PTE to IELTS Score Conversion Table (2026)

To convert PTE Academic to IELTS Academic scores in 2026, you can use the latest concordance table that compares PTE scores with equivalent IELTS band scores. For example, PTE 55–62 generally aligns with IELTS 6.5, while PTE 63–70 aligns with IELTS 7.0.

PTE updates to scoring and marking

English tests can change over time, so it is always smart to check the latest format before you book.

In August 2025, PTE Academic introduced a new round of updates to its test format and scoring. This included new speaking tasks and more human review across a wider range of responses. 

If you are preparing for PTE, this means the test experience and scoring process may not be the same as before.

Because test formats and marking can change, you should always use the latest official practice materials and check the current score requirements for your university, employer, or visa.

Updated in 2026. Note: using the upper end of the PTE equivalence range provides a more conservative and defensible admissions threshold, reducing the risk that candidates admitted on PTE scores are underprepared relative to those meeting the same IELTS band requirement.

See the alignment of IELTS band scores and Pearson PTE scores (Equipercentile Equating)

An equipercentile equating approach was used in the Pearson study to align the score distributions and generate concordance tables. This method aimed to match percentile ranks across the two tests, ensuring that equivalent percentiles represent comparable levels of underlying ability. Its symmetrical and intuitive nature makes it suited to high‑stakes selection contexts, where comparable thresholds are required. The analysis was conducted in R using loglinear pre-smoothing, with PTE Academic as the reference scale and equated IELTS scores rounded to the nearest half band.

Making comparisons between scores on different tests is challenging. That’s because test products differ in their design, purpose, and format. And, the greater the difference in design the more problematic the exercise is. Nonetheless, test score users (such as Universities, Governments and professional bodies) are often interested to know how, for practical purposes, results on two differing tests may compare.

Investigating the relationship between Pearson PTE scores and IELTS bands

A number of reports have investigated the relationship between PTE Academic and IELTS Academic.

An earlier report by Saville, O'Sullivan and Clark (2021) summarised findings from a small-scale empirical study that explored the relationship between IELTS scores and PTE Academic scores. 

A more recent study was released by Pearson in 2025.

This study reported on research conducted in 2024 and improved on previous studies by offering more detailed results. 

It is also the study that the latest PTE to IELTS concordance table featured in this article is based on.

Score comparison tables can help organisations set fair entry standards across multiple tests. However, they should be used as one part of a broader decision.

Organisations may also consider:

• the language level needed for study or work

• communication demands of the role or course

• alignment with frameworks such as CEFR

• performance in each skill area

• historical student success data

IELTS 7.0 (no sub-band less than 7.0)

To ensure your applicants meet your English language requirements, your PTE-A equivalent score should be:

• A minimum PTE-A overall score between 63-70, and

• Minimum between 58-63 in Listening; 59-64 in Reading; 76-82 in Speaking; and 69-76 in Writing

Note: Using the upper end of the PTE equivalence range provides a more conservative and defensible admissions threshold, reducing the risk that candidates admitted on PTE scores are underprepared relative to those meeting the same IELTS band requirement.

IELTS 6.5 (no sub-band less than 6.0)

To ensure your applicants meet your English language requirements, your PTE-A equivalent score should be:

• A minimum PTE-A overall score between 55-62, and

• Minimum between 47-54 in Listening; 47-52 in Reading; 48-53 in Speaking; and 51-59 in Writing

Note: Using the upper end of the PTE equivalence range provides a more conservative and defensible admissions threshold, reducing the risk that candidates admitted on PTE scores are underprepared relative to those meeting the same IELTS band requirement.

Official IELTS Score Guide

Every IELTS test is designed to take test takers forward. It ensures they’re ready for the conversations of their future. Ready to learn, share and collaborate through English.

Over 12,500 global organisations trust that IELTS applicants are ready for their next step.

We also share with you how we test, and we’re transparent in how we mark the test. So, for IELTS Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening, we’re open about what our examiners look for.

Quality and fairness

IELTS invests heavily in the continued development of its test and processes.

Leading academics and researchers worldwide contribute to the continued development and improvement of IELTS. This is to ensure a fair assessment for all test takers.

And, it is to ensure a reliable result for the organisations that depend on IELTS as a measure of English language skills.

Security and integrity

IELTS takes a multi-layered approach to test security, including a variety of measures taken before test day, on test day and after test day.

We give recognised organisations access to a secure, online platform to verify IELTS results.

When universities, employers, and governments accept more than one English test, they need to set score requirements carefully.

If score comparisons are outdated or inaccurate, test takers may be judged unfairly or accepted into environments where they are not fully prepared.

What’s at stake when organisations lower the bar in English language testing

Research by the IELTS partners has shed light on the importance of educational institutions and organisations setting the right English language scores for their candidates.

This early research, conducted with over 500 test takers who had sat both IELTS and Pearson Test of English (PTE), showed there was significant and concerning variability between the previously commonly accepted PTE benchmarks. New research has corrected some of this variability.

Why institutions should review how they compare English test scores

Further research is released by various authors as many organisations review the stopgaps put in place when language testing was interrupted at the height of pandemic restrictions.

The results showed that the overall band scores were relatively comparable with the established PTE benchmarks, with only minor variations at the high band scores of IELTS 8 and above.

However, when looking at the individual sub-scores (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the two tests, the results differed greatly from previously published benchmark reports, which are still relied upon by many organisations. Warwick Freeland, Managing Director – IELTS, said the findings highlighted the importance of carefully examining the criteria of different test providers.

“Language assessment is complex. Comparing scores between different test providers is even more so,” Mr Freeland said. “It is important we get it right,” he said.

“Research shows the benchmarks that are often used to compare scores from different language test suppliers may not be reliable.”

“When accepting results from different test providers, it is important for institutions to be confident candidates are assessed on a like-for-like basis.”

Risks for organisations

Mr. Freeland said there were social and financial risks for organisations and students when inaccurate and outdated test equivalencies are relied upon uncritically.

“If candidates are accepted based on tests that don’t align, they risk being set up to fail if they cannot keep up in the classroom or work environment, in turn causing emotional stress.”

Some organisations may rely on more than one test for English language proficiency. However, comparing test scores is notoriously difficult.

The following tables that provide an equivalency between IELTS, the Canadian Language Benchmarks, Cambridge Assessment English (CAE), and the CEFR are all based on extensive research.

This will help organisations to have confidence that they are treating all test takers fairly and setting their applicants up for success.

Equivalencies between the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) (for English) and the results of language tests from designated testing organisations have been established.

To review the full equivalencies table, visit the Canadian Government website. This table below shows the official relationship between CLB and IELTS General Training: More about IELTS for Canada

Source: Government of Canada, cited 14 February 2026

Cambridge Assessment English’s B2 First and C1 Advanced both report on the Cambridge English Scale. The table below shows the relationship between Cambridge English Scale and IELTS:

Source: Comparing scores to IELTS B2 First and C1 Advanced, Cambridge Assessment English, cited 14 February 2026. 

IELTS test users may find the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) helpful.

The framework is a series of descriptions of abilities at different learning levels that can be applied to any language.

It can provide a starting point for interpreting and comparing different language qualifications and is increasingly used as a way of benchmarking language ability around the world.

We have created a PDF with more information about IELTS and the CEFR. It also includes an FAQ section to answer your most common questions.

Access IELTS and the CEFR

Using the latest PTE-to-IELTS score conversion table can help test takers, institutions, employers, and migration stakeholders better understand how scores may align between the two tests.

Keep in mind that universities, employers, professional bodies, and visa authorities may set their own English language requirements. Some organisations may also require minimum scores in specific skills such as Writing or Speaking.

Once you understand how scores compare, you can make more informed decisions about testing requirements, admissions, recruitment, registration, or migration pathways. If IELTS is the right fit for your goals or organisation, we can help support your next steps with preparation resources, test booking, and score information.

Book your IELTS test now