Side by side
| PTE Academic | IELTS Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Pearson | British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
| How you take it | On a computer at a test center | On paper or on a computer at a test center |
| Speaking test | You speak into a microphone; responses are scored automatically, with some human part-scoring since 2025 | A face-to-face conversation with an examiner |
| Structure | Three parts with integrated tasks that test two skills at once | Four separate sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Length | About 2 hours | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Score scale | 10 to 90 overall, plus four skill scores | Bands 0 to 9 in half bands, plus four section bands |
Details such as results timing, fees and test dates change and vary by country. Check the official websites for current information.
The biggest difference: speaking
In IELTS, you talk with a trained examiner for 11 to 14 minutes. You can ask for a question to be repeated, and the conversation feels natural. In PTE, you speak to a computer in short timed bursts, often with other candidates speaking nearby. There is no one to react to you, and the microphone closes if you pause for more than 3 seconds.
Some people find a live examiner reassuring; others find it stressful and prefer the predictability of PTE's timed tasks. Try a few questions of each style before you decide. On this site, Read Aloud and Describe Image give you a quick feel for PTE speaking.
Writing and typing
PTE writing is always typed, with spell check turned off. IELTS writing is handwritten on paper or typed in the computer version. PTE writing tasks are shorter overall (a 200 to 300 word essay and one-sentence summaries), but writing is also assessed inside listening tasks, where spelling mistakes cost points.
Comparing scores
The two scales are different, and organizations that accept both set their own minimum for each test. Rather than converting scores yourself, look up the exact requirement for PTE and for IELTS on the admissions or visa page you are applying through. Official concordance tables exist, but the institution's stated minimum is what counts.
How to choose
- Check acceptance first. Confirm that your university, employer or visa category accepts the test you want to take, at the level you need. Requirements vary and change.
- Think about how you perform. If you type well and prefer structured, timed tasks, PTE may suit you. If you communicate better in conversation, IELTS speaking may feel more natural.
- Look at logistics. Test dates, locations and fees near you can make the decision for you.
If you choose PTE, start with the PTE Academic exam format, then try the free PTE practice tests.