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.
Table of Contents
- PTE exam: An overview
- PTE vs IELTS: A comparative analysis
- Which one is better: PTE or IELTS?
- PTE score in bands
- PTE scores: What do they mean?
- IELTS band scores: What do they mean?
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the PTE 7 band?
- Is a 55 PTE score good?
- What is the PTE band score chart latest?
- What is the minimum PTE score?
- Is PTE harder than IELTS?
- What is PTE 46 equal to IELTS?
- What is PTE 50 equal to IELTS?
- What is the PTE score of 60 equal to IELTS?
- What is PTE 57 equal to IELTS?
- Can you convert 65 PTE to IELTS?
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 factor | PTE | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Test format | Computer-based assessment | Paper or computer-based assessment |
| Scoring | Points-based scoring | Band scoring |
| Test availability | Available worldwide | Available in most countries |
| Test results | Available within 5 business days | Available within 13 days |
| Test Pattern | Speaking and writing Reading Listening | Listening Reading Writing Speaking |
| Syllabus | Covers academic and real-life English language skills, like vocabulary, grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, and comprehension | Focuses on a wide range of language skills, like vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, listening and interpreting, and verbal communication |
| Importance | Accepted by several educational institutions and governments for immigration purposes | Widely recognised and accepted by educational institutions and immigration authorities across the globe |
| Exam duration | Around 2 hours 15 minutes | Around 2 hours 45 minutes |
Data updated as of Apr 2024
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 score | IELTS band equivalent | Candidate proficiency level |
|---|---|---|
| 89 | 8.5 | Very good |
| 84 | 8.0 | Very good |
| 76 | 7.5 | Good |
| 66 | 7.0 | Good |
| 56 | 6.5 | Competent |
| 46 | 6.0 | Competent |
| 36 | 5.5 | Modest |
| 29 | 5.0 | Modest |
| 23 | 4.5 | Poor |
Data updated as of Apr 2024
PTE scores: What do they mean?
| PTE Score | Assessment Factors |
|---|---|
| 85+ |
|
| 76 - 84 |
|
| 59 - 75 |
|
| 51 - 58 |
|
| 43 - 50 |
|
| 30 - 42 |
|
| 10 - 29 |
|
Data updated as of Apr 2024
IELTS band scores: What do they mean?
| IELTS band score | Score 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 |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
Data updated as of Apr 2024
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 Academic | 23 | 29 | 36 | 46 | 56 | 66 | 76 | 84 | 89 | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
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.
