IELTS is available in two test versions: Academic – for people applying for higher education or professional registration, and General Training for those migrating to Australia, Canada and the UK, or applying for secondary education, training programmes and work experience in an English-speaking environment. Both versions provide a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.

IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.

Often, students are confused if they need to prepare only for TOEFL or other exams are also required for admission to the US and Canadian universities. How many exams you need to prepare completely depends on the type of course you are applying to. For all undergraduate courses in the US and some in Canada, you need to prepare for SAT. For MBA courses GMAT scores are a requirement; similarly, for MS courses GRE scores are relevant. Along with all these exams, you have to take either IELTS or TOEFL.

TOEFL test is conducted round the year and has more than 50 test dates per year. You can retake the test as many times as you wish, but to take a re-test you have to wait for a 12-day period after attempting the first test.

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions at most institutions in the United States, and in many other countries as well. SAT originally stood for “Scholastic Aptitude Test,” but it is now generally known only by its acronym. The test is owned and administered by the College Board, which is a “mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.”

GRE also has subject tests, apart from the basic GRE exam. These subject tests help to make your application stand out from the rest by highlighting your subject knowledge and skill-level of a particular subject. Each subject test is intended for those students who have a bachelor’s degree in the particular disciplines. The subject tests being offered currently are Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Literature, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

GRE exam is of two types

GRE General Test – The General Test takes into account verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, and analytical writing skills. Most universities accept the general test score and usually majority of students opt for this test. It takes place round the year and you can choose your date according to your convenience.

GRE Subject Test – The GRE Subject Test measures the candidate’s achievement in a particular subject area. These tests are in the following areas: Biochemistry (Cell and Molecular Biology), Biology, Chemistry, Literature (English), Math, Physics and Psychology. It is conducted on a fixed date for everyone like an entrance exam. This test is required for specialized courses.

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is an English language test designed to assess the readiness of non-native English speakers to participate in a university-level English language instruction programme. Pearson created PTE Academic in response to demand from institutions, government and other organisations for a more accurate way of testing non – native English language students who enter the English-speaking academia world. PTE Academic is the English test trusted by universities, colleges and governments around the world. You can take PTE Academic test to prove your English ability for university and college admissions or as part of a visa application for Australia.

Who should take PTE Academic?
Students and professionals who want to go to countries like Australia, Canada, etc. can take PTE Academic exam. Student would need to pass PTE Academic exam to be considered by foreign universities. Required score differs from university to university. Professionals would need to get the required score in this exam so that they can apply for visa and for jobs. Apart from this, spouses of test takers are also required to take the exam as mandated by the rules.