Differences Between IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic: Which test you should take

The standardized English language exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic, fall in the ongoing debate of which test to take. This debate can be best answered by the following article discussing the exam pattern, structure, popularity, duration, toughness to crack the exam, prep tips, and even its relevance.

Being the universal language, English is a compulsion for students who aspire to study abroad. Universities abroad follow rules of the global education system, which judges on the basis of your score in standardized tests designed to test your language fluency. There are predominantly three standardized English language tests that are widely accepted in most foreign universities i.e. IELTS (International English Language Testing Service), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and PTE (Pearson Test of English). While all three of them evaluate your English language skills based on four parameters of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, the ongoing debate of which test to take has become a moot point amongst aspirants. Before landing to any conclusion, it is essential that we consider our requirements or preferences.

Let us closely examine the factors to consider before zeroing in on which test to take up:

Factors	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE
Versions	– Academic – General Training	– TOEFL iBT – TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition	–PTE Academic – PTE Academic UKVI
Organizer	British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English	ETS (Educational Testing Service)	Pearson PLC Group
Fee	INR 14,000	US$180	INR 14,700
Structure	Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening	Reading, Listening, Speaking Writing,	Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	3 hours	2 hours
Score	1 to 9	0 to 120	10 to 90
Results	13 days after the test date	6 days after the test date	Declared online within two working days
Popularity	Widely popular in the UK and Australia	Widely popular in the USA and Canada; 100% accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand	Widely recognized in many institutions of the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada
Acceptance	9000+ International Colleges	11,000 universities, agencies, and other institutions	PTE Academic Examis accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, INSEAD, and Yale. PTE Academic is also accepted for visa purposes by the Australian and New Zealand governments.

‘Which test to take?’ is mostly a matter of opinion and individual preference. If you are not taking external assistance to help you decide, you may decide on the test on the basis of the location you choose to study.

For instance, if you are planning to join universities/colleges in North American countries, TOEFL is the right choice for you. The IELTS score is generally accepted worldwide, with a higher acceptance rate in the European countries as well as New Zealand, and Australia. ThePTE Academic Examis also accepted in theUSA, Canada, UK, and Australia.

It is always recommended that you conduct thorough research before finalizing an exam. To avoid further confusion, you may always seek assistance from the study abroad experts, who with their valuable experience and expertise can help you make useful decisions.

Related Posts: