What is PTE Academic Exam?
PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Those students and aspirants who desire to go abroad for studying or immigrate to a major English speaking country are required to take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language competency.
The 3 hours long 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 English language skills.
There are many factors that make PTE Academic difference from other English proficiency tests. 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 2 business days. This makes it aptly suited for students who are in a bit of a rush. PTE Academic scores are accepted by thousands of institutions and approved for all UK, Australian and New Zealand visa and immigration categories.
PTE Test Formats
SPEAKING & WRITING:
(77 – 93 minutes)
- Personal introduction
- Read aloud
- Repeat sentence
- Describe image
- Re-tell lecture
- Answer short question
- Summarize written text
- Essay (20 mins)
READING:
(32 – 41 minutes)
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple-choice questions
- Re-order paragraphs
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple-choice questions
LISTENING:
(45 – 57 minutes)
- Summarize spoken text
- Multiple-choice questions
- Fill the blanks
- Highlight the correct summary
- Multiple-choice questions
- Select missing word
- Highlight incorrect words
- Write from dictation
Understanding the PTE Score
There are 20 different item types and each test taker does between 70 and 91 items in any given test. The overall score in the PTE test ranges between 10-90 points. The score scale of PTE Academic shows increments of four points. Overall PTE score is calculated based on the performance of all test items. In PTE score report, two main contributors to PTE score are Communicative skills and enabling scores. PTE score band calculators use the sum and average to get the overall PTE score.
What is Enabling Skills Scores in PTE?
Enabling skills include grammar, spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary, oral fluency, and written discourse. These enabling skills scores are based on the performance of all these items and each enabling skill range between 10-90 points. These enabling skills are used to rate the performance in the productive skills of writing and speaking.
What are Communicative Skills Scores in PTE?
The score for communicative skills which includes reading, writing, speaking, listening is based on all the test items that assess these skills. The communicative skill ranges from 10-90 points. These communicative skills also test specific subskills.
Did You Pass?
There are no passing or failing scores set by the PTE Program. Each institution or college sets its own score requirements. For more information about how your scores will be used we highly recommend contacting the institution or agency directly.
PTE Sample Result
Everything about PTE Exam
PTE exams date?
The PTE exam is not conducted during a specific time. You can give the exam according to your need. The exam date is available throughout the year. You just need to pay the fee and choose the date according to your comfort zone.
What is the fee structure of the PTE exam?
The standard PTE Academic exam fee is Rs 11,610. 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.
How much PTE test score is known to be good marks?
The PTE exam has a score from 10-90. Above 79% is known as excellent marks and increases the chances of clearing the language proficiency criteria.
How long is PTE valid for?
The PTE exam score is valid for two years. This time is calculated from the date when the examination is held. You can check the score or show it to someone for two consecutive years. Once 2 years are completed, the website will remove your score from the official PTE exam website.
Is PTE valid for Australian PR?
Yes, the PTE exam is valid for proving proficiency in the English language to apply for Australian PR (Permanent Residency).
Which countries accepted PTE?
PTE scores are mainly accepted in countries like Australia, USA, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Canada and New Zealand. PTE scores are accepted in these countries to gain admission in universities and for immigration purposes.
Which English language test should I take? PTE vs. TOEFL vs. IELTS?
IELTS, TOEFL and PTE all 3 tests are more or less similar in structure, prices, and availability. Your choice might be limited by the university where you want to apply. While some institutions accept all 3 English tests, others only accept any 2 of them, or maybe only one of them.
Even if you can choose between these tests, you should first see what exam dates and test centres are available near you. You should also try free online materials and see if one exam seems easier than the others. This is an easy way to make up your mind.