Is PTE test easier than IELTS ?

March 17, 2020PTE APEUni
PTE AND IELTS Is PTE test easier than IELTS ?

One of the most popular questions of all time- IELTS or PTE, which English Exam is easier? After observing over 200 clients take one English exam or the other, we have drafted the following blog. It takes you through the following:
1) About PTE and IELTS

2) Decision making questions

3) Pros and Cons

About PTE and IELTS

PTE

PTE is a computer based exam- which means the test is given on a computer and the checking is also computer based. It has 4 components: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. ALL of which take pace during the same test. I.e. in under 3 hours. In the speaking section you speak into a microphone. Realistic and timed mock testes are available on the official PTE website. For more information visit: http://pearsonpte.com/


IELTS

IELTS is a written exam and is checked by an examiner. Practice material is available but there are NO mock tests supplied by the official IELTS. IELTS also has 4 components: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. However all of these DO NOT take place at the same time. The “speaking” section takes pace either after a few days or the same day but after a few hours. For more information visit: http://ielts.com/

Decision Making Questions

Before dwelling into the pros and cons ask yourself the following questions:

Computer or Humans

Are you more comfortable reading a passage and speaking into the microphone or would you rather prefer speaking to an actual person?
Sometimes talking to an actual person can be nerve-wreaking. For example, thinking of things to say about a given topic may not be the easiest thing to do. In this case you only have to re-aloud a given passage in PTE. Are you comfortable with typing? You don’t have be a whiz at it, but ensure you have a decent typing speed if you’re opting for PTE. Some people prefer writing over typing, so determine which one is your strong suit.


How urgently do you need the results

If you need the test results quickly, then choose PTE, it takes 3 business days (sometimes even less). As opposed to IELTS results which can take up to 14 calendar days.
This may also be useful in case you want to take a second attempt, knowing you didn’t get the desired score timely, can give you more time to prepare for the next attempt.

PROS AND CONS

PTE

PROS
1) Computer based checking – usually more accurate.
2) The test finishes in 3 hours
3) Realistic mock tests available
4) Mock tests priced 1/10th of the exam fees so you can get a fair idea before paying for the exam.
5) Test results come back in 3 business days.
CONS
1) Computer based attempt- difficult if you can’t type well.
2) Not accepted by majority of the countries for immigration purpose.

IELTS

PROS
1) Written test- can seem easier to some people.
2) Accepted by majority of countries for immigration purpose.
CONS
1) The entire test doesn’t finish in 3 hours. The speaking section is conducted after a few hours/days of the exam.
2) The test results take 14 days to come.
3) You have to speak on a topic (on the spot) while talking to the examiner.