PTE Exam - Overview

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Latest PTE Updates 

  • PTE Tutorials, the one-stop platform by Pearson group for preparation of PTE Academic, has 6,00,000 plus visitors as of mid-2022.
  • As of November 16, 2021, the duration of PTE Academic will reduce from 3 hours down to 2 hours.
  • PTE partners with UCAS to help international students to learn and schedule PTE Academic in the “Myriad” app, a UCAS platform to conduct research in master's degree courses.

What is PTE?

PTE stands for the Pearson Test for English. PTE is a unit of the Pearson PLC group that is dedicated to testing and validating the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. PTE language assessment is taken by non-English speakers outside the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and other English-speaking countries as a prerequisite for studying, working, or relocating to the said countries. 

PTE has helped students, immigrants, and employment seekers move to highly developed English-speaking countries for over 10 years. The language test offered by PTE is the most secure, accurate, and reliable to test the applicant’s English language proficiency. 

PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online, and PTE Academic UKVI are the three products (tests) offered by the Pearson PLC Group. The tests aim to assess the applicants speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills over a two-hour period with 20 different question types through computers.

 

PTE Accepted Countries

PTE is accepted as a test for English proficiency in countries in the Americas, east, south, and central Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Middle East. “PTE Academics” is accepted by thousands of academic programs. PTE, on the other hand, is also being accepted by a growing number of universities and countries. 

Here are the academic programs supported by PTE:

  • Undergraduate
  • Post Graduate/Graduate
  • Doctoral/Ph.D.
  • Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Certificate
  • Non-Award

PTE is trusted by 3000 plus universities, colleges, and professional bodies such as Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and Macquarie University. Over 70 countries accept PTE scores from their applicants as proof of English proficiency. 

Here are some of the popular countries that accept PTE:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • Germany

Browse other countries that accept PTE.

Advantages of Taking PTE

1. The Fastest English proficiency test for abroad study

Applicants can book a PTE test within days and take the test in just about two hours. Even the test results will be received in 48 hours, making PTE the fastest language test option for students and employment seekers.

2. Simple and Accurate

PTE is simpler to prepare for when compared to other similar English language tests for non-English speakers. Test takers have reported that the test day is less stressful in comparison. 

The test takers also point out that PTE is a more accurate measure of language proficiency. PTE is practical and structured around what English knowledge students/applicants would need to study/work in an English-speaking country.

3. Frequent Test Dates Available

PTE runs regular test dates. Therefore, finding the test date that will work for the applicant is effortless. Frequent test dates throughout the year eliminate the long wait applicants may experience in other language tests.

4. Last-Minute Availability of Test Slots

In PTE, even last-minute test slots are available. This makes taking the test highly convenient to the applicants. 

5. Comfortable and Friendly Test Centers

PTE applicants can take their test on a computer in one of the 300-plus test centres located around the world. Each test centre is set up to be small (just enough) and friendly. A test centre typically has no more than 10 seats. 

To be precise, PTE has about 350 test centres in 117 countries.

6. Unbiased Scoring System

PTE promises fairness of scores in their tests. This is achieved by the automated scoring system. The sophisticated algorithms developed for PTE are based on hundreds and thousands of real test answers/responses. These algorithms help to make every PTE test fair, accurate, and consistent. 

The computerised test system of the PTE is on par with the accuracy and expertise of human examiners. However, this system evaluates the test with objectivity, precision, and consistency by means of Machine Learning.

7. Reliability all the way

PTE is secure with a layered security approach. Palm vein scanning, randomised test forms, and secure question bank software are the different parts of the layered security framework which make PTE secure at all stages. This is why all governments and institutions trust PTE for their English language prerequisites in their foreign candidates.

8. Option of Taking a test in the comfort of your home

With “PTE Academic Online,” applicants can take the English language test at their homes. This is helpful for applicants who can not reach any of the PTE test centres worldwide. A growing number of educational providers accept PTE Academic Online. Applicants should note that PTE Academic Online work only for study applications and not for work applications (or any other applications).

9. Specialised Test for UK

UK Government approves PTE for its status of being SELT (Secure English Language Test). Applicants should take PTE “Academic UKVI” (specialised test for the UK) if they need to study or work in the United Kingdom.

How to Register for the PTE Exam

Step 1: Go to pearsonpte.com.

Step 2: Select “Check availability” (in the homepage banner) or the “Book a Test” button (from the top right corner of the website).

Step 3: Select the “Book PTE Academic” button under the PTE Academic Heading.

Step 4: Use the current location option or enter a location to find the closest test centre near you.

Step 5: Set the date and time you prefer for the test and press “Book”.

Step 6: Create your profile and authenticate with a recognised ID.

Step 7: Review the details you entered and submit your order.

PTE Exam Eligibility

  • Applicant must be 16 years of age.
  • Applicants aged 16-18 must submit parental consent. The parental consent form is available on pearsonpte.com.
  • For special requirements, applicants must present a letter or certificate from a licensed medical practitioner, written when the applicant is 12 years old or above.

Document Required For PTE Exam 

In most cases, the document required to be admitted during the test day is the applicant/candidate’s valid passport. Alternative options are available if the applicant does not have a valid passport. However, the alternative document options (if your test centre is in your home country) are:

  • Valid Driver’s License (Government issued)
  • Military Identification Card
  • National Identification card

PTE Exam Preparation

Individuals who have applied for PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online or PTE Academic UKVI can get preparation assistance through the learning materials offered by the PTE. The Preparation material is paid for, and applicants can get them from pearsonpte.com. The contents of the preparation material include a scoring guide, test process explanation, and other relevant information.

PTE Exam Duration

PTE Academic lasts for a duration of two hours. Within two hours, the test taker has to answer 20 different questions. The test assesses the test taker’s real-life English skills. The test is taken in a test centre of choice and uses a computer plugged with headsets.

PTE Exam Pattern

Part 1: Speaking and Writing

Time

54 - 67 minutes

Number of questions

7 different question types

Skills Tested

English speaking and writing skills

 

Part 2: Reading

Time

29-30 minutes 

Number of questions

5 different question types

Skills Tested

Writing and reading skills

 

Part 3: Listening 

Time

30 - 43 Minutes

Number of questions

8 different question types

Skills Tested

Uses audio and video clips to test listening skills

 

PTE Scores and Results 

PTE Academic Score

What it means

Required for

85 - 90

Highest level of English ability

Generally, no university or government requires this

76 - 84

Second highest level of English ability

Australian Skilled Migration Visas

59 - 75

Academic level of English ability

Under graduate and postgraduate entry requirement

43 - 58

Regular English ability for daily use

Certain undergraduate level study

30 - 42

Low English ability

Only for Foundation Year courses

10 - 29

Lowest English ability

Not Ideal for any academic coursework

 

PTE Exam Dates

PTE exam dates are easily available for willing candidates. The dates are even available at the last minute. Follow the application instructions and find your exam dates.

PTE Exam Fees

1. PTE Academic

PTE Academic

$385 AUD

PTE Academic Online

$385 AUD

 

2. PTE for UK Visa and Immigration

PTE Academic UKVI

$385 AUD

PTE Home A1

$325 AUD

PTE Home A2

$325 AUD

PTE Home B1

$325 AUD

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

PTE is an English language proficiency test, mostly taken by aspirants who want to pursue education in English-speaking countries. PTE stands for Pearson Language Test. It is a test brought to you by Pearson Group PLC.

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PTE has two test types: PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online. These tests have the same admission fees but differ based on the country.

  • Philippines - $220 USD
  • Nepal - $190 USD
  • Bangladesh - $200 USD

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Test takers have leaned in favor of PTE when it comes down to PTE and IELTS. However, both exams evaluate the same fundamental skills of the English language. The pattern of PTE and IELTS also influence test takers’ decisions regarding exam difficulty. 

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