PTE vs TOEFL — Complete Comparison
2 min read
PTE vs TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the historical leader for US university applications. PTE Academic has gained massive ground since 2009 — let's compare.
Side-by-Side
| PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Pearson | ETS |
| Duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours (since 2023 update) |
| Scoring | 0–90 scale | 0–120 scale (each section 0–30) |
| Speaking format | Recorded into microphone | Recorded into microphone |
| Score release | 2 business days | 4–8 days |
| Cost | $190–220 USD | $185–215 USD |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Question types | 20 types, AI-scored | ~20 tasks, AI + human raters |
| US universities accepting | 1,000+ | 11,000+ (broader) |
Score Conversion
| TOEFL iBT | PTE Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 120 | 89–90 |
| 110+ | 79–88 |
| 100 | 72–78 |
| 90 | 65–71 |
| 80 | 58–64 |
| 70 | 50–57 |
| 60 | 43–49 |
Which is Easier?
- PTE — easier if you're good at templates (Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Summarise Written Text all reward template approaches).
- TOEFL — easier if you're comfortable with longer integrated tasks (read + listen + write).
- PTE reading is shorter and snappier; TOEFL reading is longer with more inference.
- PTE speaking has more discrete tasks; TOEFL has 4 longer recorded responses.
- TOEFL writing involves longer essays (300+ words); PTE writing is shorter (200–300 words).
Acceptance Difference
TOEFL has broader US acceptance (especially older universities). PTE is now accepted at 1,000+ US universities including all Ivies and most top-50, but if you're applying to a smaller regional college, double-check.
When to Pick PTE
- You want results fast (2 days vs 4–8).
- You like template-driven writing/speaking tasks.
- Your target schools accept PTE (1,000+ US universities do).
- You're also applying to AU/UK/NZ — PTE works there too; TOEFL doesn't for AU PR.
When to Pick TOEFL
- Your dream US school doesn't list PTE (some still don't).
- You prefer longer, integrated tasks.
- You're strong at reading dense academic passages.
Practice on ClearMyPTE
If you're going PTE, take a free mock exam first to baseline yourself. Then drill weak areas with Speaking practice.