When planning to study abroad, you have to take a specific set of tests like the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and English proficiency assessment exams. The admission officers in the university/college need you to demonstrate your competence in English. Amongst all the tests available for the purpose, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are the ones recognized worldwide. Out of these, PTE is the only exam that is entirely computer-based and works on AI-based technology that reduces any human errors and evaluates the applicant’s mettle accurately and free from any bias.
Learn more about the PTE exam in the blog below where we have discussed the common questions asked by the students aiming to take the test!
The PTE or Pearson Test of English is a standardized test aimed at evaluating the English proficiency of the applicant through the fundamental skills of listening, writing, speaking, and reading. Being a computer-based exam, it is fast and secure, thus a major preference amongst students aspiring to study abroad.
The PTE exam is categorized into 2 divisions: PTE Academic and UK Government Tests (previously termed as PTE General), which further has four sub-divisions.
Reduced from the previous 3-hour duration, the PTE exam now concluded in just 2 hours. The time allotted for the sub-sections is as follows:
PTE consists of 3 sections each having 5-8 question types.
The test results can be expected within 2 to 5 days. Most students receive their results in less than 48 hours.
PTE exam dates are available throughout the year with the advantage of booking the slot even at the last hour. You just have to check for the availability of the dates under the ‘book a test’ section on the official pte website - pearsonpte.com.
The PTE Exam fee is as follows:
The PTE score is valid for two years from the date of the test taken. The scorecard will no longer be recognized by the colleges/universities after the 2-year period.
The PTE exam's "3-second rule" states that test-takers must begin speaking within 3 seconds after hearing the prompt. This makes sure the microphone records their full response.
The recording session will end and the item's status will be updated to "completed" if you wait for longer than three seconds. Be cautious, you won't be able to take the recording again.
You can retake the exam if you are not satisfied with your final results. You are allowed to retake your exam as often as you like, but you have to wait for the results of your previous test before scheduling a subsequent one.
Retake Policy:
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Exam, is recognized in 74 nations worldwide. Students who desire to study or work overseas can take the PTE Academic Exam.
Some of the top study-abroad destinations accepting PTE are:
As a result, the Pearson PLC Group, which oversees the PTE exam, has not established any particular standards. However, the applicant must be a minimum of 16 years old if they want to appear for the PTE Academic exam. Before taking the exam, applicants under the age of 18 must complete a parental consent form and have it signed by their parents or legal guardians. The form can be downloaded by candidates from the PTE Academic Exam's official website.
Concerning academic requirements, Pearson PLC Group has not established any requirements for the candidates' educational backgrounds.
The PTE test has no set cutoff score as a passing score, the score range is between 10 and 90. An excellent PTE result is between 65 and 75 since it suggests that the applicant qualifies for admission to the best universities. PTE scores between 50 and 63 are also acceptable at some institutions abroad.
IELTS Band Score |
PTE-A (overall) |
PTE-A (listening) |
PTE-A (reading) |
PTE-A (writing) |
PTE-A (speaking) |
8.5 |
88.1 |
84.7 |
83.7 |
89.5 |
85.5 |
8 |
82.3 |
79.4 |
78.4 |
89.4 |
80.9 |
7.5 |
74.6 |
73.9 |
73.7 |
87.5 |
75.3 |
7 |
66.3 |
66.2 |
67.6 |
82.3 |
65.3 |
6.5 |
58.5 |
56.8 |
60.6 |
74.1 |
53.5 |
6 |
51.6 |
48.1 |
53.5 |
62.2 |
46.2 |
5.5 |
45.4 |
42.7 |
47.9 |
51 |
42.2 |
5 |
40.8 |
40.2 |
43 |
43.1 |
40.2 |
Without discussing particular mistakes that are all too common, our comprehensive PTE exam guide would be incomplete. Here are 3 frequent pitfalls to avoid to prepare for the PTE and achieve the score you desire:
You must have heard this a thousand times, but making your PTE preparations as fun as possible will help you. Studying with a calm mindset yields better results. We have curated section-wise suggestions for you:
Reading section:
As much as you can, read. It's actually that easy! Simply use sources like periodicals, academic studies, newspapers, and fictional literature. Don't be afraid to concentrate on subjects you find interesting; doing so will help you stay motivated in your studies.
Writing section:
Practice by writing short articles on topics you're interested in, writing letters or emails to friends, or maintaining a personal diary. Ask your English-speaking pals for their opinions. The more you practice organizing your thoughts in writing, the more prepared you will be for the PTE exam.
Listening section:
Make a list of all your favorite content. The numerous varied accents and dialects of a language will be easily learned through radio, television, and film. Subtitles are an excellent technique to become acquainted with speech patterns if you're just starting.
Speaking section:
To improve your listening and speaking skills, join English-speaking clubs or get in touch with any friends who speak the language fluently. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and quickly develop your abilities.
Yes, there are many course guides available for students that give a thorough overview of the test structure and formats. It provides information on the various task types and strategies to prepare and manage the AI-based test system.
Readily available in both, print and ebook formats, these study materials offer a range of practice test questions with their answers.
Yes, you can create a unique plan for yourself through self-preparation, which is an excellent technique to recognize your strengths and shortcomings. Once aware of this, students can easily create a useful timetable that can be adjusted by their progress toward passing the PTE Academic exam.
There are numerous resources available for students in case they do not wish to opt for PTE coaching. As mentioned before, the official PTE site offers innumerable study materials along with model test samples.
Taking the test was the first step towards your study abroad goals. The subsequent steps that follow are:
Wait with patience and positivity: The initial step is to await the results of your PTE exam. Results from PTE are typically available in 2 to 5 business days. When your findings are ready, an email will be sent to you as a notification.
Check Your Score: After receiving your results, thoroughly review your scores. For each of the four skills—speaking, reading, writing, and listening—PTE delivers scores. Make sure you comprehend your test results and how they relate to your objectives, such as university entrance or a visa application.
Send your scores: You will have to send your scores directly to the universities/colleges that you are applying in. PTE allows you to share your scores with multiple institutions without any additional cost. You just have to log in to your myPTE account, then view the score, and there you’ll find the opinion ‘share your scores’.