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!

What is PTE?

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.

What are the types of PTE exams?

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.

• PTE Academic: Used for study motives, this variation of the PTE exam is highly regarded in the top study-abroad destinations like Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand. 
• UK Government Test: it includes the below-mentioned 4 types of tests:
  • Academic UKVI: It is for students planning to study in the United Kingdom via a student route visa. Additionally, it can be used for skilled worker visas, start-up visas, innovator visas, and minister of religion visas.
  • PTE Home A1: This test is for those who wish to apply for a family visa, specifically a spouse visa or parent-of-a-dependant visa, in the UK.
  • PTE Home A2 Test: This test is designed for those individuals aiming to extend their family visas after 2.5 years of staying in the UK.
  • PTE Home B1: It is for those applying for UK settlement or a UK citizenship

What is the test duration of the PTE exam?

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:

• Reading: 29-30 mins
• Listening: 30-43 mins
• Speaking & Writing: 54-67 mins

What is the format for the PTE exam?

PTE consists of 3 sections each having 5-8 question types.

• Listening
  •  Summarize spoken text
  • Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
  • Multiple-choice, single answer
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Highlight the correct summary
  • Select missing word
  • Highlight incorrect words
  • Write from dictation
• Reading
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
  • Re-order the paragraphs
  • Multiple-choice, single answer
• Speaking & Writing
  • Personal introduction
  • Read aloud
  • Repeat sentence
  • Describe image
  • Re-tell lecture
  • Answer short question
  • Summarize written text
  • Essay

When will I get the test results?

The test results can be expected within 2 to 5 days. Most students receive their results in less than 48 hours.

When can I book the PTE exam?

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.

What is the fee for the PTE exam?

The PTE Exam fee is as follows:

• PTE Academic - $330 CAD
• PTE Academic UKVI - $330 CAD
• PTE Home A2 - $280 CAD
• PTE Home A1 - $280 CAD
• PTE Home B1 - $280 CAD

What is the PTE validity period?

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.

What is the 3-second rule in PTE?

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. 

Is there any limit to re-taking the exam?

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:

• Only one exam per student per time can be booked.
• Advanced test booking can be done as early as 6 months before.
• The test can be taken as often as you like.

In which countries can I apply to study abroad with PTE?

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:

• United States of America (USA)
• United Kingdom (UK)
• Canada
• Australia
• Germany
• New Zealand
• France
• Ireland

What are the eligibility criteria to appear in the exam?

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.

What is the passing score of PTE?

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 and PTE score converter

What are the common mistakes that students make?

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:

• Don't assume you don't need preparation even if you speak English rather well. Know what to expect and practice on several mock exams prior.
• Avoid concentrating primarily on certain abilities (such as speaking and listening). You must score highly on each portion of the PTE exam if you want to pass.
• Keep from "memorizing" through writing. Focus your PTE preparation on memorizing words and phrases in context rather than merely lists of vocabulary because the PTE evaluates your ability to utilize academic English in "real" settings.

Any tips to keep in mind?

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.

Is there any official study material available to prepare for the PTE exam?

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.

Can I prepare for PTE with self-study?

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.

What should be your next step after appearing for the PTE exam?

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’. 

If you still haven’t figured out what country you’ll be studying in or are confused about which college to choose, register on The Edu Network, and our AI-based course finder will shortlist the courses according to your profile.