IELTS vs PTE Academic: Which is better?

IELTS General Training vs PTE Academic. A debate has been raging online about which one is better, and why?

To answer this question, I decided to take both tests and compare my experiences from booking the tests to getting my results. Why did I decide to do this? Because I have too much time on my hands. And also because comparing my experiences could be useful for future test takers. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go!

IELTS and PTE Academic tests explained

Let’s start with the basics, what are these tests exactly?

The IELTS and the PTE Academic tests are both used to rate the English language skills of the person taking the exam. The four English language categories assessed during the test are:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

Test takers receive a score for each of these categories, as well as an ‘overall’ score to prove how well they can understand and communicate in English.

What are the test results used for?

If you are planning to live, work or study in an English speaking country such as Australia, you’ll most likely need to prove that you have competent English skills. Each visa, employer or university may have their own minimum English language score that you need to achieve, so it’s best to check with them before applying.

How are the IELTS and PTE Academic tests different?

PTE Academic

• Takes 2 hours
• Computer delivered
• Speaking test is completed on the computer
• Questions use more academic scenarios and language
• Tests are machine scored
• Highest possible score is 90

IELTS (General Training)

• Takes 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Computer and paper delivered versions available
• Speaking test is completed face to face with an examiner
• Questions use more everyday scenarios and language
• Tests are marked by expert examiners
• Highest possible score is 9

The IELTS is also more widely accepted than PTE Academic, so you should definitely check which tests are accepted before submitting any applications.

My IELTS vs PTE Academic test experience

So, did I find much difference between these tests? Is one more difficult than the other? Let’s find out!

1. Booking the test

PTE Academic

As the PTE Academic is fully computer based and all English categories are assessed in the same session, the booking process was very straightforward. I simply entered my location and chose from the available dates. I was also able to reschedule the appointment easily online. I received a booking confirmation with helpful information straight away.

IELTS

Booking the IELTS was much the same as booking the PTE Academic. It was simple to find available test times, I could reschedule my test online and I also received a booking confirmation very quickly. The two key differences were:

• I could choose whether I wanted a paper based or computer based test
• I had to make two appointments, one for the main test and one for the speaking test

The IELTS speaking test needs its own appointment time because it is done face to face with an examiner. I was able to schedule my speaking test to take place right after my main test finished. It might have been annoying to wait around if I couldn’t book them close together, but some people might like a break between the two.

2. Preparing for the test

PTE Academic

My PTE Academic booking confirmation included a link to their test preparation materials. There were a mix of free and premium resources available. The free resources included:

• A guide to the test format and every question type
• Short video courses
• The PTE mobile app
• A five minute ‘PTE Taster Test’
• A handbook which included information on how test day and scoring work

They also had a few Official PTE Academic packages which you could pay extra for. These included:

Bronze package

• Two scored practice tests
• PTE Academic Question Bank (300 practice questions with sample answers)

Silver package

• Four scored practice tests
• PTE Academic Question Bank

Gold package

• Five scored practice tests
• PTE Academic Question bank
• Official Guide to PTE Academic (an e-book with extra resources and expert tips)

These packages ranged from $59.99 — $129.99 USD. You could also buy the tests, question bank or e-book guide separately if you wanted to buy only one and save some money.

IELTS

Two days after booking my test, I received an email from IELTS with a range of preparation materials to help me study. They also sent me a few reminders in the lead up to my test which was helpful. I was very impressed by how many resources were available, including:

• Step by step explanations of how the IELTS works
• Free practice tests
• Free IELTS Masterclasses
• Free articles, videos and blogs

While much of the information was free, there were also some extra resources I could purchase for an additional fee which included:

• IELTS Assist: Official mock tests for one particular skill, marked by real examiners who provide personalised feedback.
• IELTS Progress Check: An online practice test which is marked by real examiners. You receive personalised feedback on each of your skills.

Hot tip: I downloaded the IELTS app and was given free access to an exclusive IELTS Preparation Course.

3. Checking in on test day

PTE Academic

On entering the building I was asked to take a copy of some test day guidelines and wait to be called. One by one the test takers were asked to check in and we were assigned a locker for our personal belongings.

There were a lot of precautions taken to prevent cheating. No jewellery thicker than 1.2cm was allowed, there were multiple cameras in the room including one in each test booth, and I had to keep my arms covered in case my tattoos contained secret notes. It was all very quiet and serious.

IELTS

The IELTS facility was modern and nicely decorated. The staff were bubbly and very friendly, and they were happy to answer any questions I had. I was given a locker in a secure area and was able to choose the access pin myself, which felt extra secure.

I was running a few minutes late and the staff informed me they had just been about to call me in case I was lost, which I thought was extra helpful and caring.

4. Completing the test

PTE Academic

I was one of the first in my group to be taken to my computer. The instructions on the computer were clear and I was able to start the test as soon as I sat down. I could also skip ahead if I answered the questions quickly, so I ended up finishing the exam in less than two hours.

For the speaking and listening sections, I felt a bit rushed. There wasn’t much time to look at the questions before the audio started, and you only get to hear the audio once. Some of the sentences I was meant to repeat were quite long, and I’d forgotten the first part of the sentence by the time I heard the ending. I liked being able to do the speaking section at the computer, although it was a bit hard to concentrate with everyone in the room talking at once.

The reading and writing sections were explained well, although I was surprised at some of the advanced language used. I know some native English speakers who wouldn’t have some of the words I saw in their vocabulary. There was a timer on the screen which showed how long was left for each question, this was very helpful for planning my time during the longer essay answers.

IELTS

I was one of the last in my IELTS group to be shown to my computer. Unlike the PTE Academic, everyone in my group had to start the test at the same time. We also could not skip forward if we finished a section early. At first this annoyed me, but then I realised that it forced me to go back and check my answers while I waited for the next section to start. Thanks to this, I was able to find some errors I had made and correct them. Phew!

I definitely felt more relaxed during the IELTS. It may have been the extra time, or it may have been the types of questions on the exam. The questions used more everyday language and while there were still some difficult parts, I did find the IELTS easier in general than the PTE Academic. I had time to comfortably read the questions before hearing the recordings for the listening section, and the timer was big enough that managing my time during the reading and writing sections was easy.

I thought I’d be nervous doing the speaking test with a human examiner, but I ended up quite liking it. It felt more like a natural conversation which helped me to relax. Everyone at the test facility was so nice that I left in quite a good mood.

5. Getting my results

PTE Academic

I was very happy with how fast I received my PTE Academic test results.

My test took place on a Saturday, so I wasn’t expecting to hear anything until the following week. To my suprise, I received a text message within just a few hours saying that my results were now available in the portal.

IELTS

I took my IELTS exam on a Saturday. On Tuesday I received an email saying that my results were now available. I logged into the portal and found:

• My results
• An explanation of what my results meant
• Suggestions for how to improve in each category

Considering the IELTS is marked by examiners and not machine scores, I thought the results arrived fairly quick.

Were the results what I expected?

Although I have heard some test takers say that they got better results with PTE Academic, mine were very similar on both tests and exactly what I was expecting.

I was happy with my test results.

What if I wasn’t happy with my score?

If I didn’t get the score I needed, what could I have done? I think that’s a question worth exploring for anyone who is thinking of taking one of these tests in the future.

PTE Academic

There are only a few options available if you don’t like your PTE Academic test result.

Request a machine rescore

If you strongly feel that your score is incorrect, you can request a machine rescore. There is a fee for this service but if the new score is higher, your test results will be reissued with the higher score. It’s important to know that because this test is machine scored, it’s very unlikely that your score will change.

Request a technical review

If you believe a technical issue may have caused your speaking score to be low, you can request a technical review for a fee of $50 USD. If a technical issue is found, your test fee will be refunded and you will be free to book another test. Your test scores will not be changed.

Book another test

The only other option available to achieve a higher PTE Academic score is to retake the test and hope that with more study, your score will improve.

IELTS

Request a remark

For a fee, you can request to have your IELTS exam remarked by a senior examiner. This examiner will not know what your original scores were. If the examiner marks your test higher than your original results, your remark fee will be refunded and your results will be reissued with the higher score.

Use the One Skill Retake service

IELTS One Skill Retake is a very exciting way to improve your IELTS score. This option allows you to retake one part of the IELTS test. You can choose from:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

This costs much less than booking an entirely new test, and you are able to focus your study on just one key skill.

Which test do I recommend?

Based on my own experience I would recommend the IELTS over the PTE Academic, although I think both tests could be useful for different types of people.

I would recommend the PTE Academic if:

• You have advanced English vocabulary skills
• You are a fast reader
• You want to do your whole test in one sitting
• You want to finish your test quickly
• You need to receive your test results urgently

I would recommend the IELTS General Training test if:

• You have competent English vocabulary skills
• You cannot read especially fast
• You want some time to check your answers
• You feel comfortable speaking face to face
• You would like the option to retake one test component