PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English test is right for you?

Reading time: 7 minutes

If you’re applying to study, work or migrate abroad, you may need to prove your English level with an accepted test. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are three of the most widely used English proficiency tests, and all assess speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Short answer: start with acceptance. Choose a test your university, employer or visa authority accepts for your exact application. If more than one option works, compare the test format, speaking style, result speed, score requirements and available test dates before you book.

See who accepts PTE

PTE vs TOEFL vs IELTS: quick comparison

Factor PTE Academic TOEFL iBT IELTS Academic
Format Fully computer-based Computer-based, at a test center or home where available Computer-delivered in many markets; speaking is typically with an examiner
Approximate length About 2 hours About 2 hours About 2 hours 45 minutes
Speaking section Recorded by microphone Recorded by microphone Live speaking test with an examiner
Scoring scale 10–90 0–120 0–9 bands
Result speed Usually within 2 days Available in your ETS account 3 days after the test date Often 1–5 days for computer-delivered testsaper where still available

1. Which test is accepted where you are applying?

Before comparing test features, check whether each test is accepted by the university, college, employer or visa authority you are applying to.  

This will help you narrow it down your search as the most important thing is that an English test meets your application requirements.

Headline acceptance numbers can be helpful, but they are not always directly comparable. Some providers count organizations, while others focus on academic institutions. The more useful question is: which test is accepted for your exact course, country and visa route?

PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities and colleges worldwide and is recognized for study and migration routes in major destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the US.

TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are also widely accepted globally. Always confirm the accepted test type and minimum score directly with the institution or official visa authority before you book your test.

Who accepts PTE?

2. Which test format suits you best?

Format matters because the way you are assessed can affect how confident and comfortable you feel on test day.

  • PTE Academic: a single computer-based test taken at a test center in one session across all four skills. Speaking responses are recorded through a microphone.

  • TOEFL iBT: a computer-based test, with recorded speaking responses.

  • IELTS Academic: listening, reading and writing may be computer-delivered, while the speaking test is usually a live interview with an examiner.

If you prefer a fully computer-based experience and would rather speak into a microphone than sit opposite an examiner, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT may feel more natural. If you prefer a conversational speaking test with a person, IELTS Academic may suit you better.

3. How does the speaking section differ between PTE, IELTS and TOEFL?

The speaking section is often where test-takers feel the biggest difference between PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic.

  • PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT: you speak into a microphone and your responses are recorded.  
  • IELTS Academic: you usually complete a live speaking test with an examiner. Some people find recorded speaking less stressful because there is no face-to-face interaction. Others prefer the rhythm of a live conversation.

There is no right or wrong preference. The best option is the one that lets you show your English clearly under your preferred test conditions.

4. Which test provides the fastest results?

If you are working toward an application or visa deadline, result turnaround can be one of the biggest deciding factors.

PTE Academic results are typically available in two business days, TOEFL iBT scores are available in your ETS account 3 days after the test date, and IELTS on computer results are available in 1–5 days.

Test Typical result turnaround  
PTE Academic 2 days  
TOEFL iBT Available in your ETS account 3 days after the test date  
IELTS Academic Often 1–5 days for computer-delivered tests; paper-based results may take longer where still available
  

5. How do PTE, IELTS and TOEFL scores compare? 

Each test reports scores differently, so you should not compare numbers directly without checking the relevant score guidance from your institutio or test provider.

  • PTE Academic: scored on a 10–90 scale.
  • TOEFL iBT: scored from 0–120, with each section scored out of 30.
  • IELTS Academic: scored on a 0–9 band scale, usually reported in half-band increments.

If you are close to a required threshold, pay particular attention to the score your chosen institution asks for in each section. Some applications require both an overall score and minimum scores in speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Learn more about how PTE Academic is scored compared to other tests

6. What practical considerations should you check before booking your English proficiency test?

Once you know which tests are accepted, compare the practical details in your location:

  • Available test dates
  • Distance to the nearest test center
  • Total cost in your country
  • Whether at-home testing is available and accepted for your purpose
  • Retake rules and how quickly you can book again if needed
  • How scores are sent to institutions

A test with faster results or more frequent booking may be a better fit if your deadline is close. If your timeline is more flexible, format and preparation style may matter more.

So, which English proficiency test is right for you?

PTE Academic may suit you if...

  • You want a fully computer-based test.

  • You are comfortable speaking into a microphone.

  • You need results quickly.

  • You prefer a single test session.

  • You are applying somewhere that accepts PTE Academic for your course, job or visa route.

TOEFL iBT may suit you if...

  • You are applying to institutions that specifically request or strongly recognize TOEFL iBT.

  • You are comfortable with academic-style tasks and recorded speaking.

  • You want a test that is widely used for university admissions, especially in the US and other international study destinations.

IELTS Academic may suit you if...

  • Your target institution or visa authority asks for IELTS Academic.

  • You prefer a live speaking test with an examiner.

  • You are comfortable with the IELTS band score system.

  • You want broad recognition across study, work and migration contexts.

How to choose between PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic

  1. List your target institutions and visa authorities. Note the accepted tests and minimum scores for each one.

  2. Shortlist the tests accepted by every place you are applying to. If one test covers all your requirements, it may be the simplest choice.

  3. Compare format fit. Decide whether you prefer recorded speaking, a live interview, fully computer-based testing or a more traditional format.

  4. Check timelines. Look at available test dates, result speed and retake options.

  5. Try official practice materials. Complete a timed practice section before you commit, so you know how the test feels.

  6. Book the test that best matches your deadline, strengths and application requirements.

Related Content

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    Speaking: Self-Improvement Part 1
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    In Part 1 of PTE Academic, you will require many core English skills to pass. It is very important that you prepare and look at ways you can maximize your score.

    We’ve put together some tips to help based on each question type.

    Read aloud

    In the Read Aloud question type, you will be scored based on content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

    As part of this question type, you will need to speak aloud and say all the words in the correct order.

    Here are some tips to help maximize your chances of receiving points:

    • Make sure you do not replace any words, leave any words out or add any. If you make a mistake and try to correct it, it will be counted as added words.

    • Once prompted, you must speak into the microphone right away and read with a smooth, easy natural speed. Try not to speak too fast or too slow.

    • Use English rhythm with chunking and sentence stress used correctly.

    • Try not to hesitate or repeat words as you will lose points.

    Repeat sentence

    The Repeat Sentence question type is scored based on the same elements as the Read Aloud question type: content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

    Here are some tips to help gain points in this question type:

    • Say all of the words in the exact same order. Do not rush.

    • Do not use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet, keep the sentence in your head.

    • It’s easier to keep the sentence in your mind if you understand the meaning. Try to understand the meaning.

    • If unsure of a word the speaker used, say what you think you heard.

    • Do not speak too fast or slow.

    • Similar to read aloud, use English rhythm with chunking and sentence stress. You will also lose points in this question type if you hesitate, repeat words or stumble to start.

    • Speak with the sounds of an English speaker and copy the intonation pattern of the speaker, but do not change your accent.

    Describe image

    In the Describe Image question type, you will be scored based on content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

    To be able to describe the image, you will need to understand it as it could be a graph, picture, map, chart or table. Always read the title and make sure you understand the parts that make up the image.

    Some extra tips include:

    • Use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take notes about the image, which you can use in your answer. For example, if the image is a graph, chart or table, is there a trend you can comment on? If it’s a map or picture, what are the important features?

    • Include all aspects and elements of the image in your answer.

    • Start with a general statement about the image then summarize the most important points.

    • If there are words on the image you want to use but are unsure how to pronounce them, don’t worry, just say them how you think they should be said.

    • Try using connector words to link the information you give. For example, use words such as: also, however, as or besides.

    You can receive up to 5 points based on your content. In order to score above 1, you will need to include the relationships between parts of the image, possible developments and conclusions or implications of the information in the image.

    Don’t forget to talk with a smooth, natural speed at all times during the speaking test.

    In total, there are five speaking sections of Part 1: Speaking and Writing.

    We recommend that you read more about the other question types such as Re-tell Lecture and Short Answer Question types and learn how to pick up points for these.

    Want to learn more about the smart way to prepare for PTE?

    Smart Prep brings all our free and paid preparation into one convenient place, so you can mix and match to fit your unique needs.

    • Smart Prep provides a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

    • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

    • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

  • Image- study group, 750px
    Why fluent English speakers don’t always get a perfect score
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Being an experienced English speaker does not guarantee you a high score

    It can come as a surprise to test takers, who consider themselves to be fluent in English, that they can score less well in an English test than they expect.

    Dr. Alistair Van Moere, a member of Pearson’s Technical Advisory Group, explains that it’s not unusual for people who have recently learned English to score higher than those that have spoken English for a long time. This happens on all high-stakes tests, not just on PTE Academic, as fluent speakers are often not prepared to do the test. PTE Academic contains question types that a fluent English speaker may not have done for a long time, for example, writing an essay.

    This is why all test takers, including fluent English speakers, should prepare before test day.

  • Image - 2 Asian students - 800x600px
    Sitting PTE Academic for the first time
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Choosing to study or migrate abroad is a big decision and may require you to demonstrate your skills in English.

    The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is widely trusted by universities, colleges, and governments around the world. Taking PTE Academic can create opportunities for you around the world.

    If you are taking the test for the first time, study each part of the test thoroughly to demonstrate your English skills as best you can.

    Even people that consider themselves to be fluent in English need to prepare as they can sometimes score fewer points than they should have as they have not prepared.

    We can help you achieve your best!

    What should I expect on test day?