PTE score in bands

Updated on: Apr 9, 2024
Share

The PTE is a computer-based English language test that assesses a candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The global recognition of the assessment is continuing to grow, with several educational institutions across the globe accepting the results as proof of English fluency. The PTE exam is available in three forms, Academic, General and Home. While the assessment is gaining popularity and is accepted in different universities, there are ways to convert these scores to their English assessment counterparts for better comparison during admission. Here, we cover how to convert and compare PTE scores in bands. Let us understand the PTE to IELTS conversion 2024.

PTE exam: An overview

  • The PTE exam assesses a candidate’s ability to read, listen, speak, and write in English and determines fluency in a score range of 10-90.
  • The PTE exam is an ideal assessment to evaluate your language skills. Over 3,000 universities across the globe accept the PTE for admissions. The Australian, New Zealand, and UK governments also take the results for immigration purposes. Remember that the PTE Academic Online is currently not accepted for visa applications.
  • Candidates who wish to take the PTE Academic Exam must be at least 16 years old to take the test. Candidates under 18 must submit a parental consent document to take the exam. There is no eligibility requirement for the PTE General exam.

PTE vs IELTS: A comparative analysis

Exam factorPTEIELTS
Test formatComputer-based assessmentPaper or computer-based assessment
ScoringPoints-based scoringBand scoring
Test availabilityAvailable worldwideAvailable in most countries
Test resultsAvailable within 5 business daysAvailable within 13 days
Test Pattern

Speaking and writing

Reading

Listening

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

SyllabusCovers academic and real-life English language skills, like vocabulary, grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, and comprehensionFocuses on a wide range of language skills, like vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, listening and interpreting, and verbal communication
ImportanceAccepted by several educational institutions and governments for immigration purposesWidely recognised and accepted by educational institutions and immigration authorities across the globe
Exam durationAround 2 hours 15 minutesAround 2 hours 45 minutes

Data updated as of Apr 2024

Explore university options for your post-exam future

Discover your ideal course today

Which one is better: PTE or IELTS?

  • The PTE exam is flexible regarding test dates and locations compared to the IELTS exam. PTE offers test sessions in numerous places worldwide, allowing test takers to choose a time and place that suits their needs the best throughout the year.
  • PTE provides results as soon as within 2-5 business days, while IELTS results may take up to 13 days.
  • PTE is a computer-based test, but the IELTS exam provides computer and paper-based formats. Also, IELTS is a widely recognised assessment worldwide, including in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia.
  • While PTE is as challenging as other English language assessments, IELTS is widely preferred by some educational institutions abroad.

One cannot determine which exam is better, as both assessments effectively assess the candidate’s English language proficiency.

PTE score in bands

Students who have attempted the PTE exam can compare their scores with other English assessments to determine if their performance meets the university requirements. Students often try to find their IELTS equivalent to the PTE score they received. It helps you understand your performance and check if the marks meet the qualifications. There are PTE band score calculators available online, or you can check your score equivalents in the PTE score in the bands chart. Here is the PTE score chart in bands.

PTE score to IELTS band conversion table 2024

PTE scoreIELTS band equivalentCandidate proficiency level
898.5Very good
848.0Very good
767.5Good
667.0Good
566.5Competent
466.0Competent
365.5Modest
295.0Modest
234.5Poor

Data updated as of Apr 2024

PTE scores: What do they mean?

PTE ScoreAssessment Factors
85+
  • Candidate can read and understand written English with ease.
  • They can easily understand spoken English.
  • They are able to summarise audio and written information from a variety of sources.
  • They can communicate clearly and effectively in simple and complex situations.
76 - 84
  • Candidate can easily read and understand various complicated texts, including their hidden meaning.
  • They have no trouble expressing themselves.
  • They have excellent communication skills in social, academic, and professional settings.
59 - 75
  • Candidate can understand the major ideas of a difficult text.
  • They can converse with ease and spontaneity.
51 - 58
  • Candidate has good knowledge of the language yet needs to improve when expressing their ideas and opinions.
  • They can understand basic spoken language without difficulty.
43 - 50
  • Candidate can understand English used at work, school, and leisure surroundings.
  • They can deal with ordinary circumstances while speaking.
30 - 42
  • Candidate can understand basic phrases and expressions on a variety of topics, including personal information, etc.
  • They are able to communicate in English in simple terms.
10 - 29
  • Candidate has the ability to comprehend basic phrases and idioms used in daily life.
  • They can introduce themselves, ask people simple questions, and interact well with other individuals.

Data updated as of Apr 2024

IELTS band scores: What do they mean?

IELTS band scoreScore description
9

Expert user

Test taker has full operational command and is fluent in the language

8

Very good user

Test taker is fluent in the language except for the occasional inaccuracies

7

Good user

Test taker can handle complex situations but cannot understand concepts in some situations

6

Competent user

Test taker has effective command of the language and can understand fairly complex concepts

5

Modest user

Test taker has partial command of the language but makes mistakes while expressing ideas

4

Limited user

Test taker has basic competence and finds it difficult to use complex language

3

Extremely limited user

Test taker can only understand and express general concepts

2

Intermittent user

Test taker can only express basic words and information in familiar situations 

1

Non-user

Test taker has no command of the language except for a very few words

0Did not attempt the test

Data updated as of Apr 2024

Plan your post-exam university journey

Don't miss your dream place

Frequently asked questions

What is the PTE 7 band?

The PTE score equivalent for the IELTS band score 7 ranges from 65-73.

Is a 55 PTE score good?

Candidate with a PTE score of 55 has good knowledge of the English language, but they need to improve when expressing their ideas and opinions to others. This is considered an acceptable score in many educational institutions abroad.

What is the PTE band score chart latest?

PTE equivalent to IELTS 2024:

PTE Academic232936465666768489N/A
IELTS4.55.05.56.06.57.07.58.08.59.0

What is the minimum PTE score?

The minimum PTE score accepted by educational institutions in several countries ranges from 50-63. Candidates scoring within this range are considered good English speakers.

Is PTE harder than IELTS?

The PTE exam is structured to be as challenging as other English language assessments like IELTS and TOEFL. The exams hold equal difficulty and value to test the candidate’s level of proficiency in English.

What is PTE 46 equal to IELTS?

The IELTS band equivalent for a PTE score of 46 is 6.0. According to the IELTS band proficiency level, the candidate is a modest English user.

What is PTE 50 equivalent to IELTS?

A PTE score of 50 is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.0.

What is PTE 55 equivalent to IELTS?

A PTE score of 55 is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.0.

What is PTE 60 equal to IELTS?

A PTE score of 60 is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.5.

What is PTE 57 equal to IELTS?

PTE 57 is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.5.

Can you convert 65 PTE to IELTS?

The IELTS band equivalent for a PTE score of 65 is 7.0.