IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take?
A Simple Comparison of English Tests
There are three main English tests: IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. Which one should you take?
This guide compares all three tests. By the end, you will know which test is best for you.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test length | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Speaking format | Face-to-face with person | Computer only | Computer only |
| Results time | 13 days | 2-5 days | 4-8 days |
| Score range | 0-9 bands | 10-90 points | 0-120 points |
| Test type | Paper or computer | Computer only | Computer only |
IELTS: The Most Popular Test
IELTS is the most common English test in the world. It has two versions: Academic (for study) and General Training (for work or immigration).
Good things about IELTS:
- Accepted everywhere in the world
- Speaking is with a real person
- You can take it on paper or computer
- Many test dates and locations
Hard things about IELTS:
- Results take 13 days
- Speaking test can be on a different day
- Must write by hand (paper test)
PTE: The Fast Test
PTE is completely on computer. It is newer than IELTS. Many people like it because results come fast.
Good things about PTE:
- Results in 2-5 days
- All done in one sitting
- Computer scores your test (no human opinion)
- Can book test 24 hours before
Hard things about PTE:
- Speaking to a computer is strange
- Some question types are confusing
- Not accepted everywhere (check first)
TOEFL: The American Test
TOEFL is popular in the USA and Canada. It uses American English words and accents.
Good things about TOEFL:
- Best for USA and Canada universities
- Results in 4-8 days
- All done in one sitting
Hard things about TOEFL:
- Very long (3 hours)
- Note-taking is important
- Uses American English only
Which Test Should You Take?
Take IELTS if:
- You are going to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand
- You prefer speaking to a real person
- You like writing by hand
- Your university or employer requires IELTS
Take PTE if:
- You need results fast
- You are comfortable with computers
- You do not like talking to strangers
- Your university or visa accepts PTE
Take TOEFL if:
- You are going to the USA or Canada
- Your university requires TOEFL
- You know American English well
Check Your Requirements First
Before you decide, check what your university, employer, or immigration office accepts. Some places accept all three tests. Some only accept one.
Compare your scores across tests with our Score Converter Tool.
Read more about score meanings: What Your Score Means