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What is PTE Academic?

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a computer-based English language test.

Pearson Test of English - Academic (PTE Academic) is a computer-based English proficiency test which assess Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening skills in academic English using artificial intelligence. The test is designed to evaluate the non-native English candidates to apply in Universities, Professional Bodies and Government organizations that require English language proficiency for admission or visa purpose.  

 

PTE Academic is trusted by universities, colleges, and governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA and Ireland and other parts of the world. It is the fastest computer-based English test which permits the student to illustrate language skills. It is not only approved for study permit but also for all Australian and New Zealand visa and migration applications. The computer-based marking using AI ensures all test takers are scored impartially and accurately.

 

The test is of approx. 2 hours which is taken in a small, friendly test center environment. The test focuses on English used in academic surroundings and students will listen the audio files recorded in real environment not studio recordings. The exam starts with an unmarked voice recording of the candidate, it is a part of advanced biometric data that assists applied institutions to verify the identity of the test taker. The test is of 120 to 135 minutes and the test taker can expect their results to be delivered online, within 2-5 business days.

 

Faster & Fairer way to test English

Get results in typically 2-5 business days
Fully computer-based test, taken in a test center

Accepted by over 3,500 universities & colleges globally

 

Test is a distinctive combination of AI evaluation and human expertise which reduces bias risk.
A single 2-hour test
Assesses academic English

 

What are the main sections of PTE Academic?

 

PTE Academic consists of three sections covering various aspects of the English language.

 

Section One: Speaking & Writing

You must demonstrate your verbal communication skills in this section.

Speaking & Writing starts with a personal introduction. This introduction gives academic institutions your general background and does not score.

Question typePrompt LengthTime to AnswerTask
Read AloudText up to 60 words30–40 seconds to read the text and prepareRead the text on the screen aloud.
Repeat Sentence3–9 seconds15 secondsRepeat the sentence after listening to a recording.
Describe ImageNot applicable40 secondsDescribe the image on the screen in detail.
Re-tell LectureUp to 90 seconds40 secondsRetell the lecture in your own words after listening to or watching it.
Answer Short Question3–9 seconds10 secondsAnswer a question with one or a few words.
Summarize Written TextText up to 300 words10 minutesWrite a one-sentence summary of the passage.
Essay2-3 sentences20 minutesWrite a 200–300 words essay on a given topic.

 

Section Two: Reading

This section assesses your reading comprehension skills. You will read some passages and answer questions about the content.

Question typePrompt LengthTask
Reading & Writing: Fill in the BlanksText up to 300 wordsText appears on-screen with several gaps. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps.
Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswerText up to 300 wordsAnswer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text by choosing more than one answer.
Re-order ParagraphsText up to 150 wordsPut the text boxes in a random order in the correct order.
Fill in the BlanksText up to 80 wordsThe text appears on a screen with several gaps in it. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps.
Multiple Choice, Single AnswerText up to 300 wordsAnswer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text by choosing one answer.

 

Section Three: Listening

The PTE listening section includes many audio recordings. You must listen to and answer questions about the content.

Question typePrompt LengthTask
Summarize Spoken Text60–90 secondsWrite a 50–70 word summary of a recording.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers40–90 secondsAnswer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by choosing more than one answer.
Fill in the Blanks30–60 secondsA transcript of a recording appears on the screen, with several gaps. After listening to the recording, type the missing word in each gap.
Highlight Correct Summary30–90 secondsAfter listening to a recording, choose the paragraph that best summarizes the recording.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer30–90 secondsAnswer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by choosing one answer.
Select Missing Word20–70 secondsAfter listening to a recording, choose the missing word that completes the recording from a list of options.
Highlight Incorrect Words15-50 secondsWhile listening to the recording, identify the words in the transcript that differ from what is said.
Write from Dictation3-5 secondsAfter listening to a recording of a sentence, type the sentence.

 

Alignment between PTE Academic, CEFR, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS 

English language proficiency is measured more precisely based on the Global Scale of English standard. The numeric scale ranges from 10 to 90 which measures with reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFR.

The score report card is based on the scores in Communicative skills and Skill Profile. The statistics of Skill Profile provide the guidance on how to improve the weaker areas.

 

PTE and IELTS score comparison table:

PTE Academic232936465666768489N/A
IELTS4.55.05.56.06.57.07.58.08.59.0

 

PTE and TOEFL score comparison table:

PTE Academic3842465053596468727884
TOEFL iBT40-4454-5665-6674-7579-8087-889499-100105113120

 

Click here for Free PTE Mock Test