PTE

Overview

What is PTE Academic?

PTE or Pearson test of English Academic is an English test of 2 hours duration that helps to assess a test taker’s English speaking, writing, reading, and listening proficiency. Various international universities across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America & other countries accept it for admission to various courses. Many countries accept it for immigration and other Visas. It is the world’s first entirely computer-based English test.

What are the types of PTE tests?

There are 2 broad categories of tests.

1. PTE Academic
2. UK government tests

For details of which test to select based on your goal check our post on types of PTE tests

How is the test conducted?

There are two modes of conducting the test.

• PTE Academic – It can be booked at your nearest Pearson testing centre. This type of test is conducted on a desktop computer in the testing centre at a pre-booked time slot. There could be up to twelve desktops in cubicles where multiple people can take their tests alongside you.
• PTE Academic Online – Check your requirements carefully before choosing this option.

What is the fee for the test?

The test costs 15,900 INR.

What is the duration of the test?

The duration of the test is 2 hours.

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Both test a test taker’s English language skills, and it’s challenging to choose one over the other, However, we have given a comparison between the two based on a few parameters.

Scoring

Scoring comparison PTE vs. IELTS

The global scale of English is used to score PTE tests. Scores have a scale of 10 – 90, 10 being the lowest and 90 being the highest possible score. Please refer to the scores comparison below.

Scoring comparison PTE vs TOEFL

Guide to PTE scoring

We have created a detailed guide for PTE scoring

Registration

How do you book the test online?

To register for a test, you need to follow the steps below.

• Visit the Pearson website.
• Click on sign in at the top right, if you already have an account you can continue to the next step by signing in, if you are a new user, please sign up by filling out the form.
• It is critical to create your account with the name present on your government ID.
• This ID will be used for verification on the exam day.
• Select the test centre and the exam slot to book the exam.
• carry your government ID card.
• Reach the test centre 30 minutes before.

Exam day tips

How to book the test by phone?

India

• Toll-free number 0008004402020, Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm local time closed on holidays.
• Toll number 0085230774927, calling this number will incur charges.

Other countries

Phone numbers for other countries

PTE Test centers

Pearson has over 400 test centres across 117 countries, including over 50 Indian test centres. Check the test centres.

Can special requirements be requested in PTE tests?

All the Pearson test centres are local disability law-compliant for users who can prove their condition using medical evidence.

Adhere to the following points: –

• A letter or a medical certificate from a licensed medical practitioner,
• The letter could’ve been written when you were 12 or older.
• Share the most recent documentation available with you.
• The letter must be on official letterhead with details like the practitioner’s name, title, credentials, date, signature, and other practice elements.

You can avail of the following facilities: –

• Separate room
• Wheelchair access in the facility
• Additional equipment like a lamp, and magnifying glass.
• Adjustable workstation and chair
• A monitor with adjustable brightness
• A 10-minute break
• Extra time (25%) is currently available in some locations.

Test structure

There are three main parts (Speaking and writing, reading and listening), and each part has different items or question types that test various skills: –

Preparation

Books

• The official guide for PTE Academic for test takers by Pearson
• PTE Practice Test Plus with Key, Vol 1 and 2

Scored practice tests and question bank

The scored practice tests and question bank come as a package. It’s recommended to buy a package as it is cheaper in comparison to buying these as separate items. The books mentioned above are not part of the package and need to be bought separately.

Get a deeper understanding

• Understand the test structure, types of tasks, and how they are scored.

Strategies

• Exam Level Strategies – We have accumulated and shared the exam-level strategies that work.
• Task level strategies – Learn the various strategies. Every task has a strategy to counter the tasks effectively. Check the detailed strategies for individual tasks PTE task strategies

Practice

• Practice these strategies using the material.

Attempt a scored practice test

• Attempt a scored practice test once you are comfortable and confident
• Based on your scores on the scored practice test you can plan your next steps.
• If your test is not as per your expectation identify your focus areas
• Practice till you are confident.
• Re-attempt the score PTE test.

Book the test

• If your score is as per your expectations you can book your PTE test.

Result

Once you have attempted your test, you want the result to be available soon. The good part is that more than 85% of the users receive their results within 2 days of attempting the test. However, there can be cases where it may take longer –

• To ensure that the tests are correct scoring some of them go through additional review.
• If the system identifies any suspicious case where a user could’ve taken the test under a different name.

For Details on the result please check our post Result

Reschedule the test after an attempt

After the result of the previous test has been declared You can reschedule the test. It is recommended to give time between tests to focus on weak areas and practice more to improve them.

For general enquiries check the Pearson PTE FAQ page

For other queries regarding the Pearson PTE Academic test download the PTE Academic test taker handbook