How to Choose the Right English Language Proficiency Test: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE

 

Test Name	Recognized By	Test Format	Sections	Scoring	Accepted By
IELTS	10,000+ organizations in 140 countries	Paper-based or computer-based	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Scored on a scale of 0-9	Universities, immigration authorities, and employers
TOEFL	11,000+ institutions in 150 countries	Computer-based	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing	Scored on a scale of 0-120	American universities and other institutions
PTE	3,000+ institutions in 50 countries	Computer-based	Speaking and Writing, Reading, Listening	Scored on a scale of 10-90	Universities, immigration authorities, and employers

1. IELTS:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized English language proficiency test. It is recognized by over 10,000 organizations in 140 countries, including universities, immigration authorities, and employers.

There are two types of IELTS tests: the Academic test and the General Training test. The Academic test is designed for people who want to study at a university or other higher education institution. The General Training test is for people who want to work, immigrate, or study at a secondary level.

The IELTS test is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats. It measures a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The listening and reading sections of the test are multiple-choice, while the writing section requires candidates to write essays on various topics. The speaking section involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner.

IELTS scores are reported on a scale of 0-9. Each section of the test is given a band score, and the overall score is an average of the four section scores. Different institutions and organizations have different IELTS score requirements, but a score of 6.5 or 7 is typically required for admission to a university.

2. TOEFL:

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language proficiency test that is recognized by over 11,000 institutions in 150 countries. It is primarily used by American universities and other institutions for admission purposes.

The TOEFL test is computer-based and measures a candidate's ability to understand and use English in an academic setting. The test is divided into four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The reading and listening sections are multiple-choice, while the speaking and writing sections require candidates to respond to prompts and complete tasks.

TOEFL scores are reported on a scale of 0-120. Each section of the test is given a score out of 30, and the overall score is the sum of the section scores. Different institutions and organizations have different TOEFL score requirements, but a score of 80-90 is typically required for admission to a university.

3. PTE:

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language proficiency test that is recognized by over 3,000 institutions in 50 countries, including universities, immigration authorities, and employers.

The PTE test measures a candidate's ability to understand and use English in academic and professional settings. The test is divided into three sections: speaking and writing, reading, and listening. The speaking and writing section requires candidates to respond to prompts and complete tasks, while the reading and listening sections are multiple-choice.

PTE scores are reported on a scale of 10-90. Different institutions and organizations have different PTE score