If you need an English test for university, work or a visa, you will quickly meet four names: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and OET. All four measure your English, but they are built for different purposes, scored differently and accepted by different organisations.
Choosing the right one can save you time, money and stress. This guide compares the four tests and helps you decide which one fits your goal.
The four tests at a glance
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): run by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge. Scored in bands from 0 to 9. Widely accepted for study, work and migration in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and beyond.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): run by ETS in the United States. Very widely accepted by universities, especially in North America. ETS has introduced a new 1 to 6 score scale, reported alongside the familiar 0 to 120 scale during a transition period.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): run by Pearson. Fully computer-based and scored automatically, on a scale from 10 to 90. Popular for Australian and New Zealand visas and widely accepted by universities.
- OET (Occupational English Test): designed in Australia for healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors and pharmacists. Uses real healthcare scenarios and reports grades from A to E.
Which test should you take?
Choose IELTS if…
You want the most widely recognised option, especially for the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand, or you prefer a face-to-face speaking test with a human examiner. IELTS is also offered in two versions: Academic for study and General Training for work and migration.
Choose TOEFL if…
You are applying mainly to universities in the United States or Canada. TOEFL is built around academic English, with tasks based on campus life and university lectures.
Choose PTE if…
You are comfortable with computers, want fast results, and your university or visa route accepts it. PTE is a common choice for Australian visa applicants because results usually arrive within a few days and the test is entirely computer-scored, so your speaking is recorded and assessed automatically rather than in a live interview.
Choose OET if…
You are a healthcare professional seeking registration or work in an English-speaking country. OET is accepted by many healthcare regulators, including in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, and its tasks, such as writing a referral letter or role-playing a conversation with a patient, reflect your real job.
Always check first. Before you book any test, confirm with your university, employer, regulator or immigration authority which tests and which scores they accept. Requirements change, and they differ between institutions.
How the tests feel different
- Speaking: IELTS uses a live conversation with an examiner. TOEFL, PTE and OET’s computer-based formats record your answers. OET Speaking is a role-play with an interlocutor based on a healthcare situation.
- Writing: IELTS and TOEFL include essay-style tasks. PTE includes short writing tasks such as summarising and essays. OET asks you to write a profession-specific letter, usually a referral or discharge letter.
- Scoring: IELTS, TOEFL and OET writing and speaking are assessed against published criteria. PTE is scored automatically by computer.
The skills behind every test are the same
Whatever test you choose, your score depends on the same core abilities: speaking fluently and clearly, writing organised and accurate English, and understanding what you hear and read. That is good news, because practice for one test also helps with the others.
The most effective way to build those skills is frequent practice with fast feedback. AI makes that possible: you can practise speaking out loud, have your writing checked instantly, and see your weak areas without waiting for a teacher. Our guides to preparing for TOEFL with AI, PTE and OET preparation with AI and IELTS preparation with AI show how.
Prepare for any English test with AI
IELTSify with AI helps you prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and OET with speaking and writing practice, instant AI feedback, an AI tutor and progress tracking, all on your phone.
Download IELTSify with AI free on iPhone or Android:
