Which English Proficiency Test Is Best for You, PTE or IELTS?

There is an increasing tendency for Bangladeshi students to go abroad for better education. According to the information obtained from Daily Janakantha Patrika, 52 thousand 799 students went abroad from Bangladesh in 2023 for education. To go overseas, you need to prove your English proficiency test. Are you confused about which English proficiency test is better for you, IELTS or PTE? The answer is that the IELTS traditional exam is the most common test among students in Bangladesh. Every student in Bangladesh has been given paper-based exams since the beginning of their education. However, with the advancement of technology, many students are becoming experts in computer operations. So, the PTE exam seems easy for them. The more you know about IELTS and PTE, the easier your decision will be. This complete article will give you an idea of the IELTS and PTE exams.

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WHAT IS THE IELTS TEST

IELTS is a globally recognized English language test famous for evaluating English proficiency. It’s divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. In 2017, 3 million students took the IELTS proficiency test for education and migration

For an Inquiry about IELTS: (880) 1930-350350

WHAT IS THE PTE TEST

The PTE exam is another famous English test that evaluates your ability to type essays, answer questions, and speak into a microphone. Humans do not administer the PTE test, so there is no human intervention here. The entire test is conducted using special software, and even this exam number is given through AI.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE IELTS AND PTE TESTS

The two exams will seem the same if you don’t know the difference between IELTS and PTE. You need to understand the difference between the IELTS and PTE. IELTS and PTE differ in a few ways, including:

IELTS	PTE
IELTS is a traditional computer-based testing system. However, the conventional IELTS exam is well-known among Bangladeshi students.	However, the PTE test is only computer-based. The machine operates the entire test.
The IELTS exam limit is 2 hours 40 minutes.	But the PTE exam time limit is 2 hours.
The grading scale for IELTS is 0-9. Most universities accept a minimum band score of 6-6.5. Many universities accept 5.5 band scores, but very few universities accept this range.	The range of marks for the PTE exam is 10-90. Universities require a minimum score of 55-60.
Traditional IELTS exam speaking test is a face-to-face exam system.	The PTE speaking test requires you to speak in front of a computer.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE IELTS AND PTE TESTS

But that’s not the only difference between IELTS and PTE. There are some similarities.

IELTS	PTE
The examiner writes the answers on the papers presented. It’s called the traditional IELTS exam. The examiner will provide you with a question paper and an answer sheet. You will write the answer on your answer paper.	PTE uses computer-based testing. You must use the test interface, type your answers, and record them using a microphone..
The IELTS speaking test is face-to-face. The examiner will ask questions, and the examinee must answer them comfortably.	The PTE speaking test requires recording your responses into a microphone. The examiner will evaluate them later.
The IELTS test follows the band scoring system. Band scoring ranges from 0 to 9.	PTE is a point-based scoring system. The range of which is 10 to 90.

Advice for IELTS and PTE exam

Test Preparation

Whichever score you choose, proper preparation and a high score are keys to your success. Both exams require familiarization with correct practice and question types. Many online tests with sample questions will boost your self-confidence.

Speaking Skills

IELTS is for you if you speak face-to-face and confidently converse in front of a live examiner. The PTE test is for you if you prefer to talk to a microphone and record your responses.

Score Requirements

Find out about the score requirements of the organization or job you’re applying for. Prepare yourself for IELTS or PTE accordingly.

ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE OF IELTS

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of IELTS:

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGE
It is highly recognized and widely accepted by 11,000 organizations. This exam is more prevalent among students and professionals.	The IELTS test can be expensive if a candidate has to take it more than once.
If you are not computer literate, you can pass the paper-based test.	The writing part of IELTS is more challenging than other tests.
IELTS provides one retake exam.	The IELTS retake test must be given 60 days after the first test.

ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE OF PTE

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of PTE:

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGE
PTE test results are available very quickly. If you need an emergency result, you select PTE.	Not every educational institution takes PTE.
If you are hesitant to speak in front of an examiner, you may prefer PTE.	Since it is computer-based, you will get low marks if your pronunciations are heavy.
PTE retakes are allowed five days after the initial exam.	There is a few chance of getting into trouble in the listening section.

A GOOD SCORE FOR IELTS AND PTE

A bachelor’s degree requires an IELTS score range of at least 6.0. Institutions recommend a minimum score of 55 to 66. But the better your score, the safer you are. How both scoring systems are fair against each other is given.

IELTS	PTE	DESCRIPTION
5.0	40.8	Mode-st
5.5	45.4	Mode-st
6.0	51.6	competent
6.5	58.5	competent
7.0	66.3	good
7.5	74.6	good
8.0	82.3	Very good
8.5	88.1	Very good
9.0	90	Expert

Which test is approved by the Immigration Department of Canada?

The Canadian Immigration Department approved the IELTS exam. However, the PTE exam has yet to be approved.

CAN THE SKIPPED QUESTIONS BE GIVEN LATER?

IELTS: Since the IELTS traditional exam is a paper-based test, if you skip any question here, you can easily give it later.

PTE: As PTE is a computer-based exam, you cannot skip questions where it run in a straight line.

WHICH TEST GIVES MORE PEOPLE FROM BANGLADESH?

Bangladeshis prefer IELTS over other tests. IELTS preparation is more accessible than PTE preparation for a skill-based test. Because of Bangladesh’s poor IELTS pass rate, individuals consider PTE a substitute. Getting good marks in PTE is easy. It is best to prepare for the exam according to the needs of the places you are going.

WHICH TEST IS FOR YOU?

Choose the exam based on your personal needs and preferences.

Preference for test formats: If you are comfortable with traditional face-to-face conversion, put IELTS on your choice list. If you want to take a computer-based exam, PTE is good for you.

Time restriction: If you want immediate results for a job or study, go with the PTE Test.

CONCLUSION

IELTS suits those who prefer the traditional method, and PTE is for those comfortable with technology. The proper guidance can turn your life around. But remember that with your hard work, you can start the race to success