Score Comparison

Language Proficiency

Meeting the Requirements for a Successful Academic Journey

A strong aptitude for the English language is very crucial for those international students who wish to pursue their education in any foreign English-speaking Institute. Particularly, for students belonging to, non-English speaking countries like India. For such students, whose first language is not English, meeting the criteria of English Language Proficiency Test becomes highly indispensable.

Some major tests decide the powerful grasp of a non-English speaking student in the English language. IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are the globally accepted standardized tests that measure the command over the English language by a student.

LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

Expert

9


118-120

89-90

Very Good

8.5

115-117

83-85

Very Good

8

110-114

78-82

Good

7.5

102-109

73-77

Good

7

94-101

64-72

Competent

6.5

79-93

58-63

Competent

6

60-78

50-57

Modest

5.5

46-59

42-49

Modest

5

35-45

35-41

Limited

4.5

32-34

30-34

Extremely Limited

0-4

0-31

0-30

The above-mentioned tests are especially designed to analyze the English language skills of a student. Hence, these tests are similar in many ways yet are dissimilar in scores of ways. The most popular tests accepted globally by most of the institutions are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). However, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a new-fangled entrant in this field.

Score Comparison

Choosing the Right English Proficiency Test

The marking and scoring system of all three tests differs slightly. Students must carefully choose a test that suits their practice, preparation, and performance style. English-speaking institutions worldwide have predefined criteria for English language proficiency for international students. While most universities accept scores from one or more of these tests, the final decision on which tests are accepted depends on the specific institution.

Students should familiarize themselves with the admission requirements of their chosen institution before finalizing an English language test. In some cases, score comparisons of these tests are necessary for admission. Many institutions request equivalent scores for IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, even if a student has taken only one test. ETS, the creators of TOEFL, provide tools for comparing TOEFL iBT scores with IELTS and CEFR. Likewise, Pearson Inc., the owner of PTE Academic, offers a score comparison tool for PTE alongside IELTS and TOEFL.