PTE (Pearson Test of Language)/Pearson Test of Language is a unit of the Pearson PLC group, dedicated to assessing and validating the English language usage of non-native English speakers. The tests include PTE Academic, PTE General (formerly known as London Tests of English) and PTE Young Learners. These are scenario-based exams, accredited by the QCA, Ofqual,[rx] and administered in association with Edexcel, the world’s largest examining body.[rx]
The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language test accepted by educational institutions around the world. Those students and aspirants who desire to go abroad for studying or immigration to a major English speaking country are required to take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language competency.
The three-hour-long computer-based test focusses on day to day English rather than high-level English language and tests a student on his/her ability to effectively understand the language as spoken daily. The multi-level grading system ensures a better understanding of the student’s proficiency in the English language.
There are many things that distinguish PTE Academic from its close competitors – IELTS and TOEFL. The first and foremost distinguishing aspect of the same is the scoring pattern and the results. As the tests are completely computerized, the PTE results and scores are declared much quicker, typically in 5 business days. This makes it aptly suited for students who are in a bit of a rush. Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic test will learn about the following PTE topics as they read along:
Why take PTE Academic Exam?
PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test for non-native English speakers who wish to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills of the candidates. The test is designed in such a way that every question generally tests 2 skills together, like reading and speaking or listening and reading.
Who accepts PTE Academic Scores?
PTE Academic exam is accepted by thousands of educational institutions across the world. Apart from this, PTE Academic is also accepted by the governments of Australia and New Zealand for visa purposes. Those who aspire to go abroad for studying in a major English speaking country like the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language efficiency.
Types of PTE
PTE General
Pearson Test of English General (PTE General) formerly recognized as London Tests of English General. PTE General Test is a theme-based examination designed to test how well the test taker can communicate in English in real-life and authentic situations of life. The test is generally taken only for the purpose of improving in the English language. Only a few countries accept the PTE General score for admission purpose.
PTE Academic
Pearson Test of English, Academic (PTE Academic) was launched in 2009 which is endorsed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). PTE Academic Test is a computer-based examination designed to assess the exam takers readiness to undertake a university program from a native English speaking country. Most of the universities accept the PTE Academic score for admission purpose.
PTE Young Learners
Pearson Test of English for Younger Learners (PTE Young Learners) formerly known as London Tests of English for Children. The test is designed to assess the ability of children who are learning English as a foreign language.
Types of PTE Exam
The Pearson Language Tests – a unit of Pearson PLC Group is responsible for conducting two formats of the English proficiency test to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers of the English language. The two tests are PTE Academic and PTE General.
PTE Academic Exam
The PTE Academic exam is conducted round-the-year, for students looking to get admission to a university or institution. The exam consists of four sections, reading, writing, listening and speaking. The scores of the PTE Academic exam is valid for a period of two years.
PTE General Exam
The PTE General Exam is conducted thrice in a year in the months of May, June, and December. The PTE General paper-primarily consists of two papers, – a written paper and a spoken test. The PTE General Test scores are valid for life and are used to test the communication skills of the candidate.
PTE 2020: Key Highlights of the PTE Academic Exam
| Exam Name | PTE |
| PTE full form | Pearson Test of English |
| Official Website | https://pearsonpte.com/ |
| Conducting body | Pearson PLC Group |
| Widely popular as | English language proficiency test |
| Generally accepted by | Universities in UK, Australia, and New Zealand |
| Types of exam | PTE Academic and PTE General |
| Mode of exam | Online |
| PTE Fee | INR 13,300 |
| Skills Tested | English Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading |
| PTE Helpline | 00080 0440 2020 |
PTE Exam Pattern 2020
The PTE test is made of the following components:
- Question – Time to Reading the Text Prompt: The time duration of each prompt you get varies depending upon the length of the text. The length is measurable in words or sentences. You need to be active in this part.
- Prepare for Answer – Time granted to Relax and Think: You do not have to immediately answer the question. On average, you get 10 to 15 seconds to prepare for each segment. You should relax and think for a while on how to answer.
- Answer – Time for Action: This is the total time duration where you have to perform. The answers are recorded when you speak, saved as text when you write, and selected in options multiple-choice questions.
Refer to the segment-wise description boxes given along with each section explaining the PTE Exam Pattern 2020 in detail:
Speaking and Writing — 77 to 93 minutes
As the name implies, this section tests the candidate’s on the basis of their 2 major skills of communication, which are spoken and written skills. This section comprises of six small sections that test you on your promptness over speaking and writing the written test that you would get to read for the first time ever. The complete section is given time duration of 77 to 93 minutes and the time allotted to each segment is as follows:
| Segments Pattern | Time Duration |
|---|---|
| Personal Introduction | 55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record |
| Read Aloud | 30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words |
| Repeat Sentence | 15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record |
| Describe Image | 25 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same |
| Re-Tell Lecture | 90 seconds for prompt length, 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to answer |
| Answer Short Question | 20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer |
| Summarize Written Text | 10 minutes to answer to text prompt of 300 words |
| Essay | 20 minutes to answer to text prompt of 2-3 sentences |
Reading — 32 to 41 minutes
This section tests the candidates on the basis of their ability to understand the written instructions in the language. The section further divided into 5 segments is 32 to 41 minutes long. Check out the segment-wise pattern for time distribution of this section:
| Segments Pattern | Time Duration varies on the length of the Text Prompt |
|---|---|
| Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer | Read 300 words of text |
| Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers | Read 300 words of text |
| Re-Order Paragraphs | Read 150 words of text |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks | Read 80 words of text |
| Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Read 300 words of text |
Listening — 45 to 57 minutes
The listening section of the PTE Academic is stretched over 45 to 57 minutes of duration. This one is designed to determine the ability to understand spoken English by the candidate. Here, the student needs to ascertain that they carefully hear the audio file played and retain what they heard. This section is divided into 8 segments and the time give to each segment is as follows.
| Segments Pattern | Time Duration |
|---|---|
| Summarize Spoken Text | 60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | 40-90 seconds for prompt |
| Fill in the Blanks | 30-60 seconds |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 30-90 seconds |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 30-60 seconds |
| Select Missing Word | 20-70 seconds |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 15-50 seconds |
| Write From Dictation | 3-5 seconds |
Designed to verify the applicant’s English language skills, the standardized English language tests follow almost the same pattern. Hence, preparing for any one of these, you automatically are prepared for taking up any of the remaining two.
What are the eligibility criteria for the PTE Academic Exam?
As such, there are no specific criteria set by the Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE Academic exam. However, according to the PTE Academic eligibility criteria, students must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appearing for the test. Also, candidates who are below 18 years of age need to give a parental consent form for appearing for the PTE Academic test.
Age Limit to Appear for PTE Academic Exam
In order to take the PTE Academic test, the candidate must be at least 16 years old. Candidates below 18 years of age need to take a parental consent form signed by either parents or guardians before taking the test. Candidates can download the consent form from the official website of the PTE Academic Exam.
Education Qualification to appear for PTE Academic Exam?
Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE Academic Exam has not laid down any education qualification criteria for candidates wanting to appear for the PTE Academic test.
PTE Exam Fee
The standard PTE Academic exam fee is Rs 13,300. In case the candidate is booking his PTE exam within 48 hours of the PTE test date, the candidate would be required to pay the PTE Late Booking Fee of Rs. 13,965.
PTE Test Dates 2020
Candidates wanting to study abroad and who are required to appear for their PTE Exams can take a look at all the available dates on the official PTE Academic website. The online version of the PTE Academic test is held multiple times in a month. Candidates are required to book their PTE Academic Exam slot only when they have prepared for the PTE Exam and feel confident in appearing for the same.
How to Cancel or Reschedule PTE Exam?
If you don’t want to appear for the PTE Academic test, then you can claim a refund before 14 calendar days before the test date. Canceling or rescheduling the PTE Academic exam can be done on the PTE official website. Candidates can reschedule the PTE exam 2020 to any other date through phone or online. You can read more about the Cancellation and Rescheduling PTE Academic fee below.
PTE Exam Cancellation Fees
Candidates who decide on not pursuing their PTE Academic test after booking their exam online have up to 14 calendar days before their test date to claim a full refund. Candidates who cancel the test, with less than 14 calendar days, but at least 7 calendar days before their test date will receive a partial refund of 50% of the test fee paid. However, no refunds would be provided to candidates on canceling the exam less than 7 calendar days before the exam. Candidates should note that cancellation and reschedule policy does not include your test date.
PTE Rescheduling Fees
Candidates who plan to reschedule the test, with less than 14 calendar days, but at least 7 full calendar days before their test date will be required to pay 50% of the test fee. No refunds will be provided on rescheduling the exam less than 7 calendar days before the exam. Candidates should note that the reschedule policy does not include your test date.
PTE 2020 Registration
For booking PTE Academic online, you need a valid ID, generally a passport. Candidates are also required to show that ID on the day of the exam else they will not be allowed to enter the PTE Test center
Steps to register PTE Academic online
- Visit the official PTE Academic website.
- Create your Pearson account by giving your personal details.
- Once you complete the registration process, you will receive an email within 48 hours from Pearson with your login details.
- The next step is to search for your nearest test center.
- Also select a suitable time and date.
- After selecting all your details like time, date, and slot you will be asked to proceed to the checkout button.
- Then make payment and finalize your booking.
Other methods of registering for PTE
Apart from the much preferred online method of registering for the PTE exam, candidates can also register for the PTE Exam via phone. Indian students wanting to register for the PTE Exam can contact the PTE Academic testing body by dialing: 00080 0440 2020. (Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm local time; closed on local holidays.)
Know all about PTE Slot Booking
Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic exam would be required to create a Pearson account to register for their PTE Academic Slot Booking. On successful registration, candidates would receive an email within 48 hours with their login credentials. Candidates are required to read the handbook carefully available on the official website before booking the exam.
PTE Exam Dates 2020
The exam is conducted throughout the year at the designated Test Centers across the country. These dates might vary from center to center. Students must search for the seats available on the Pearson PTE Academic website. Simply select the test centers closest to you, and click next. The website would prompt you to the calendar with the available dates.
PTE Exam Centres
Here is a list of PTE Academic Exam test centers for candidates looking to appear for their next PTE Academic Exam. Candidates are reminded to choose the exam test center that is most convenient for them to be able to perform their best on the day of the exam.
PTE Test Accommodations/ Special Arrangements
Committed to providing access for all individuals with disabilities, test accommodations also known as “special arrangements” or “reasonable adjustments” are made available by Pearson VUE to make the test assessable to everyone. Arrangements made possible include,
- A separate testing room
- Extra testing time
- A Reader or Recorder
How do I request a test accommodation?
Candidates who require special arrangements need to specify their needs and how the disability is hindering them from performing their best under standard conditions. Candidates would have to provide documentation proof and apply weeks in advance for the conducting body to make the required arrangements. Candidates are required to apply for the request before they book their exam.
PTE Exam Pattern
PTE Academic Syllabus includes three sections – Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. You get marked on these three sections and you get the PTE Academic total score as well. The PTE Exam Pattern mentioned below talks about the components of the PTE Academic Paper in detail for the benefit of the candidate. Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic Exam can check out the PTE Exam Pattern mentioned below.
PTE Syllabus
It is important for candidates to understand the PTE Academic syllabus in order to appear for the exam. The PTE Academic is broadly divided into Speaking and Writing, Reading and Listening sections. Candidates can check out the detailed PTE Syllabus for each category below
Here is the detailed paper pattern
| Section | Duration | PTE Academic |
| Speaking & Writing | 77 – 93 minutes | Personal IntroductionRead AloudRepeat sentenceDescribe imageRe-tell lectureAnswer short questionSummarise written text (10 mins)Essay (20mins) |
| Reading | 32 – 41 minutes | Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanksMultiple choice, choose multiple answersRe-order paragraphsReading: Fill in the blanksMultiple choice, choose single answerA 10-minute break is optional |
| Listening | 45 – 57 minutes | Summarise spoken textMultiple choice, choose multiple answersFill the blanksHighlight the correct summaryMultiple choices, choose a single answerSelect missing wordHighlight incorrect wordsWrite from dictation |
PTE Results and Score
PTE Academic Results are usually available online within five working days from the test date. The PTE Academic results are issued online. And can be accessed from your PTE Academic student account. First, you will receive an email within five working days with instructions on accessing the results online. After that, you need to follow the instructions to log in to your Pearson account. You can share your results with the colleges and universities of your choice through your Pearson account.
PTE Academic Exam is scored on a scale of 10 – 90 where 10 is lowest, with increments of 1 point. Graded on the scale, the score showcase the person’s ability to read, speak, understand verbal instructions and write the English language. The scores are presented in a graph, giving an easy understanding of the candidate’s core skills in the language as well as improvement areas.
How to Access PTE Score
Candidates can access their PTE Academic scores via their online account. Candidates would receive an email notifying them about the availability of their scores. After receiving the notification, candidates would be required to log in to their Pearson VUE account that they created to book their tests and access their scores.
How to Send PTE Score Report?
Candidates who wish to send their score can do so via an online secure portal set up by PTE. Universities do not accept paper or PDF versions of PTE Academic score reports.
Steps to sending your PTE Score Report
- Login to your account.
- Click ‘View Score Reports’.
- Click ‘Send Scores’.
- Type the name of your chosen institution
- Review your details then scroll down the page and click ‘Next’ and then ‘Next’ again to confirm
Rescoring the Score?
If candidates are unsatisfied with their PTE Score they can request a rescore. However, since the PTE Academic is a computer-scored test, the chance of an error is highly minimalized. Only spoken responses and open-ended written responses are rescored. Candidates can only request a rescore for their most recent PTE Academic Test and candidates are barred from requesting a rescore if they have already either scheduled another test or sent their score to an institution. In the event the score changes, the new score will replace the previous score and the original score report will be reissued to reflect the new score.
Who Accepts PTE Academic?
One of the most widely accepted exams, PTE Scores are accepted by some of the top universities and countries abroad.
Colleges Accepting PTE
Candidates who have appeared for their PTE Academic Exam can choose from the huge number of colleges that accept PTE Scores.
- MS Colleges Accepting PTE Academic scores
- MBA Colleges Accepting PTE Academic scores
Countries Accepting PTE Score
Aspirants looking to pursue higher education in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, and Germany among many other countries are required to appear for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic exam. One of the most widely accepted computer-based tests of English, PTE Academic is generally undertaken for studying abroad and immigration options.
PTE Exam Preparation Tips
Often students start the preparation with either joining a coaching center or simply signing up for free practice tests. What a student forgets is that, like any exam, even language proficiency exams have to be dealt with a methodology. Here are a few study tips that would help you perform in the PTE Academic Exam. It is, however, important to note that no amount of tips, tricks or tools can outwit the dedication and efficiency of the practice. So, improve these skills and practice them over and over again to succeed.
What are the best PTE Books and Resources?
Candidates can prepare for their PTE Academic using a range of official course books. Candidates can choose from the below-mentioned study material to excel in their PTE test.
PTE Sample Paper
Practicing PTE Sample Papers are a good way to prepare for your upcoming PTE Academic Exam. Candidates are advised to solve multiple PTE Practice Papers for the benefit of the student. With the objective of enhancing your communication skills, the PTE Academic exam is designed to test your command over the English language. No high-level language proficiency is required to clear the exam, it rather checks your regular English communication, thereby helping you become expressive. Practicing each section separately with a relaxed and focused mind is advisable to fully absorb the subject matter and score well.
What to expect on the test day?
Candidates are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before their test, to check-in and pass security. They should not forget to bring an acceptable ID, usually a passport for the smooth functioning of the exam formalities.
PTE Scholarships
With the availability of various Scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dream come true. Scholarships are available on the official website of every college along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students on a regular basis. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad.
PTE Results – Check PTE Academic Score here
After the completion of your PTE Academic exam, you will receive PTE Academic scores for each for the skill sections on a band range of 10 – 90. Along with that, you will also get an overall score. See the scoring pattern below to understand what does each range of score means –
| PTE Academic Score | Level Description |
| Above 85 | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. |
| 76 – 84 | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. |
| 59 – 75 | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of oral fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
| 51 – 58 | Has sufficient command of the language to deal with most familiar situations, but will often require repetition and make many mistakes. Can deal with standard spoken language, but will have problems in noisy circumstances. Can exchange factual information on a familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. Can pass on a detailed piece of information reliably. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. |
| 43 – 58 | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| 30 – 42 | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need. |
| 10 – 29 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
Countries that accept PTE scores
PTE is a popular English Proficiency test that is accepted in several countries and universities. The PTE exam score is considered for immigration and is also accepted for university admission purposes.
List of countries that accept PTE exam scores for immigration and admission purposes –
| Argentina | Greece | Netherlands |
| Austria | Hungary | New Zealand |
| Australia | Indonesia | Nigeria |
| Belgium | Iran | Norway |
| Brazil | Iraq | Oman |
| Bulgaria | Ireland | Pakistan |
| Canada | Israel | Philippines |
| China | Italy | Poland |
| Cyprus | Japan | Russia |
| Czech Republic | Jordan | Singapore |
| Denmark | Korea | Slovenia |
| Egypt | Latvia | Somalia |
| Estonia | Lithuania | South Africa |
| Finland | Malaysia | Spain |
| France | USA | Taiwan |
| Sweden | UK | Thailand |
| Switzerland | UAE | Turkey |
| Vietnam | Uganda | |
| Germany | Malta |
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