PTE to IELTS Score Conversion: A Complete Guide for Test Takers

If you are seeking higher education abroad, the English Language Proficiency test is often a requirement for admission to a university. Among the most widely accepted tests are the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS). That said, if you have already taken the PTE test and want to convert the scores into IELTS, this guide helps in doing exactly that. The article explains how to convert PTE scores into IELTS scores, helping you make an informed decision for your academic studies.

Why Convert PTE Scores to IELTS?

• Universities across the globe accept both tests. However, the majority of universities prefer IELTS scores. By converting your PTE scores to IELTS, you can determine whether you meet the language requirements of a particular university.
• Many employers require students to provide proof of English language proficiency, and most of them list IELTS bands. In such a scenario, converting PTE scores to IELTS can help you verify whether you meet the job’s English proficiency requirements.

Understanding IELTS and PTE Scoring System

PTE	IELTS
Score Range – 10 to 90.	Score Range –  0 to 9 bands.
PTE Academic is 100% automated scoring.	IELTS is a mix of manual and automated scoring. The Writing and Speaking sections are human-scored, while the Reading and Listening sections are automatically scored.
A minimum score of 65 or above is required for admission to universities.	A score of 6.7 or 7.0 is the minimum requirement for admission to universities.

PTE to IELTS Score Conversion Table

IELTS	PTE	PTE (Listening)	PTE (Reading)	PTE (Speaking)	PTE (Writing)
5	41	40	43	40	43
5.5	45	43	48	42	51
6	52	48	54	46	62
6.5	58	57	61	54	74
7	66	66	68	65	82
7.5	75	74	74	75	88
8	82	79	78	81	89
8.5	88	85	84	86	90

PTE Scores: What Do They Mean?

If you are wondering, “What does the score mean?”, here is a list of score bands and their meanings. For example, a score of 85+ indicates a strong ability to understand the English language. 

PTE Score	Meaning
85+	Test takers are experts in the English language. They can speak English fluently and understand the spoken language with ease.
76 to 84	Test takers can understand text and express thoughts fluently. They are highly proficient users of the English language. However, they are not experts.
59 to 75	Test takers get the basic idea of the text. They are competent users of the English language but not highly proficient.
51 to 58	Test takers are functional users of the language. They need refinement in articulating ideas.
43 to 50	Test takers are still developing their English language skills.
30 to 42	Test takers know the basics of the language.
10 to 29	Test takers are beginners. They know how to introduce themselves and use basic English phrases.

PTE Vs IELTS Differences

Below are the key differences between PTE and IELTS:

Aspect	PTE	IELTS
Format	100% computer-based format.	Paper and computer-based format.
Duration	2 hours	2 hours 45 minutes
Scoring Range	10 to 90	0 to 9 band score
Time allotted for each section	Speaking & Writing- 54-67 minutes Reading – 30 minutes Listening- 30 minutes	Listening – 30 minutes Reading – 60 minutes Writing – 60 minutes Speaking – 11 to 14 minutes
Number of questions	Speaking & Writing- 7 different types of questions Reading – 5 different types of questions Listening – 8 different types of questions	Listening – 40 questions Reading – 40 questions Writing – 2 questions
Test Results	The test results will be out within 2 days after completing the exam.	The test results will be out within 1 to 5 days after completing the exam.

Tips to Prepare for the PTE Exam to Achieve Desired Results

A strong PTE score can open doors to academic admissions, a visa, and employment. Here are the top tips you can follow to maximize your performance in the PTE exam:

• Understand the test format: Familiarize yourself with the PTE exams through practice tests. Understand the sections, which are Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. In addition to this, familiarize yourself with the total time duration and the question types that may be asked in the test.
• Practice with official resource materials: There are many websites that offer PTE practice tests. However, relying on official resources is the ideal way for test preparation. You can use Pearson’s PTE Guide or the PTE Academic practice app.
• Practice Typing: The PTE exam is entirely computer-based. Therefore, fast and accurate typing is necessary. By practicing typing, you can improve your typing speed, which can benefit you in the Writing section.
• Improve Speaking Skills: The Speaking section is one of the major sections in the PTE exam. It is computer-based, and you speak into a microphone. Speaking into a microphone can be a bit challenging. Therefore, use headphones with a microphone and practice at home to get a feel for the exam. Additionally, read aloud, prioritize fluency over perfection, and avoid long hesitations.
• Focus on time management: Each section of the PTE exam is timed. To complete the sections on time, you should practice with timed PTE tests. This will help you manage your time efficiently during the exam.
• Understand the scoring system: Familiarize yourself with the scoring system. Do not leave any question blank. Even partial answers may earn you points.
• Focus on vocabulary and grammar: While grammar and vocabulary play a key role in the exam, you should also focus on comprehension and structured writing. Strengthening your grammar and vocabulary will benefit you in all sections, and apps like Magoosh Vocabulary Builder can support your daily practice.

Conclusion

Whether you are planning to pursue higher education or apply for a visa in English-speaking countries, an English Language Proficiency test is typically required. Among the various options available, PTE and IELTS are the most popular. Of the two, IELTS is more widely accepted. If you have taken the PTE exam and want to convert your scores to IELTS equivalents, this blog provides a comprehensive overview of the conversion table.

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