The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language test for non-native English speakers who wish to study abroad, immigrate to an English-speaking country, or obtain professional certification. It is accepted by over 3,300 universities and colleges worldwide, as well as by the Australian, New Zealand, and UK governments for visa applications.
Overview
PTE Academic is a single two-hour test that measures all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The test is designed to assess a test taker’s ability to use English in real-world academic and professional settings.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the PTE exam are as follows:
- Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years old to take the PTE Academic test. Candidates below 18 years of age need to get a parental consent form signed by either parents or guardians before taking the test.
- Education: There are no specific educational qualifications required to take the PTE exam. It is open to individuals of all educational backgrounds.
- Nationality: Candidates of any nationality can take the PTE exam.
- In addition to these general eligibility criteria, there may be specific requirements for taking the PTE exam in certain countries or for certain purposes. For example, some universities may require a minimum PTE score for admission. You should check with the institution or organization you are applying to to confirm the specific PTE requirements.
- To register for the PTE exam, you can visit the Pearson PTE website. You will need to create an account and provide some personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to choose a test date and location.
- Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email confirmation with more information about the test, including what to bring and what to expect. You should also receive a study guide that will help you prepare for the exam.
- On the day of the exam, you will need to arrive at the test center early and bring your identification and confirmation email. You will also need to pay the exam fee.
Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 28-36 | 54-67 minutes |
| Reading | 20-25 | 29-30 minutes |
| Listening | 30-43 | 30-43 minutes |
| Total | 78-104 | 113-140 minutes |
Application Process
To apply for the PTE Academic exam, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official PTE Academic website.
- Create a Pearson account or sign in to your existing account.
- Click on “Book a test” and select “PTE Academic”.
- Select your desired test date and time.
- Enter your personal details and payment information.
- Review your booking details and submit your order.
You will receive a confirmation email with your test booking details. Once you have booked your test, you should start preparing for the exam by reviewing the test format and practicing with sample questions. You can find sample questions and other preparation resources on the Pearson PTE website.
On the day of the test, you should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early. You will be required to show your identification and provide a digital signature and palm scan. You will also be given a brief tutorial on how to use the test software.
The PTE Academic exam is a two-hour test that is divided into four parts: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. You will be given a break between the different parts of the test.
Syllabus
The PTE Academic syllabus is divided into three sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Speaking & Writing
- Personal Introduction: Introduce yourself and talk about your academic or professional interests.
- Read Aloud: Read a short passage of text aloud.
- Repeat Sentence: Repeat a sentence that you hear.
- Describe Image: Describe an image that you see.
- Re-tell Lecture: Listen to a lecture and summarize it in your own words.
- Answer Short Questions: Answer short questions about a topic that you read or listen to.
- Summarize Written Text: Summarize a text in your own words.
- Essay Writing: Write an essay on a given topic.
Reading
- Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer to a question about a text.
- Fill in the Blanks: Complete a sentence or paragraph with the correct word or phrase.
- Re-ordering Paragraphs: Put paragraphs in the correct order to form a complete text.
- Matching: Match items in one list to items in another list.
- Highlight Correct Summary: Choose the correct summary of a text.
Listening
- Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer to a question about an audio recording.
- Fill in the Blanks: Complete a sentence or paragraph with the correct word or phrase from an audio recording.
- Highlight Correct Summary: Choose the correct summary of an audio recording.
- Write from Dictation: Type what you hear in an audio recording.
Important Dates
| Month | Dates |
|---|---|
| March | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| April | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| May | 11, 18, 25 |
| June | 08, 15, 22, 29 |
| July | 07, 14, 27 |
| August | 04, 11, 18 |
| September | 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
| October | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| November | 03, 10, 17, 24 |
| December | 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Become familiar with the test format and question types. The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based test, so it is important to practice using the test interface and become familiar with the different question types. You can do this by taking practice tests and reviewing sample questions.
- Improve your English language skills. The PTE Academic exam assesses all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Therefore, it is important to improve your skills in all of these areas. You can do this by reading widely, listening to English audio and video content, and practicing speaking and writing English.
- Use high-quality practice materials. There are a variety of PTE Academic practice materials available online and in libraries. Choose materials that are developed by reputable test preparation providers and that are aligned with the latest test format.
- Take timed practice tests. The PTE Academic exam is a timed test, so it is important to practice taking practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you to learn how to manage your time effectively and to stay calm under pressure.
- Get feedback from a tutor or instructor. If you are struggling with any particular areas of the PTE Academic exam, consider getting feedback from a tutor or instructor. They can help you to identify your weaknesses and develop a plan to improve.
FEES
| Country | PTE Academic | PTE Academic UKVI | PTE Home A1 | PTE Home A2 | PTE Home B1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $410 AUD | $440 AUD | $345 AUD | $345 AUD | $345 AUD |
| Canada | $395 CAD | $425 CAD | $330 CAD | $330 CAD | $330 CAD |
| New Zealand | $410 NZD | $440 NZD | $345 NZD | $345 NZD | $345 NZD |
| United Kingdom | £340 GBP | £370 GBP | £285 GBP | £285 GBP | £285 GBP |
| United States | $395 USD | $425 USD | $330 USD | $330 USD | $330 USD |
| India | INR 15,900 | INR 15,900 | INR 13,038 | INR 13,038 | INR 13,038 |
| Pakistan | PKR 49,000 | PKR 49,000 | PKR 41,000 | PKR 41,000 | PKR 41,000 |
FAQ?
PTE Academic is designed for students who wish to study abroad, immigrate to an English-speaking country, or obtain professional certification. PTE General is designed for people who wish to assess their English language skills for work, study, or travel. The two exams are similar in format, but PTE Academic is more challenging and covers a wider range of topics.
PTE Academic scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 90, with 90 being the highest score possible. Each of the four skills is scored separately, and an overall score is also given.
Test takers typically receive their scores within 48 hours of taking the test.
60 minutes of Duration
100 Questions
Instant Report
4 Dimensions
500+ Career Options
1M+ Test Taken
