＋ May feel easier! May feel harder
＋ May feel easier
- Want a shorter test?About two hours instead of up to three.
- Prefer shorter activities?Move through many short tasks.
- Good at hearing and repeating?Use that strength in Repeat Sentence.
! May feel harder
- Forget what you just heard?Repeat sentences and type dictated words.
- Spelling is a weakness?Dictation and written answers need accurate spelling.
- Need time to start speaking?Timed recordings leave little room to hesitate.
＋ May feel easier
- Spelling is a weakness?Spell-check helps in Writing; choose answers in Listening and Reading.
- Prefer everyday English?Write emails and speak about familiar situations.
- Prefer people to mark your speaking?Human raters assess your recorded answers.
! May feel harder
- Run out of things to say?Give advice, explain choices and persuade.
- Need someone to prompt you?Speak alone; no examiner helps the conversation along.
- Find long tests tiring?Complete all four skills in one sitting.
Easier or harder depends on your strengths. These are starting points, not score guarantees.
Find your fitIf this sounds like you…
“I understand speech, but cannot repeat it exactly.”
→Try CELPIP firstNo Repeat Sentence task.
“My spelling keeps costing me marks.”
→Try CELPIP firstWriting has spell-check; Listening uses answer choices.
“I prefer short tasks and a shorter test.”
→Try PTE firstAbout two hours, with many short activities.
“I am good at giving advice and explaining choices.”
→Try CELPIP firstThose skills feature in its speaking tasks.
Before you book: check that your organisation accepts the test and version you choose.
Writing & marking at a glance
PTE
Write: Summary + essay + listening-to-writing tasks
Marked by: Computer scoring, with human checks on selected tasks.
See all tasks & scores →CELPIP
Write: Email + explain your choice in a survey
Marked by: People mark recorded Speaking and Writing.
See all tasks & scores →Still unsure?
We can help you choose and plan your preparation.
