There are various tests for the English language recognised and accepted in various countries to test English proficiency. The PTE Academics, IELTS and the TOEFL all work towards one goal to help people seeking opportunities in countries where English is the first language. One of the much sought after opportunities is taking studies abroad.

It can be a hassle deciding on which test better suit your needs to take your studies abroad and we are here to help you make wise decisions. There are various reasons to consider before actually deciding which test to take. This may include:

Financial commitment

Finances are the first to consider when deciding to embark on the study journey. The more you can save the better it will be possible to take care of other expenses.

Time to get your score results

When it comes to study application, time is of the essence and you don’t want to waste any as it may cost you your future.

Cancellation of your English test

Unforeseen circumstances may arise that may force you to either cancel the test altogether or change the test date. It is beneficial to choose a test that will benefit you and cater for emergencies.

Booking test dates

Test format

 We shall compare the three tests based on the above-mentioned details.

PTE Academics

Financial commitment

PTE Academics costs INR 13,300 but when you purchase a voucher from PTENOTE you pay INR 12,222. Obviously, it is much better to opt for PTENOTE voucher to save money. The amount that you pay for PTENOTE voucher, covers examination registration, study material and mock tests. This package helps you with your preparation so you can score better in your actual exams. Moreover, the mock tests are on the same level and standard as the PTE Academic providing a real feel of the test.

Time to get your results

PTE Academics publishes the test score within 5 working days after the test. This is fast and can help speed the process of your visa application and study application. This means you can get your results in a day or 3 days after the test. The maximum number of days to get your score is 5 days.

Cancellation of your English test

PTE Academics are flexible in terms of booking and changing test dates also if you want to cancel, you get a partial refund of your examination fee registration hassle free. There is no proof of emergency required. This is good in case of an emergency, when you don’t feel like you are prepared enough or simply you decided to postpone taking your studies abroad. PTE Academics does save you time, money and energy. Moreover, if your voucher is from PTENOTE, we will refund you fully if the voucher is faulty. We will also do a partial refund if you decide not to use the voucher

In PTE Academics when you cancel or reschedule the test date more than 7 days prior to the test you get a 50% refund of your examination registration fee. If you reschedule in 7 days you get 25% of your fee.

Booking test dates

Another thing that can be stressful is the actual time one should reserve a date for the test. With PTE Academics you can book your tests date until 2 days prior to the test date without paying late fees. Moreover, you can reschedule your test immediately after you get your results if you have to retake the tests.

Test format

PTE Academics is a computer-based test and the scoring is computer-assessed. This means there is no human interaction whatsoever in PTE Academics. This is good news to consider if you are uncomfortable either speaking face to face with an examiner or you don’t like the idea of your English test fate to depend on some else’s mood. With PTE Academics your mind is at ease knowing that throughout the entire test it’s only you and your computer on your sitting cubicle.

IELTS

Financial commitment

• The IELTS costs INR 13,250. This price is the examination fee registration and doesn’t include the study material. That means if you decide to take this test you may have to consider additional cost for study material. Moreover, there are no mock tests hence your practice is a lot tedious if you want to score high.

Time to get your results

In IELTS your results get published after 13 days. The tests centre will post the results to you or you may decide to collect them personally.

Cancellation of your English test

We have already outlined the importance of cancellation in extenuating circumstances. If you had previously decided to take IELTS, the cancellation will only be processed if one has a medical certificate or is experiencing trauma or death of the loved ones. There are many other occurrences not covered under TOEFL specification that may make it impossible to write. This would mean you forfeit your registration in case of cancellation.

A test taker can only change a test date or cancel due to the above-mentioned reason 5 weeks prior to the examination date. The cancellation or rescheduling fee is 25% of your exam fee.

Booking test dates

In most tests centres registration deadline if 7 days prior to the test dates. (NB!! The information I got doesn’t really state what happens if you make a booking 7 days prior to the test date)

Test format

The speaking section is conducted in front of the examiners. This means at one point or the other during the test, the test taker interacts with people. You will have a conversation with the examiners and also in the writing section, the writing tasks are scored by the examiner.

TOEFL

Financial commitment

TOEFL cost INR 12,650 approximately. This also doesn’t include study material and the mock test to better prepare for your examination

Time to get your score results

The results are available 14 days after the test date. The test taker may decide to personally collect them from the testing station or get them by mail. Depending on your country’ mail delivery service, your score may reach you in 20 days or more.

Cancellation of your English test

TOEFL processes cancellation 4 days prior to the test date with 50% refund of your registration fee, no question asked.

Booking test dates

Registration closes 7 days prior to the test date, however, late registration is accepted 4 days prior to the test. There is a late registration fee charged.

Test format

TOEFL is computer-based meaning you there is no human interaction during the test. However, your speaking score is graded by an examiner. That means your score in this section depends on the grader’s opinion. Moreover, the writing section is graded by both the computer and the examiner (grader).