Many candidates get confused about which exam to take - IELTS or PTE for testing their English proficiency. Experts suggested the best way to know which exam candidates are performing better is by converting scores of PTE to IELTS. PTE scorecard is made in accordance with the Global Scale of English or GSE. PTE score bands range from 10 - 90. IELTS is marked based on band scores from 1 - 9. Pearson released a concordance table in December 2020 where they have shown an updated comparison of IELTS and PTE score chart.
PTE and IELTS Band Score Calculation
IELTS and PTE exams have different score calculation methods. IELTS is calculated on a score range of 1 - 9. Each section of IELTS is marked separately. Lastly, all IELTS band scores of the four sections are averaged to get the overall IELTS score. IELTS score can be obtained in half(6.5) or whole(6, 7) bands. Candidates can check IELTS PTE online from their official website.
PTE is marked on a range of 10 - 90 in accordance with the Global Scale of English. PTE score card list includes overall score, communicative skill score, and enabling skill score. The calculation starts by adding all the enabling skill items and dividing by 6 (number of items in enabling skills). This sum of enabling skills along with the four communicative skill scores result in PTE overall score.
PTE to IELTS Score Conversion
Candidates can understand their performance in PTE exam by transferring their PTE score to IELTS. In the case of proficiency level, PTE equals to IELTS. Some consider PTE easier than IELTS. Whereas others consider it difficult because of its vocabulary and difficult content. The PTE band list in comparison to IELTS helps candidates in understanding their performance level. The previous table where PTE equals IELTS was published in 2011. The recent concordance table has been updated based on research, and data studies were done over many years. Below is the updated PTE score chart 2021 which is compared with IELTS scores.
| PTE Academic (Original) | 30 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 65 | 73 | 79 | 83 | 86 |
| 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 |
The research of IELTS to PTE conversion has been based on PTE academic test takers of different ages, country of citizenship, gender, and primary language. A few changes can be observed from IELTS to PTE score conversion that has been stated below:
- The maximum changes of PTE compared to IELTS are noted in the mid-range which is mainly used for admission purposes. PTE score band list has been slightly adjusted in the mid-range.
- At IELTS 7.5 and higher, PTE academic scores staying in the same range are still rising on the scale. This is the next change that is noted where PTE equals IELTS.
- In PTE score chart with IELTS, at IELTS score 6.5 and lower, PTE academic scores are lower at a few points.
- PTE score conversion to IELTS is applicable only for Academic exams. Though candidates can apply the chart of PTE compared to IELTS for IELTS General Training as both exam types are 50% similar.
PTE to IELTS Score Conversion based on Sectional Scores
PTE score scale states the difference in four sections - Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. The latest concordance report of PTE score into bands has also provided the sectional scores of PTE equal to IELTS. Below is PTE score conversion to IELTS according to sectional scores:
| 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 |
From the above comparison of PTE score card with IELTS few points can be observed:
- PTE score of writing is comparatively higher as compared to other sections
- Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.5 and above. To obtain a similar score, PTE score band list needs to be 58.5 and above
- At PTE score of 8.5, there is not much difference in each band scores of PTE into IELTS
PTE to IELTS Conversion Concordance Report 2021
Pearson has released a concordance report in December 2020 where it stated the comparison of PTE score to IELTS. According to Pearson, the concordance report of IELTS equal to PTE has not made any change to the PTE score chart, calculation, or score required for visa purposes. PTE results of the candidates will still be valid. If a candidate has scored 80, their PTE updated score will continue to be the same and their English proficiency level will also be similar.
The main aim behind the comparison of PTE and IELTS is to show the officials, Government, professional bodies, and universities that the scoring method is constantly updated. The updated concordance report cannot make alterations to the PTE score chart of the candidates. In the majority of the universities, the PTE band is set in the mid-range for admission purposes. After the comparison of PTE and IELTS score, there will be minimal changes.
To score PTE 60 and above candidates need to have an IELTS score of 7.5. Most of the universities aim for PTE scores higher than 75 and IELTS scores higher than 7. If a candidate has taken PTE exam and needs to know how much they would score in IELTS, they can use the table to check their PTE score compared to IELTS. The concordance report provides information about PTE score chart 2020 which can be used by candidates to check their PTE score card with IELTS. Furthermore, candidates can also check IELTS TOEFL PTE score by comparing the results. PTE score chart in band will help candidates get a proper idea of the sectional scores as well.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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