# IELTS vs PTE vs CELPIP vs LanguageCert (2026): which English test should you take?

> The right English test depends on where you're going. IELTS, PTE Academic, PTE Core, CELPIP and LanguageCert compared side by side: format, results time, scores, which visas accept them, and fees in Nepal.
- **Author**: Testmigo
- **Published**: 2026-09-19
- **Category**: Visa & scores
- **URL**: https://testmigo.com/blog/which-english-test-ielts-pte-celpip-languagecert

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## The short answer

Pick the test your destination accepts first, then the one that suits you. For Australia, IELTS, PTE Academic, CELPIP and LanguageCert Academic all work. For UK visas, you need a UK-approved version: IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI or a LanguageCert test at a UKVI-approved centre. For Canada Express Entry, only IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core count. IELTS and PTE Academic are the most widely accepted by universities, and all five tests can be taken in Nepal.

## Side by side

|  | IELTS | PTE Academic | PTE Core | CELPIP-General | LanguageCert Academic |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Format | Computer, at a centre | Computer, at a centre | Computer, at a centre | Computer, at a centre | Computer, at a centre or online |
| Test length | 2 h 45 min | About 2 h | Up to 2 h | About 3 h | 2 h 34 min |
| Results | 1-5 days | About 2 days | 2 business days | 2-4 business days | 5 working days |
| Score scale | 9-band scale | 10-90 | 10-90 | Levels 1-12 | 0-100, with a CEFR level |
| Australian visas | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Test-centre version |
| UK visas | IELTS for UKVI | PTE Academic UKVI | No | No | At a UKVI-approved centre |
| Canada Express Entry | General Training only | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| In Nepal | Yes | Yes | Listed for Nepal | Kathmandu, Pokhara | Kathmandu |
| Fee in Nepal | NPR 36,000 (UKVI: NPR 36,400) | USD 248.60 | USD 248.60 | USD 184 | USD 194 (UKVI centre: USD 226) |

*From each test owner's official pages and the Australian, UK and Canadian government pages, checked 19 September 2026. Fees change; fees in US dollars are converted at checkout.*

IELTS results times are for IELTS on computer in Nepal. Paper-based IELTS is no longer offered in Nepal after 27 June 2026; see [paper-based IELTS is ending](/blog/ielts-paper-test-ending).

## Choose by goal

| Your goal | Tests that count | Watch out for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Australian visa or PR | IELTS, PTE Academic, CELPIP-General, LanguageCert Academic | Online and at-home versions aren't accepted. See [Australian visa scores](/blog/pte-score-australia-pr). |
| UK visa | IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert at a UKVI-approved centre | Regular IELTS or PTE Academic results don't count. See [UK visa scores](/blog/uk-visa-english-requirements). |
| Canada Express Entry | IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core | IELTS Academic and PTE Academic aren't accepted. See [the CLB table](/blog/ielts-score-canada-express-entry). |
| University study | Usually IELTS Academic or PTE Academic | Each university sets its own list and minimums; check before you book. |

## Things that catch people out

- Online tests: Australia doesn't accept tests taken entirely online or at home, including IELTS Online and LanguageCert Academic Online, and IELTS says IELTS Online isn't accepted for immigration.
- UK visas need the approved version at an approved centre. A high score on the standard test won't be accepted.
- For Canada, the IELTS version matters: Express Entry takes General Training, not Academic.
- PTE Core and PTE Academic are different tests. PTE Core is for Canada; it isn't on Australia's accepted list.
- Fees for PTE, CELPIP and LanguageCert are shown in US dollars, so the rupee amount depends on the exchange rate when you pay.

## How to prepare

Whichever test you choose, the skills are the same four: listening, reading, writing and speaking, and a timed mock is the fastest way to see which one is holding you back. Testmigo has free mocks for [IELTS](/ielts) and [PTE Academic](/pte), with AI feedback on writing and speaking. To compare scores between the two, use the [IELTS to PTE conversion](/blog/ielts-to-pte-score-conversion).

## Common questions

### Which English test is easiest?

None is simply easiest. Choose from the tests your visa or university accepts, then pick the format that suits you. For example, PTE is scored by AI and results come in about 2 days, while IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner.

### Which English test is accepted for Canada PR?

For Express Entry: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic aren't accepted.

### Which English test is fastest for results?

PTE Academic results typically arrive in about 2 days and PTE Core within 2 business days. IELTS on computer in Nepal takes 1 to 5 days.

### Can I take CELPIP in Nepal?

Yes. CELPIP-General is offered in Kathmandu and Pokhara, for USD 184.

### How much does IELTS cost in Nepal?

NPR 36,000 for IELTS on computer, and NPR 36,400 for IELTS for UKVI on computer, according to IDP Nepal.

**Sources**
- [IDP IELTS Nepal: test dates, fees and locations (checked 19 September 2026)](https://ielts.idp.com/nepal/about/ielts-test-dates-fees-locations)
- [IELTS: IELTS Online](https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test/ielts-online)
- [Pearson: PTE Academic](https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic)
- [Pearson: PTE test centres and fees](https://www.pearsonpte.com/test-centers-and-fees/)
- [Pearson: PTE Core](https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-core)
- [CELPIP: test locations in Nepal](https://www.celpip.ca/country/nepal/)
- [CELPIP: test results](https://www.celpip.ca/take-celpip/test-results/)
- [LanguageCert Academic](https://www.languagecert.org/en/language-exams/english/languagecert-academic/academic)
- [Department of Home Affairs: English language requirements](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language)
- [GOV.UK: Prove your English with a SELT](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt)
- [IRCC: Express Entry language tests](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html)

## Related guides

- [PTE and IELTS scores for Australian visas (2026): the component-based levels](https://testmigo.com/blog/pte-score-australia-pr)
- [English test scores for UK visas (2026): IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI](https://testmigo.com/blog/uk-visa-english-requirements)
- [IELTS scores for Canada Express Entry (2026): the CLB conversion table](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-score-canada-express-entry)

[Practise with a free IELTS mock](https://testmigo.com/ielts)
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