PTE Academic: The Complete Guide
Test Prep, Courses & Application Expert | 20 Years in International Education
For students wanting to apply to study abroad where English is the primary language of communication, the PTE Academic exam is among the most reliable English proficiency assessments. PTE Academic scores are accepted in more than 3,500 universities and colleges worldwide.
In a single two-hour session, the PTE Academic assesses a candidate's speaking, writing, reading, and listening comprehension in English. The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is the full name of the PTE exam.
What is the PTE Exam?
The Pearson Test of English is a common assessment that is used to evaluate your English language proficiency via reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Many renowned universities from all over the world accept the PTE Academic exam as proof of English proficiency.
A high PTE Academic score guarantees that applicants will be able to effectively communicate their ideas, give presentations, seek international exposure, and perform on the global platform in front of foreign audiences.
Candidates take it for educational purposes, and multiple English-speaking nations around the world, including Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, and others, accept it.
The governments of Australia and New Zealand also accept it in exchange for work permits and immigration permits.
Types of PTE Exams
Just like IELTS Academic and IELTS General, the PTE exam is also divided into two categories: PTE Academic and PTE General. The PTE Academic is further conducted in two types: the common PTE Academic Exam and the PTE Academic UKVI. These versions of the PTE Academic exam break down the format into sections that evaluate reading, writing, speaking, and listening, the four main English language proficiency areas.
PTE Academic Exam
The PTE Academic Exam is an examination involving the strict evaluation of speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in the English language. It provides a thorough assessment in three hours.
Recognised by many of the world's most prestigious universities, such as Yale and Harvard Business School, it provides access to academic opportunities. The scoring system, which runs from 10 to 90, accurately represents the levels of language proficiency for each of the tested skills and offers a reliable evaluation for visa and educational purposes. The time taken is approximately two hours.
PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic UKVI is a specialised English language test for people who want to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that verifies candidates meet the language requirements needed to be eligible for a foreign visa.
- With scores ranging from 10 to 90, the exam has the same format as the PTE Academic.
- Specifically designed for applications for UK visas
- PTE Academic Scores range from 10 to 90 in this pattern alignment.
- Ensures language competence for those wishing to live, work, or study abroad.
PTE General Exam
The PTE General exam assesses everyday English skills across six levels (A1-C2/Level 5), featuring a written test (Listening, Reading, Writing) and a face-to-face spoken interview, focusing on real-life communication, unlike the academic PTE Academic. Managed by Pearson in partnership with Edexcel UK, scores do not expire, and it is held multiple times a year for general proficiency, often for study or personal development rather than specific university/visa needs.
PTE Academic Exam Pattern
A high PTE exam score assures that applicants will be able to effectively communicate their ideas, give presentations, seek international exposure, and perform on the global stage in front of foreign audiences.
The Academic version of the PTE exam lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The PTE General version lasts anywhere from one hour and fifteen minutes to 2 hours and 55 minutes.
PTE Academic Speaking and Writing Format
In the Speaking and Writing section of the PTE Academic exam, the candidates are tested in this section on their spoken and written communication skills—the two main communication skills.
The entire section has been given a time allotment of 54 - 67 minutes, with the following times allocated to each segment:
| PTE Speaking and Writing Section Question Topics | Questions Per Task | Task-Wise Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Personal introduction | 1 | 55 seconds: 25 seconds for answer, 30 seconds to record |
| Read Aloud | 6 - 7 | 30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words |
| Repeat sentence | 10 - 12 | 15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for answer, 15 seconds to record |
| Describe image | 3 - 4 | 25 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same |
| Retell lecture | 1 - 2 | 10 to get ready, 40 seconds to respond, and 90 seconds for the answer. |
| Answer short question | 5 - 6 | 20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for answer, 10 seconds to answer |
| Summarise written text | 1 - 2 | 10 minutes to answer to text answer of 300 words |
| Write Essay | 1 - 2 | 20 minutes to answer to text answer of 2-3 sentences |
| Total Questions | 28 - 36 | Time Allocation: 54 - 67 minutes |
PTE Academic Reading Format
The candidates' comprehension of written instructions in the English language is tested in this section. It is broken up into five parts and lasts between 29 and 30 minutes.
| PTE Reading Section Question Topics | Questions Per Task | Task-Wise Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fill in the blanks –reading & writing | 5 - 6 | Read 300 words of text |
| Multiple choice, multiple answers | 1 - 2 | Read 300 words of text |
| Re-order paragraph | 2 - 3 | Read 150 words of text |
| Fill in the blanks –reading | 4 - 5 | Read 80 words of text |
| Multiple-choice, single answer | 1 - 2 | Read 300 words of text |
| Total Questions | 13 - 18 | Time Allocation - 29 - 30 minutes |
PTE Academic Listening Format
The PTE Academic's listening portion lasts between thirty and forty-three minutes. This one is meant to ascertain the candidate's comprehension of spoken English.
| PTE Listening Section Question Topics | Questions Per Task | Task-Wise Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Summarise spoken text | 1 - 2 | 60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write |
| Multiple choice, multiple answers | 1 - 2 | 40-90 seconds for answer |
| Fill in the blanks | 2 - 3 | 30-60 seconds |
| Highlight correct summary | 1 - 2 | 30-90 seconds |
| Multiple-choice, single answer | 1 - 2 | 30-60 seconds |
| Select missing word | 1 - 2 | 20-70 seconds |
| Highlight incorrect word | 2 - 3 | 15-50 seconds |
| Write from Dictation | 3 - 4 | 3-5 seconds |
| Total Questions | 12 - 20 | Time Allocation: 30 - 43 minutes |
PTE Exam Format for General Test
There are two sections to the test: a writing section and a speaking section. It evaluates your proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
The PTE General exam has six proficiency levels, ranging from basic (A1) to advanced (Level 5).
| Level | Duration | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Level | 1 hour 15 minutes | Suitable for beginners, it assesses speaking and writing abilities |
| Level 1 | 1 hour 35 minutes | Suitable for beginners, it assesses speaking and writing abilities |
| Level 2 | 1 hour 35 minutes | Ideal for intermediate candidates, as it assesses both speaking and writing abilities |
| Level 3 | 2 hours | Ideal for intermediate candidates, as it assesses both speaking and writing abilities |
| Level 4 | 2 hours 30 minutes | Suitable for applicants pursuing higher education, it assesses speaking and writing abilities. |
| Level 5 | 2 hours 55 minutes | Suitable for applicants pursuing higher education, it assesses speaking and writing abilities. |
The PTE Exam Result
After the test day, PTE Academic results usually become accessible online in two working days. You can access them through your student account on PTE Academic. A PTE Academic score of 65 is often required to be eligible for scholarships, but a score of 70 or higher can greatly improve your application. Every university has its own standards, so it's important to look into the particulars.
How to Apply for PTE?
To successfully reserve their PTE Academic exam slot, candidates who wish to register for the Pearson PTE Academic exam must follow the instructions listed below.
Candidates should be aware that a valid ID, such as a valid passport, is required to schedule their PTE Academic online.
On the day of the exam, candidates must present a valid ID; failing to do so will prevent them from entering the testing facility.
- Go to PTE Academic's official website.
- Enter your personal information to create a Pearson account.
- Pearson will send you an email containing your login information 48 hours after you finish the PTE Academic registration process.
- Finding the PTE Academic test location closest to you is the next step.
- At this stage, candidates can also choose to take the PTE Academic Online.
- Choose a time and date that works for you to take the PTE Academic exam.
- You will be prompted to select the checkout button once you have chosen all of your information, including the time, date, and PTE Academic slot.
- Next, complete your PTE Academic exam booking by paying the exam fee.
Are you ready to take the PTE Academic Exam and unlock global opportunities? Look no further. Our exam experts can guide you through every aspect of the exam, from format to strategies for success. Register at AECC and start your journey and get every bit of information that you need to succeed.
Test Prep, Courses & Application Expert | 20 Years in International Education