Many applicants are uncertain about taking the IELTS or PTE exam to measure their English proficiency. Converting PTE scores to IELTS scores, according to experts, is the best approach to determine which exam candidates are performing better.
The PTE scoring is created using the GSE, or Global Scale of English. The PTE score ranges from 10 to 90. IELTS is graded with band scores ranging from 1 to 9.
In December 2020, Pearson published a concordance table that included an updated IELTS and PTE score charts comparison.
What are PTE and IELTS?
Let's first clarify their details before moving on to the conversion. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a well-known English language exam that is an entry point for students looking to further their studies abroad.
The exam is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats. The structure, degree of difficulty, and content do not change for both modes. The four sections of the IELTS exam are reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE), widely accepted in many nations, is comparable to the IELTS in value. Like the IELTS exam, the PTE contains four portions.
PTE Vs. IELTS
Despite the close resemblance of the two exams, some odd discrepancies should be noted while comparing IELTS and PTE. Now let's examine those; two exams are the same for both, but PTE offers a third exam, the "Young Learners Measure," designed to test young pupils' communicative abilities.
In contrast to the PTE, where candidates' conversations are recorded using microphones, the IELTS speaking test requires candidates to engage in a live discussion.
On the other hand, IELTS is also performed on paper, so it employs more graphs, charts, and diagrams. On the other hand, PTE is a computer-based test that analyzes applicants using distinct and unique tactics.
In the portions of the PTE exam, students can only move forward, unlike in the IELTS exam, they can move forward or backwards many times.
The two tests' scoring systems are the main distinction between them. IELTS scores are scored on a scale from 0 to 9, whereas the PTE measures candidates' English language proficiency using a score between 10 and 90 points. As a result, the necessity for conversion from PTE to IELTS occurs frequently.
Why convert PTE to IELTS?
Even though both exams are well-known among universities, some only accept one. For university entry, the majority of nations require IELTS scores.
To convert their results, PTE exam participants must have taken the PTE. Due to variations in the forms and scoring systems of the two tests, this conversion was necessary.
To get admitted to an institution that only takes IELTS scores, students who have passed the PTE exam and met the eligibility requirements must convert their results.
PTE and IELTS Band Score Calculation
Exams like the PTE and IELTS use different formulas to determine scores. IELTS scores vary from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest. IELTS scores are given separately for each section.
Finally, the four IELTS band scores are averaged to produce the final score. IELTS scores range in half-band (6.5) and whole-band (6.6) ranges.
On its official website, candidates can check their IELTS PTE scores online. According to the Global Scale of English, PTE is graded from 10 to 90. The PTE scorecard has three scores: overall, communicative, and enabling.
Add all the enabling skill items and divide the total by 6 to begin the computation. PTE is determined by adding the four communication skill scores and the total of the enabling skills.
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PTE and IELTS Score Conversion
By converting their PTE score to an IELTS score, candidates can evaluate their performance on the PTE exam. In terms of proficiency, PTE is equivalent to IELTS. Some people think PTE is simpler than IELTS.
Others, however, find it challenging due to its challenging vocabulary and subject matter. Candidates can better comprehend their performance level by comparing the PTE band list to the IELTS band list.
PTE and IELTS were previously compared in a table released. Based on the study, the most recent concordance table and extensive data analysis have been updated. Compared to IELTS scores, the new PTE score chart for 2021 can be found below.
PTE Academic (Updated) |
23 |
29 |
36 |
46 |
56 |
66 |
76 |
84 |
89 |
NA |
IELTS |
4.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
7.5 |
8.0 |
8.5 |
9.0 |
IELTS to PTE conversion research has been based on PTE academic test takers of all ages, nationalities, genders, and first languages. The following IELTS to PTE score conversion results in a few alterations that can be seen:
- The mid-range, mainly used for admission considerations, is where PTE and IELTS show the most remarkable differences. The middle range of the PTE score band list has been somewhat modified.
- PTE academic scores that remain in the same range at IELTS 7.5 and higher are still moving up the scale. The subsequent alteration where PTE = IELTS is stated is this.
- At IELTS scores of 6.5 and less, PTE academic results are a few points lower on the PTE scoring chart than IELTS.
- The conversion of PTE scores to IELTS is solely valid for academic tests. However, candidates can use the PTE vs IELTS comparison table for IELTS General Training because both exam types share 50% of the questions.
Conversion of PTE scores to IELTS with sectional scores
The Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing categories on the PTE score scale differ. In the most recent concordance report of PTE scores into bands, sectional scores of PTE equal to IELTS were also presented.
According to sectional scores, the following table converts PTE scores to IELTS:
IELTS Score |
PTE Overall score |
PTE Listening Score |
PTE Speaking Score |
PTE Reading Score |
PTE Writing Score |
5 |
40.8 |
40.2 |
43.0 |
40.2 |
43.1 |
5.5 |
45.4 |
42.7 |
47.9 |
42.2 |
51.0 |
6 |
51.6 |
48.1 |
53.5 |
46.2 |
62.2 |
6.5 |
58.5 |
56.8 |
60.6 |
53.5 |
74.1 |
7 |
66.3 |
66.2 |
67.8 |
65.3 |
82.3 |
7.5 |
74.6 |
73.9 |
73.7 |
75.3 |
87.5 |
8 |
82.3 |
79.4 |
78.4 |
80.9 |
89.4 |
8.5 |
88.1 |
84.7 |
83.7 |
85.5 |
89.5 |
Several conclusions can be drawn from the comparison of the PTE scorecard with the IELTS presented above:
- Writing has a higher PTE score than other sections, on average.
- The majority of universities demand an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher. The PTE score band list must be 58.5 and higher to achieve a comparable score.
- There is little difference between the PTE and IELTS band scores at an 8.5 PTE score.
Which is more scoring? PTE or IELTS?
IELTS and PTE are both accepted exams. IELTS and PTE are both equally challenging tests. Both demand the development of essential skills and familiarity with the test format.
In contrast to the PTE, where you speak to the computer, the IELTS speaking portion is conducted like an interview.
Therefore, you can get a high IELTS score if you talk with assurance, fluidity, and a vast vocabulary.
IELTS is examined humanly, whereas PTE employs AI to determine scores. As a result, there is minimal to no likelihood of any disparity in PTE results because it uses an objective and error-free methodology. Both tests, though, are passable if you study hard.
The comparison of PTE and IELTS is primarily intended to demonstrate how frequently government officials, academic institutions, professional associations, and professional bodies revise the scoring system.
The updated concordance report cannot change the candidates' PTE score charts. The PTE band is typically set in the middle at universities for admissions purposes. There won't be many modifications after the PTE and IELTS score comparison.