE Academic has best-in-class security standards using audio, video and biometrics like palm-vein scans to confirm identity and prevent cheating during the computer-based exam. Its systems also use data forensics to detect plagiarism in written responses.
