A Complete PTE Score Comparison With Other English Tests

Are you worried about how your PTE score comparison with IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo? Don’t worry, you are not the only one! Thousands of test-takers are having the same outcome when trying to figure out score equivalency with the various English proficiency tests.

This step-by-step guide provides you with everything you should know in terms of comparisons, and the official concordance backs the information on Pearson, IELTS Partners and ETS. It is necessary to know the conversions of the score in terms of applying to university admissions, visa requirements or professional registration.

Understanding PTE Academic Scoring System

We should first find out the way PTE Academic works before we sink into comparisons.

PTE Academic has a marking system between 10 and 90 points as opposed to the band system of IELTS. This computerized exam measures four basic skills:

• Speaking (scored 10-90)
• Writing (scored 10-90)
• Reading (scored 10-90)
• Listening (scored 10-90)

The overall PTE score is not an average, it is calculated with the help of advanced algorithms regarding your achievements in all the test sections. This is the point where PTE has a big difference with other tests.

What Makes a Good PTE Score?

Here’s what different PTE score ranges actually mean:

PTE Score Range	Proficiency Level	What It Means
85-90	Superior	Native-like fluency; accepted by all top universities
76-84	Very Good	Can handle complex academic tasks effortlessly
65-75	Good	Competent for most undergraduate & postgraduate programs
58-64	Competent	Suitable for foundation courses and some undergraduate programs
50-57	Modest	Basic proficiency; may need English support courses
43-49	Limited	Insufficient for most academic programs
Below 42	Very Limited	Requires significant improvement

Most international universities require a minimum PTE score of 58-65 for admission, with top institutions demanding 75+.

IELTS vs PTE Score Comparison

The PTE to IELTS conversion is the most searched comparison and for good reason. Both tests are widely accepted, but they score differently.

Official PTE-IELTS Score Equivalency Table

Based on the official concordance study conducted by IELTS Partners from 2018-2020, here’s the authentic PTE Score Comparison with IELTS:

PTE Academic Score	IELTS Band Score	Proficiency Level
86-90	9.0	Expert User
83-85	8.5	Very Good User
79-82	8.0	Very Good User
73-78	7.5	Good User
65-72	7.0	Good User
59-64	6.5	Competent User
51-58	6.0	Competent User
43-50	5.5	Modest User
35-42	5.0	Modest User
30-34	4.5	Limited User

 

Key Differences: PTE vs IELTS

Test Format:

• PTE: 100% computer-based, AI-scored
• IELTS: Paper/computer-based, human examiners for Speaking

Scoring Transparency:

• PTE: Detailed score report with enabling skills
• IELTS: Four band scores plus overall band

Results Timeline:

• PTE: 48 hours (sometimes within 24 hours!)
• IELTS: 3-5 days for computer-delivered, 13 days for paper-based

Cost Factor:

• Both tests cost approximately $185-$250 depending on location

PTEHub Advantage: Our expert counselors provide free personalized test consultation based on your learning style and target scores.

TOEFL vs PTE Score Comparison:

TOEFL iBT is the gold standard for North American universities. Here’s how your PTE Score Comparison with TOEFL.

According to the official Pearson concordance study, here’s the accurate mapping:

PTE Score	TOEFL iBT Score	PTE Score	TOEFL iBT Score
86-90	115-120	58	85-86
83-85	110-114	57	83-84
79-82	102-109	56	82
76-78	94-101	54-55	79-81
73-75	91-93	52-53	76-78
68-72	86-90	50-51	74-75
65-67	82-85	48-49	70-73
62-64	79-81	46-47	65-69
60-61	76-78	43-45	60-64
59	74-75	38-42	52-59

 

Understanding the Numbers  

A PTE score of 65 is comparable to a TOEFL score of 82–85, which is competitive for: 

• Majority of US public universities
• Undergraduate programs in Canada
• Universities in Australia (minimum requirement)

For Ivy League and top-tier institutions, you should be looking at PTE 79+ (equivalent to TOEFL 102+).

PTE vs TOEFL: Which Is Easier?

Choose PTE if:

• You’re comfortable with computer-based testing
• You prefer objective, AI-based scoring
• You need results quickly (48 hours vs 6 days)
• You want unlimited test-taking opportunities

Choose TOEFL if:

• Your target institution specifically requires TOEFL
• You prefer American English contexts
• You want a test with decades of academic recognition

Duolingo vs PTE Score Comparison:

Duolingo English Test (DET) has exploded in popularity since 2020. It’s cheaper, faster, and taken from home but how does it compare to PTE?

PTE-Duolingo Score Equivalency

PTE Score	Duolingo Score	Proficiency Level
86-90	150-160	C2 (Mastery)
79-85	135-150	C1 (Advanced)
73-78	125-135	C1 (Advanced)
65-72	115-125	B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
58-64	105-115	B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
50-57	95-105	B1 (Intermediate)
43-49	85-95	B1 (Intermediate)
35-42	75-85	A2 (Elementary)

Note: These conversions are approximate, based on CEFR level alignment since no direct concordance study exists between PTE and Duolingo.

The Duolingo Advantage (and Disadvantages)

Pros:

• Takes only 1 hour (vs. PTE’s 2 hours)
• Costs $59 (vs. PTE’s $185+)
• Results in 48 hours
• Can be taken at home

Cons:

• Less widely accepted (growing acceptance though)
• Limited to online proctoring
• Newer test with evolving standards

PTE vs CEFR Levels: The European Standard

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the international benchmark for language proficiency.

Understanding where your PTE score fits helps with European university applications and visa processes.

Official PTE-CEFR Alignment

PTE Score	Duolingo Score	Proficiency Level
86-90	150-160	C2 (Mastery)
79-85	135-150	C1 (Advanced)
73-78	125-135	C1 (Advanced)
65-72	115-125	B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
58-64	105-115	B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
50-57	95-105	B1 (Intermediate)
43-49	85-95	B1 (Intermediate)
35-42	75-85	A2 (Elementary)

Why CEFR Matters for Your PTE Score

European universities, immigration authorities, and employers often specify CEFR requirements instead of specific test scores:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa: Requires CEFR B1 (PTE 43-58)
• German University Masters: Often requires CEFR C1 (PTE 76-84)
• Netherlands Work Permit: Typically requires CEFR B2 (PTE 59-75)

Smart Strategy: When researching requirements, always cross-reference CEFR levels with PTE scores to ensure you’re targeting the right score range.

PTE Score Comparison: All Tests Side by Side

Here’s the ultimate reference table of your PTE Score comparison with other tests:

PTE	IELTS	TOEFL iBT	Duolingo	CEFR	Common Uses
86-90	9.0	115-120	150-160	C2	PhD programs, professional licenses
83-85	8.5	110-114	145-150	C2	Top-tier universities, competitive programs
79-82	8.0	102-109	135-145	C1	Oxbridge, Ivy League, top business schools
73-78	7.5	94-101	125-135	C1	Postgraduate programs, professional registration
65-72	7.0	82-93	115-125	B2	Most universities worldwide, PR visas
59-64	6.5	79-81	105-115	B2	Undergraduate programs, skilled migration
51-58	6.0	70-78	95-105	B1-B2	Foundation courses, some undergraduate programs
43-50	5.5	60-69	85-95	B1	Pre-sessional English courses
35-42	5.0	52-59	75-85	A2-B1	English language schools

Which Test Should You Choose? A Strategic Decision

Choosing between PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo isn’t just about scores—it’s about your goals, strengths, and timeline.

Decision Matrix: Find Your Perfect Test

Choose PTE Academic if:

• You need results quickly (48 hours) 
• You prefer computer-based testing 
• You want unbiased AI scoring 
• You’re applying to Australian/UK universities 
• You struggle with face-to-face speaking (PTE uses AI) 
• You need to take the test multiple times 
• You want detailed performance feedback

Choose IELTS if: 

• Your institution specifically requires IELTS 
• You prefer human interaction for speaking 
• You’re comfortable with British English 
• You want the most globally recognized test 
• You prefer handwriting (paper-based option)

Choose TOEFL iBT if: 

• You’re targeting US/Canadian universities 
• Your institution specifically requires TOEFL 
• You’re comfortable with American English 
• You prefer integrated tasks (reading + listening + speaking) 
• You want a test with 40+ years of academic recognition

Choose Duolingo if: 

• Your institution accepts it (verify first!) 
• You need the most affordable option ($59) 
• You prefer 1-hour testing 
• You want to take the test at home 
• You need results urgently (48 hours)

The PTEHub Recommendation

After helping over 10,000 students, we’ve found that PTE offers the best balance for most test-takers:

1. Fastest Results: 48-hour turnaround beats all competitors
2. Transparent Scoring: AI eliminates human bias
3. Flexibility: Test availability 365 days at most centers
4. Fair Assessment: Multiple question types reduce luck factor
5. Detailed Feedback: Section-wise reports help targeted improvement

You can go check the best pricing for your PTE preparation journey.

How to Convert Your Existing Score

Already have a score from another test? Here’s how to understand your PTE equivalent:

Quick Conversion Formulas

From IELTS to PTE:

• IELTS 7.0 = PTE 65
• IELTS 7.5 = PTE 73
• IELTS 8.0 = PTE 79

From TOEFL to PTE:

• TOEFL 90 = PTE 68-72
• TOEFL 100 = PTE 73-75
• TOEFL 110 = PTE 83-85

From Duolingo to PTE:

• Duolingo 120 = PTE 65-72
• Duolingo 130 = PTE 73-78
• Duolingo 140 = PTE 79-85

Frequently Asked Question

1. Is PTE 65 a good score?

Yes! IELTS 7.0 and TOEFL 85-90 are equivalent to PTE 65. You are eligible for the majority of postgraduate programs, Australian permanent residence (10 points), and immigration to the UK and Canada with this PTE score. Aim for PTE 73+ (IELTS 7.5 equivalent) for admission to the top 20 universities.

2. How do I convert PTE to IELTS?

Use official concordance tables: PTE 65 = IELTS 7.0, PTE 79 = IELTS 8.0, PTE 50 = IELTS 6.0. These conversions are based on Pearson and IELTS Partners research studies involving thousands of test-takers globally.

3. Which is easier: PTE or IELTS?

PTE suits tech-comfortable students who prefer AI scoring and computer-based tests. IELTS suits those comfortable with human interaction and handwriting. Success depends on preparation, not test difficulty. Try PTEHub’s free diagnostic test to find your best fit.

4. Can I retake PTE multiple times?

Yes! Take PTE Academic unlimited times with no restrictions. Wait 2-3 weeks between attempts for focused preparation. Most students improve 8-12 points on retakes.

5. What is the PTE requirement for Australian PR?

Australian Permanent Residency points: PTE 50 (Competent) = 0 points, PTE 65 (Proficient) = 10 points, PTE 79 (Superior) = 20 points. Higher English proficiency scores significantly boost your invitation chances for skilled migration.

6. How long does PTE result take?

PTE results are available within 48 hours (often 24 hours). This is faster than IELTS (3-13 days) and TOEFL (6 days). You receive detailed scores for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening sections plus overall score.

7. What is PTE CEFR level B2?

CEFR B2 equals PTE 59-75 (IELTS 6.5-7.0, TOEFL 79-93). This represents upper-intermediate proficiency sufficient for most university admissions, skilled migration visas, and professional registration requirements globally.