Compare English tests
Straight, evergreen head-to-heads — what actually differs between IELTS and the alternatives, and which test suits your goal. Never marketing; just the structural facts.
18 comparisons
Test vs test
IELTS head-to-head with the other big English tests.
- IELTS vs PTE AcademicIELTS vs PTE Academic: 0–9 half-bands and a human-marked Speaking interview versus a 10–90 AI-scored test with recorded Speaking. What differs and who it suits.Compare
- IELTS vs TOEFL iBTCompare IELTS and TOEFL iBT: the 0-9 band scale vs a 0-120 total, a live speaking interview vs a recorded one, acceptance facts and the official concordance.Compare
- IELTS vs Duolingo English TestIELTS vs the Duolingo English Test: scoring scales, at-home versus centre format, human versus AI marking, and why many visa routes accept only IELTS.Compare
- IELTS vs OETIELTS vs OET for nurses and doctors: how OET's A–E grades map to IELTS bands, which regulators accept which, and clinical vs general academic English.Compare
- IELTS vs CELPIPIELTS General Training vs CELPIP for Canadian immigration: how each maps to CLB, the differences in format, speaking and acceptance, and which test suits you.Compare
- IELTS vs Cambridge English (C1 Advanced)Compare IELTS and Cambridge English C1 Advanced: banded test vs lifelong certificate, scoring, speaking format, validity and where each is accepted.Compare
IELTS options
Which version of IELTS to sit — and how the formats differ.
- IELTS Academic vs General TrainingIELTS Academic and General Training share Listening, Speaking and the band scale; only Reading and Writing Task 1 differ. See which one your route needs.Compare
- Computer vs paper IELTSComputer-delivered and paper IELTS are the same exam and 9-band scale — only the format differs. Compare typing vs handwriting, results speed, retakes and acceptance.Compare
- IELTS Online vs test-centre IELTSIELTS Online (at home) vs test-centre IELTS: same modules, band scale and marking, but IELTS Online is not a SELT and not valid for UK visas. What differs.Compare
- IELTS One Skill Retake vs a full resitIELTS One Skill Retake vs a full resit: eligibility, the 60-day window, how the Test Report Form works, acceptance limits, and when each one makes sense.Compare
- Standard IELTS vs IELTS for UKVIStandard IELTS and IELTS for UKVI use the same papers and 9-band scale — only the approved centre, security and Test Report Form differ. See which your visa route needs.Compare
Best test for...
The right English test for a specific destination or goal.
- Best English test for Canada PRIELTS General Training vs CELPIP General for Canada PR: compare scoring, speaking, results and acceptance, and see how both map to CLB for Express Entry.Compare
- Best English test for a Canada study permitWith the Student Direct Stream gone, your institution sets the English test for a Canadian study permit. Compare IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE and DET.Compare
- Best English test for Australia migrationAustralia's migration points test accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, OET and Cambridge — all on the same English ladder. Compare scoring, speaking and results.Compare
- Best English test for a UK visaUK visas require a Home Office approved SELT. Compare IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI and LanguageCert — scoring, speaking, results and who each suits.Compare
- Best English test for US universitiesCompare IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test and PTE for US university admission: scoring, speaking, results speed and how acceptance differs.Compare
- Best English test for New ZealandWhich English test does Immigration New Zealand accept? Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge and OET for NZ study and migration — scoring, format, acceptance.Compare
- Best English test for nursing registrationIELTS Academic or OET for nurse registration? Both are accepted by the NMC, AHPRA, NMBI and NCNZ, and OET grade B equals IELTS 7.0. Compare format and reach.Compare