The three famous English testing systems have made it easier for students to prove their language skills. But, which one to choose out of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE? Well, first, understanding IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE is essential in grasping their fundamentals and determining their suitability for aspiring candidates.
The inferred requirement by the English-speaking nations to admit students and hire employees proficient in that language has led to the genesis of these exams.
Thus, the fundamental objective of these tests is to gauge the innate knowledge level of the candidate in the English language, making these exams gradually creep into multiple domains, such as a compulsory criterion for education and employment in English-speaking countries.
To compare them, here is a detailed account covering the superficial to micro-details of these tests to aid you in choosing the right one.
What is IELTS?
IELTS, i.e., “International English Language Testing System,” is structured and organized by the British Council with the assistance of Cambridge Assessment English and IDP Education.
The exam has been structured for people who yearn to study or apply for a job in an English-speaking nation, preferably in European countries.
It has 4 tests that gauge the proficiency of students in various English-speaking skills.
IELTS is accepted by several institutions and public and private organizations. As per a crude estimate, around 3.5 million people appear for it annually, which makes it widely recognized.
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What is TOEFL?
The TOEFL exam stands for “Test of English as a Foreign Language” and has been conducted since 1964.
It is organized and administered by Educational Testing Services, which is a private nonprofit organization headquartered in New Jersey, US.
Initially, it was a paper-based exam, which later turned into a computer-based test to assess the proficiency in the English language of non-native speakers who are aiming for certain educational and employment purposes.
The available data reveals that around 2.3 million candidates take this exam annually.
What is PTE?
PTE is another English proficiency test, widely recognized for assessing the level of understanding of the English language. The full form of PTE is Pearson Test of English, and it is a computer-based test that declares the result in around 48 hours.
It is accepted by global universities, colleges, professional organizations, and governments and is attempted by approximately 1.2 million candidates every year.
To facilitate the students, its various types have been developed, such as PTE Academic, PTE Core, and UK Visa Test.
The PTE management exploits AI scaling strategies coupled with human experience to increase equity and reduce biases in the scoring process.
After going through the brief of all these exams, IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE comes out as the pivotal topic to understand the fundamentals of these exams.
IELTS VS TOEFL VS PTE
To comprehend the underlying characteristics of these exams, analyzing their contrasting features comes out as a compelling demand.
So here is IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE in a tabulated format to facilitate you in grasping the crux.
| S. No. | Domain of Difference | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE |
| 1 | Full form | International English Language Testing System | Test of English as a Foreign Language | Pearson Test of English |
| 2 | Organized by | British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge English | Educational Testing Service (ETS) | Pearson PLC Group |
| 3. | Exam Types | IELTS Academic
IELTS General Training
IELTS UKVI
IELTS Life Skills | TOEFL iBT
TOEFL Essentials
TOEFL ITP
TOEFL Junior/ Primary | PTE Academic
PTE General
PTE Core
PTE Academic UKVI |
| 4 | Mode of exam | Offline and online | Online | Online |
| 5 | Length of Time of Exam | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| 6 | Age Criteria | Minimum 16 years | No minimum age | Minimum 16 years |
| 7 | Exam Location | Authorized test center or online exam at home; speaking test taken by video call with a certified examiner | Authorized test center by the respective authority or PC for the online exam | Authorized test center by the respective authority or PC for the online exam |
| 8 | Mode of Speaking Test | Face-to-face interview | Computer-based; using a microphone and the system | Computer-based; using a microphone and the system |
| 9 | Days for Result Declaration | 13 days for offline test/ 1–2 days for online test | 4–8 days | 2 working days |
| 10 | Score Range | 0-9 | 0-120 | 10-90 |
| 11 | Fees | $195- $310 (based on the type of exam) | TOEFL iBT — $195TOEFL Essentials exam- $100-$120 | $165-$310(Based on exam type) |
| 12. | Recognized in the Area | Readily accepted in the UK but also has recognition in the US | Widely recognized in US universities | Usually accepted where the other 2 tests are also recognized. |
Similarities Between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE
Apart from the conspicuous variations, these exams have certain noteworthy similarities as well. Deciphering them is necessary for comparing them and finding out IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE, which is easier.
- Validity of Result: The scorecard of all three exams remains valid for 2 years, for which the candidate can apply to the respective institutions and organizations.
- Tests in the Exam: All three tests conduct speaking, reading, writing, and listening tests.
- Purpose of Exam: The ultimate aim of these exams is to gauge the proficiency in British and American English.
- Number of Attempts: There is NO LIMIT on the number of times the test can be taken. Though the minimum eligible age for this exam varies to some extent.
- Online Exam Option: All these exams provide the opportunity to take a test on the system at the designated exam location.
Some educational institutions, such as the University of Michigan, consider the scores of more than one of these exams to shortlist the students.
This productive comparison will answer most of your questions about these exams, but “which one is best for you” traces its way through the purpose of taking these tests.
Purposes of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Exams
Being highly attended exams, these tests serve some purposes that you need to be aware of before selecting and preparing for one. These motives have been graphically exhibited and subsequently explained further.
- For Educational Purposes: The most prominent purpose of taking these exams is to explore the opportunity to join a prestigious educational institution in a foreign country.
- Exploring Employment Opportunities: Many firms in English-speaking countries generally demand proficiency in the English language, for which they prefer scorecards of these exams.
- For Immigration: Some countries, such as Canada, use English proficiency tests for their immigration point system.
- Taking the Benefit of Scholarship: A sizable number of scholarship programs require a scorecard of any one of these exams to qualify for claiming the benefits.
- Supplementing Documents in Visa Applications: A few countries, such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, have mandatory provisions for IELTS and PTE scores in their visa application criteria for non-resident students.
After understanding all the cardinal and peripheral factors, the major question cropping up is IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE, which one is best for you?
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which Test is Best for You?
It being a subjective question in a true sense, there are some aspects to be considered to answer these questions. These factors cumulatively discern which one suits you best.
- Test Format: As IELTS provides online as well as offline exam facilities, the other 2 exams are completely computer-based, which is a considerable point for aspirants to choose from them.
- Recognition in Your Target Destination: Which exam is recognized and accepted in your target institution or organization needs to be figured out before deciding on one.
- Learning Style: The discernible differences between the syllabi of these tests are what demand heed. Such minor points affect the learning style and ultimately have an impact on the overall exam performance.
- Personal Caliber: The difference in the exam pattern, test period, and other such minor but significant factors drives the role of personal caliber in the exam.
Based on these factors, you can deduce the exam that fits your demands and requirements. Understanding it is necessary to make a strategy for the respective test and clear it within the stipulated time.
Suggested Reads: Proverbs in English to Elevate Your IELTS Bands Easily and Effectively
Conclusion
This productive discussion will help you in finding your Ikigai and strategizing the approach. As these exams have contrasting characteristics, eligibility criteria, and respective exam modes, you must sink into their essence and elementary character before pursuing one.
But attempting all of them demands the quality of embracing the commitment
Determination, grit, a deep sense of commitment, and resisting the temptations or distractions.
FAQ
Ans: Measuring the ease of these exams depends on several aspects, such as the syllabus, the proficiency of the candidate in a particular skill, etc.
Ans: These are the exams conducted for people aspiring to join foreign educational institutions or claiming employment opportunities in nations where English is their native language.
Ans: Yes, a 65 score in PTE is equal to a 7.0 score band of IELTS. However,
Ans: Yes, PTE is accepted in many universities in the US for various programs.
