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Eight exam profiles · official formats checked 26 September 2026

Which English test should you take?

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Published format comparison for the selected English exams
FeaturePTE AcademicIELTS Academic
How you take itComputer; recorded speakingComputer or paper; live examiner speaking; local options vary
Approximate test time130–153 min — Pearson: about 2 h161–174 min — +10 min answer transfer on paper
Distinctive tasksRapid responses, repetition, summaries and visual descriptionLong academic texts, visual-information writing, essay and interview
Listening playbackMain recordings are played onceMain recordings are played once
Adaptive formatNot adaptiveNot adaptive
How results are reported10–90 overall and four skill scores; task-specific traitsFour 0–9 skill bands and overall band
How it’s gradedAI scoring + selected human reviewAI scoring across the test, with human expert review of selected responses before scores are finalised.Pearson PTE scoring ↗Correct-answer totals + examiner assessmentListening and Reading use correct-answer totals converted to bands. Certified examiners assess Writing and Speaking against published criteria.IELTS scoring in detail ↗
Speaking demand12 s speaking per 1 s preparation120 seconds speaking ÷ 10 seconds preparation for Summarize Group Discussion; one featured timed task, not the whole exam.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗2 s speaking per 1 s preparation120 seconds speaking ÷ 60 seconds preparation for Part 2; one featured timed task, not the whole exam.IELTS Speaking format ↗
Writing demand10–15 target words/minDerived from the 200–300-word Essay range across its 20-minute task timer. This is one task and includes planning and checking time.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗At least 6.7 words/minDerived from the 400-word combined minimum across the 60-minute Writing section.IELTS Academic Writing format ↗
Reading demandNot comparably publishedNo official total passage-word load supports this calculation.Pearson Reading format ↗35.8–45.8 passage words/min2,150–2,750 published passage words ÷ 60 section minutes; midpoint 40.8. This includes time spent answering questions.IELTS Academic Reading format ↗
Listening demand31–39 min; 1 main playThe chart plots the 35-minute midpoint. Listening recordings play once.Pearson Listening format ↗About 30 min; 1 playListening audio and answers; paper delivery adds 10 minutes to transfer answers. The four-part Listening recording is played once.IELTS Listening format ↗
Retake conditionsBook again once your score arrives; up to 12 attempts in 12 monthsPearson: retake policy ↗Resit as soon as you feel ready. One Skill Retake within 60 days of a computer test, once per testIELTS: One Skill Retake ↗
Dates and local feesCheck PTE dates and local fees ↗Check IELTS dates and local fees ↗
Scoring contributionTop five by average overall contribution (ties included)
  • 1 Describe ImageSpeaking & Writing · 15% average overall contribution
  • 2 Summarize Group DiscussionSpeaking & Writing · 9% average overall contribution
  • =3 Repeat SentenceSpeaking & Writing · 7% average overall contribution
  • =3 Summarize Written TextSpeaking & Writing · 7% average overall contribution
  • =3 Write EssaySpeaking & Writing · 7% average overall contribution
  • =3 Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown)Reading · 7% average overall contribution
Scoring contextPearson publishes indicative average question-type weights across a test. Performance and question difficulty still influence scaled scores, so these percentages do not guarantee points or show how much your score will rise from practising one family.
Pearson: average question-type weights (Table 1) ↗Pearson PTE Academic score guide ↗		Published Writing weights
  • 1 Task 2: essayWriting · Two-thirds of the Writing score
  • 2 Task 1: visual informationWriting · One-third of the Writing score
Scoring contextIELTS publishes one task weighting inside Writing. The overall band is the average of the four skill bands, rounded under IELTS rules; no complete task-family ranking is published in the reviewed guides.
IELTS Writing preparation resources ↗IELTS scoring in detail ↗
Speaking pressure estimate
Editorial estimateHigher12 s speaking per 1 s preparationPartial evidence — Summarize Group Discussion — featured speaking task
Why this estimate

Summarize Group Discussion: timed answer seconds ÷ separately timed preparation seconds. Planning while hearing or reading the prompt is excluded; this is not the whole Speaking section.

Editorial bands: 3:1 or less lower; over 3:1 to 6:1 moderate; over 6:1 higher.

Scoring context — Summarize Group Discussion: 9% average overall contribution. This is not part of the pace or pressure rating. Pearson: average question-type weights (Table 1) ↗

Editorial estimateLower2 s speaking per 1 s preparationPartial evidence — Part 2 long turn — featured speaking task
Why this estimate

Part 2 long turn: timed answer seconds ÷ separately timed preparation seconds. Planning while hearing or reading the prompt is excluded; this is not the whole Speaking section.

Editorial bands: 3:1 or less lower; over 3:1 to 6:1 moderate; over 6:1 higher.

Writing pace estimate
Editorial estimateModerate–higher target pace10–15 target words/minPartial evidence — Essay — target response pace
Why this estimate

Essay: published target words ÷ the matched task timer. The timer includes planning and checking; throughput is an editorial pressure proxy, not a required typing speed.

Editorial bands: 7 target words/min or less lower; over 7 to 10 moderate; over 10 higher.

  • Target response length: 200–300 wordsThe chart plots the 250-word midpoint of the official Essay range; the task allows 20 minutes.Pearson task guide ↗
  • Matched task timer: 20 minTime allotted for the Essay response.Pearson task guide ↗

Scoring context — Write Essay: 7% average overall contribution. This is not part of the pace or pressure rating. Pearson: average question-type weights (Table 1) ↗

Editorial estimateAt least lower target paceAt least 6.25 words/minPartial evidence — Task 2 essay — target response pace
Why this estimate

Task 2 essay: published target words ÷ the matched task timer. The timer includes planning and checking; throughput is an editorial pressure proxy, not a required typing speed.

Editorial bands: 7 target words/min or less lower; over 7 to 10 moderate; over 10 higher.

Scoring context — Task 2: essay: Two-thirds of the Writing score. This is not part of the pace or pressure rating. IELTS Writing preparation resources ↗

Reading pace estimate
Evidence gapNot enough comparable evidenceNot comparably publishedPartial evidence — Whole Reading section — passage load per section minute, including answering
Why no estimate

We have not verified a comparable official whole-section passage-word total, so section duration alone is not used as a pace or difficulty rating.

Editorial bands: 30 passage words/min or less lower; over 30 to 45 moderate; over 45 higher.

  • Published passage-load status: Not comparably publishedNo official total passage-word load supports this calculation.Pearson Reading format ↗
Editorial estimateModerate–higher passage load35.8–45.8 passage words/minPartial evidence — Whole Reading section — passage load per section minute, including answering
Why this estimate

Published whole-section passage words ÷ Reading section minutes. The time includes answering, so this is not a required reading speed or a measure of linguistic complexity.

Editorial bands: 30 passage words/min or less lower; over 30 to 45 moderate; over 45 higher.

Listening pressure estimate
Evidence gapInsufficient comparable evidence for a pressure band31–39 min; 1 main playPartial evidence — Listening section time and replay policy
Why no estimate

Published section time and replay policy provide useful context, but they do not establish one defensible common pressure formula. A single play is not automatically higher pressure, and two plays are not automatically lower pressure.

No editorial pressure bands are applied until comparable listening-demand evidence exists.

Evidence gapInsufficient comparable evidence for a pressure bandAbout 30 min; 1 playPartial evidence — Listening section time and replay policy
Why no estimate

Published section time and replay policy provide useful context, but they do not establish one defensible common pressure formula. A single play is not automatically higher pressure, and two plays are not automatically lower pressure.

No editorial pressure bands are applied until comparable listening-demand evidence exists.

How to read the skill-demand rows

Speaking compares one featured answer with separately timed preparation after its prompt; candidates may also think or take notes while hearing or reading the prompt.

Writing uses a whole-section target where published, or a clearly labelled main-task rate. The available time includes planning and checking.

Reading divides published passage words by section minutes. It includes answering time and is not a required reading speed.

Listening combines section duration and main recording plays as indicators of stamina and immediate attention, not accent or language complexity.

These format conditions do not measure vocabulary, grammar, topic familiarity, anxiety or personal difficulty.

How to read scoring contributions

Providers do not all publish a comparable top-five task-family ranking. A missing ranking is not a zero contribution.

PTE percentages are indicative average question-type weights, not guaranteed points or a score-gain calculator. Published Writing percentages for other exams remain scoped to the Writing score and are not converted into whole-test weights.

Do not ignore unlisted task families. Universities, visa authorities and other receiving organisations may also require minimum scores in individual skills.

How these estimates work

These are ScoreFluent editorial format proxies, not official or validated difficulty ratings. They do not measure English ability, predict a score or establish one overall exam ranking.

Speaking pressure: featured-answer seconds per separately timed preparation second — lower at 3:1 or less, moderate above 3:1 to 6:1, higher above 6:1.

Writing pace: matched task target words per minute — lower at 7 or less, moderate above 7 to 10, higher above 10. A minimum remains a lower bound; a range may cross bands.

Reading pace: published whole-section passage words per Reading minute, including answering — lower at 30 or less, moderate above 30 to 45, higher above 45.

Listening pressure: no band is assigned. Section time and replay policy do not yet provide a defensible common pressure formula.

Missing evidence stays unscored rather than becoming zero. Every exam keeps the same result regardless of which other columns you select. Scoring weights shown inside an explanation are context only and never enter the rating.

Test dates, fees and appointment availability vary by country, centre and date. Use the official booking link for your location.

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Numeric exam format comparisons

Official sources checked 6 October 2026. Radar points use fixed axis scales, not difficulty grades or score predictions.

Structure and workload

How the exam is built and how much work is timed

Compare four published task-family counts with the whole-test time, Reading and Listening section times, and main writing response length. Farther out means more of that quantity, not greater difficulty.

How the exam is built and how much work is timed for PTE Academic, IELTS AcademicRadar chart comparing published speaking task families, published writing task families, published reading task families, published listening task families, published whole-test duration, reading section time, listening section time, main writing response length. Exact values and official sources follow.
  • PTE Academic
  • IELTS Academic

8 shared measures shown. Select a point or label for exact values. All measures in this comparison are shown.

Exact values and official sources

Ranges, minimums and recommendations keep their official wording. Midpoints and planning estimates are used only to place points on the fixed chart scale.

How the exam is built and how much work is timed: exact comparison values and official sources
MeasurePTE AcademicIELTS Academic
Published speaking task families7 formatsRead Aloud; Repeat Sentence; Describe Image; Retell Lecture; Answer Short Question; Summarize Group Discussion; Respond to a Situation.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗3 partsIntroduction and interview; long turn; discussion.IELTS Speaking format ↗
Published writing task families2 formatsSummarize Written Text and Write Essay.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗2 tasksVisual-information description and essay.IELTS Academic Writing format ↗
Published reading task families5 formatsTwo Fill in the Blanks formats; Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers; Reorder Paragraph; Multiple Choice, Single Answer.Pearson Reading format ↗11 question typesMultiple choice; identifying information; identifying writer views or claims; matching information; matching headings; matching features; matching sentence endings; sentence completion; summary/note/table/flow-chart completion; diagram labels; short answer.IELTS Academic Reading format ↗
Published listening task families8 formatsSummarize Spoken Text; two Multiple Choice formats; Fill in the Blanks; Highlight Correct Summary; Select Missing Word; Highlight Incorrect Words; Write From Dictation.Pearson Listening format ↗6 question typesMultiple choice; matching; plan/map/diagram labelling; form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion; sentence completion; short answer.IELTS Listening format ↗
Published whole-test duration130–153 min by section rangesThe chart plots the 141.5-minute midpoint. Pearson describes the overall test as about 2 hours.Pearson test format ↗165 minPublished whole-test time of 2 hours 45 minutes.IELTS Academic format ↗
Reading section time23–30 minThe chart plots the 26.5-minute midpoint.Pearson Reading format ↗60 minThree sections and 40 questions.IELTS Academic Reading format ↗
Listening section time31–39 minThe chart plots the 35-minute midpoint.Pearson Listening format ↗About 30 minListening audio and answers; paper delivery adds 10 minutes to transfer answers.IELTS Listening format ↗
Main writing response length200–300 wordsThe chart plots the 250-word midpoint of the official Essay range; the task allows 20 minutes.Pearson task guide ↗At least 250 wordsTask 2 minimum, with about 40 minutes recommended.IELTS test-taker guide ↗
How this chart works

Providers classify tasks at different levels: some publish parts, some task types and some numbered question families. The exact-value table names what was counted so you can audit each total.

Counts describe preparation breadth only. They do not show how often a format appears, its score weight or its difficulty.

The fixed outer benchmarks are 8 speaking families, 5 writing families, 12 reading families, 8 listening families, 240 whole-test minutes, 90 Reading minutes, 60 Listening minutes and 300 words for the main writing response.

For an official range, the chart uses its midpoint. A published minimum, target or typical length stays labelled as such in the table.

Sources were checked on 6 October 2026. Formats and processing times can change, so confirm the latest details with the provider before booking.

Pacing and test conditions

How response pressure and practical conditions compare

Compare timed speaking and writing demands with audio plays, result wait and verified section-retake choices. Optional measures appear only when every selected provider publishes the needed inputs.

How response pressure and practical conditions compare for PTE Academic, IELTS AcademicRadar chart comparing longest timed speaking answer, preparation for that speaking response, speaking seconds per preparation second for the featured answer, time for that writing response, main listening recording plays, results wait planning estimate. Exact values and official sources follow.
  • PTE Academic
  • IELTS Academic

6 shared measures shown. Select a point or label for exact values. Additional and unavailable values are listed in the exact table below.

Exact values and official sources

Ranges, minimums and recommendations keep their official wording. Midpoints and planning estimates are used only to place points on the fixed chart scale.

How response pressure and practical conditions compare: exact comparison values and official sources
MeasurePTE AcademicIELTS Academic
Longest timed speaking answer120 secSummarize Group Discussion; 10 seconds of preparation.Pearson task guide ↗Up to 120 secPart 2 long turn after 60 seconds of preparation.IELTS test-taker guide ↗
Preparation for that speaking response10 secPreparation for Summarize Group Discussion.Pearson task guide ↗60 secPreparation for the Part 2 long turn.IELTS test-taker guide ↗
Speaking seconds per preparation second for the featured answer12 s speaking per 1 s preparation120 seconds speaking ÷ 10 seconds preparation for Summarize Group Discussion; one featured timed task, not the whole exam.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗2 s speaking per 1 s preparation120 seconds speaking ÷ 60 seconds preparation for Part 2; one featured timed task, not the whole exam.IELTS Speaking format ↗
Time for that writing response20 minTime allotted for the Essay response.Pearson task guide ↗About 40 minRecommended time for Writing Task 2.IELTS test-taker guide ↗
Published writing words per section minuteNot comparably publishedNo single official total writing-output target supports a section-wide rate.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗At least 6.7 words/minDerived from the 400-word combined minimum across the 60-minute Writing section.IELTS Academic Writing format ↗
Main listening recording plays1 main playListening recordings play once.Pearson Listening format ↗1 playThe four-part Listening recording is played once.IELTS Listening format ↗
Results wait planning estimateMost within 2 daysPearson does not label these as calendar or business days. This is not a guarantee.Pearson results guidance ↗Computer: usually 1–2 daysThe chart uses the upper end of the usual computer-test window.IELTS results timing ↗
Skills eligible for an independent retakeNot separately verifiedPearson explains when another test can be booked, but the current source does not publish a comparable section-retake choice count.Pearson booking help ↗4 eligible skill choicesYou may choose one skill once within 60 days of an eligible original computer test, subject to centre availability and receiving-organisation acceptance.IELTS One Skill Retake ↗
Main writing response words per task minute10–15 target words/minDerived from the 200–300-word Essay range across its 20-minute task timer. This is one task and includes planning and checking time.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗At least 6.25 words/minDerived from the 250-word Task 2 minimum and recommended 40 minutes. This is one task and includes planning and checking time.IELTS Academic Writing format ↗
Published total writing outputNot comparably publishedTask counts vary and not every current writing-integrated task has a directly comparable total word target.Pearson Speaking & Writing format ↗At least 400 words totalTask 1 requires at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250.IELTS Academic Writing format ↗
Published reading passage word loadNot published as one totalPearson publishes task and section timing, not a comparable total passage-word load.Pearson Reading format ↗2,150–2,750 wordsThe chart would use the 2,450-word midpoint; shown in the table because passage load is not published comparably across all exams.IELTS Academic Reading format ↗
Published passage words per Reading section minuteNot comparably publishedNo official total passage-word load supports this calculation.Pearson Reading format ↗35.8–45.8 passage words/min2,150–2,750 published passage words ÷ 60 section minutes; midpoint 40.8. This includes time spent answering questions.IELTS Academic Reading format ↗
How this chart works

The fixed outer benchmarks are 120 speaking seconds, 60 preparation seconds, a 12:1 timed speaking-to-preparation ratio, 90 writing minutes, 10 target words per Writing-section minute, 2 main audio plays, 14 result-wait days and 4 independently retakable skill choices.

Preparation, ratios, writing-task time, writing pace and retake choices appear only when every selected provider publishes comparable inputs. Missing values remain “Not separately published” and are never converted to zero.

The timed speaking-to-preparation ratio describes one featured task and only the separately timed preparation after its prompt. Candidates may also be able to plan or take notes while hearing or reading the prompt, so this is not total preparation opportunity or a difficulty ranking.

The exact table also shows total writing output and passage-words-per-Reading-minute where official inputs exist. These describe section workload, not fluency, typing speed, reading speed or personal difficulty.

Results timings use the standard computer or digital route where the provider offers one. Exact ranges and route qualifiers remain in the source table.

Result providers mix calendar days, business days and unspecified “days”. Business or working-day planning estimates add a weekend allowance using days + 2 × ceiling(days ÷ 5), excluding public holidays, reviews and delays.

Independent-skill retake choices stay in the exact table. A zero appears only when an official source explicitly says the whole test must be retaken; otherwise an unverified rule remains unavailable.

Sources were checked on 6 October 2026. Formats and processing times can change, so confirm the latest details with the provider before booking.

Selected format features

means the feature is included; means it is not listed in that exam format. A cross is not a negative rating.

Yes or no format features for the selected English exams
Format featurePTE AcademicIELTS Academic
Live interaction with an examinerPTE AcademicNoIELTS AcademicYes
Listen and repeatPTE AcademicYesIELTS AcademicNo
Read aloudPTE AcademicYesIELTS AcademicNo
Describe a chart, image or scenePTE AcademicYesIELTS AcademicYes
Email or letterPTE AcademicNoIELTS AcademicNo
Extended essay (200+ words)PTE AcademicYesIELTS AcademicYes
See the full format guide and demand matrix →

The radars compare published quantities on fixed scales, while the check matrix records whether selected task features appear. Neither predicts your score, personal difficulty or eligibility. Confirm current format and acceptance rules with the provider and recognising organisation.

This compares published format conditions. It does not rank difficulty, predict a score or confirm that a test is accepted for your visa, programme or regulator.

Which exam matches you in one line?

Eight exam profiles, each with its speaking format, scale, length and listening conditions at a glance.

PTE Academic

If you would rather speak into a microphone repeating sentences, summarising lectures and describing images, across many short timed tasks, choose PTE Academic.

  • Recorded
  • 10–90
  • 130–153 min
  • Played once
Guide →Official sample →

TOEFL iBT (2026)

If you would rather speak into a microphone with short listen-and-repeat and interview-style answers, in about two hours, choose TOEFL iBT (2026).

  • Recorded
  • 1–6 half bands
  • 90 min
  • Played once
  • Adaptive
Guide →Official sample →

LanguageCert Academic

If you want a live one-to-one interview with role play, reading a text aloud, presenting a chart, and every recording played twice, choose LanguageCert Academic.

  • Live examiner
  • 0–100
  • 154 min
  • Played twice
Guide →Official sample →

CELPIP-General

If you would rather speak into a microphone through everyday scenarios, plus email and survey writing, choose CELPIP-General.

  • Recorded
  • 1–12 per skill
  • 157–179 min
  • Played once
Guide →Official sample →

Take the detailed strengths chooser

If the quick finder leaves a close decision, the longer chooser asks about thirteen concrete task demands. It remains optional and does not predict your official result.

Open the 15-question chooser

Its first two questions cover your purpose and the tests you have confirmed are accepted. Choose “Not sure” when you have not tried a task.

Question 1 of 15
What do you need an English test for?

Purpose gives context, but it will never override your confirmed acceptance list.

Your answers stay in this page. Nothing is submitted, saved or linked to an account.

Go deeper

Each guide below answers one question in detail. Read the one that matches what you need next.

Frequently asked questions

Which English test is easiest?

No exam is universally easiest. Eligibility comes first. Then compare your performance on official samples under the real speaking, writing, listening and timing conditions.

Can this quiz predict my exam score?

No. It is a self-reflection tool for exploring formats. It does not test English ability, predict an official score or establish that you will perform better on one exam.

What if I do not know which tests are accepted?

Use the result as a list of formats to explore, then check the current rules of the authority, institution, employer or professional regulator receiving your result before booking.

Method and official sources

ScoreFluent reviewed current publisher format pages, handbooks, scoring guides and official preparation material on 26 September 2026. The chooser's five equally weighted focus areas are ScoreFluent editorial format guidance, not official skill weights or a validated aptitude model. ScoreFluent is independent of the exam providers, so recheck the provider and receiving organisation before booking. The full list of official sources, including per-fact links, is on the validity and retakes page →.

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