International students and migrants who wish to study, work, or settle in English-speaking countries like Australia often need to prove their English language proficiency through standardized tests. The most widely accepted exams are IELTS (International English Language Testing System), PTE (Pearson Test of English), and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Understanding the differences between these tests can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Overview of the Tests

Feature	IELTS	PTE	TOEFL
Format	Paper-based & Computer-based	Fully Computer-based	Fully Computer-based
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Test Duration	~2 hours 45 minutes	~2 hours	~3 hours
Scoring System	0-9 Band Scale	10-90 Scale	0-120 Scale
Result Availability	3-5 days (computer-based), 13 days (paper-based)	Within 48 hours	4-8 days
Accepted By	Over 11,000 institutions worldwide	Recognized in Australia, New Zealand, and select universities globally	Accepted by universities worldwide

2. Test Sections Breakdown

A. Listening

• IELTS: 30 minutes, 4 sections, variety of accents
• PTE: 30-40 minutes, integrated with other sections
• TOEFL: 41-57 minutes, academic-based, North American accent

B. Reading

• IELTS: 40 questions, academic and general versions
• PTE: 32-40 minutes, multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks
• TOEFL: 54-72 minutes, academic reading passages

C. Writing

• IELTS: 2 tasks (150 & 250 words), essay-based
• PTE: Summarize text and essay writing
• TOEFL: Integrated and independent writing tasks

D. Speaking

• IELTS: Face-to-face interview with an examiner
• PTE: Recorded responses assessed by AI
• TOEFL: Speaking through a computer with recorded responses

3. Key Differences

• Test Format: IELTS offers a traditional face-to-face speaking test, while PTE and TOEFL are entirely computer-based.
• Scoring: IELTS uses a band system (0-9), PTE scores on a 10-90 scale, and TOEFL ranges from 0-120.
• Accent Exposure: IELTS includes British, Australian, and American accents; TOEFL predominantly features North American accents; PTE uses a mix of native and non-native accents.
• Availability of Results: PTE provides the fastest results (within 48 hours), followed by IELTS (3-5 days for computer-based) and TOEFL (4-8 days).
• Test Duration: PTE is the shortest (~2 hours), IELTS takes ~2 hours 45 minutes, and TOEFL takes ~3 hours.

4. Which Test Should You Choose?

Preference	Recommended Test
Quick Results	PTE
Face-to-Face Speaking	IELTS
Fully Automated Scoring	PTE & TOEFL
Academic and Professional Recognition	IELTS & TOEFL
Computer-Based Only	PTE & TOEFL
Shorter Test Duration	PTE

5. Final Thoughts

Choosing between IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL depends on personal preference, comfort with the test format, and specific requirements of your target institution or immigration process. If you need personalized guidance on test selection and visa applications, A Square Migration is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice!