English Proficiency Tests-

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

 Why is it required
English Language Proficiency is one of the important criteria for international students
wishing to pursue their studies at an English-speaking University in a English Speaking
country. Because universities want to make sure you have the English language skills
necessary to study at their school, almost all institutes of higher learning require you
to take a test of English. Especially for aspirants from countries like India, where
English is not the first language for a lot of students, qualifying the English Language
Proficiency tests becomes essential. The English Language Proficiency of international
students is gauged through certain standardized tests.; IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.
While TOEFL and IELTS are the more popular ones and are accepted by most number
of universities, there are other tests like PTE which are newer entrants in this field.

All the three tests have certain varying characteristics which make each of them
unique Still, there exist certain similarities in the basic nature of TOEFL, IELTS and PTE,
like test modules:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
 Tests at a glance- IELTS
IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is a standardized English
Language Proficiency Test jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and
Cambridge English Language Assessment. Established in 1989, it is one of the most
popular English Language Tests taken by study abroad aspirants.
Different Versions of IELTS:
Academic
General Training

Accepted by:
over 8,000 organizations globally

Where is it conducted:
900 test centers and locations across more than 130 countries

Tests Dates:
IELTS Academic Version: 48 dates, the IELTS General Training Version : 24 dates

Registration Method:
Online or via mail

Registration Fees:
INR 10,600/- (subject to change)

Sections:
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS- Academic Vs. General test
 Tests at a glance-TOEFL
Test of English Language as a Foreign Language, or popularly known as TOEFL, measures the
examinees ability to use and understand English at the university level. It scales how well
one can combine the listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic
tasks. With a history dating back to 1964, TOEFL is older than IELTS or PTE. TOEFL is the
trademark of ETS.
Category: Test Taking Formats:
TOEFL PBT (TOEFL Paper-based Test) and TOEFL iBT (TOEFL Internet-based Test)

Where is it conducted:
4,500 test centers across 165 countries

Accepted by:
8,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries

Test Dates:
TOEFL iBT has more than 50 test dates per year

Registration method:
Online, by phone, by mail or in person

Registration Fees:
165$
Sections:
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
 Tests at a glance-PTE
Launched in 2009, PTE (Pearson Test of English) is one of the newest tests that tests and
certifies the English language usage of non-native English speakers. PTE is accredited by the
QCA and administered in association with Edexcel, UKs largest examining body.
Versions:
Academic, General and Young Learner Test
Where is it conducted:
number of test centres across 46 countries
Accepted by:
Top UK universities, top US universities and government organizations. It is also
accepted by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for Tier 4 and Tier 2 visa applications and all
the universities in Australia

Registration method:
online or by phone

Registration Fees:
INR 9300/-
Sections:
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Score Comparison

Objective: Testing and Certifying English Language Proficiency

 The Difference
Difference IELTS
Speaking Module IELTS is a conversation with a
certified IELTS Examiner which
is recorded on an audiocassette
or a digital recorder.
Writing Module questions are based on a
diagram, graph, process or
chart, or an argument
Acceptance Globally, but few US Universities
prefer TOEFL score
Score Reports after 13 calendar day
Score Reporting forward scores to four and five
universities respectively for free
When should you you need to book at least 2-
Register? 3weeks in advance
TOEFL
Candidates speak into a
microphone and the computer
captures the audio and
evaluated by a human rater
section involves writing essay
responses based on reading
and listening tasks and support
an opinion in writing
Not valid in UK, accepted by all
other countries
within two weeks
forward scores to four and five
universities respectively for
free
at least 1 2 months ahead
PTE
Candidates speak into a
microphone and the computer
captures the audio and is
evaluated by a computer
programme
automated speech and writing
scoring
Mainly for Australia & New
Zealand
available online in just five days
also sends score reports offering
recorded speech samples to
admissions offices at universities
worldwide
dates easily available
and you can have
the score within 5 days