PTE Exams and its types

PTE Academic

PTE Academic is a computer-based English test that evaluates your speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.

You take the test in a small, friendly test center environment in just two hours. You receive your result in two days.

Choose PTE Academic if you plan to study at a university globally and need to prove your English level, or if you are applying for a work or migration visa for Australia or New Zealand.

PTE Core

PTE Core is a computer-based English test that evaluates your general speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in a single test. Take the test in a small, friendly test center environment in just two hours. Get your results in two days.

Choose PTE Core if you are applying for permanent residency or Citizenship in Canada. This test is also valid for work permit applications.

PTE Academic UKVI

If you're applying for a degree-level or higher course at a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI), you can take PTE Academic.

For courses below degree level, such as foundation, pathways, or professional English courses, or if you're applying to an institution that is not a HEI, choose PTE Academic UKVI. This version provides a Unique Reference Number (URN) for your UK visa application. Always check the specific course requirements with the institution.

PTE academic Exam- structure and question types

The PTE Academic test is divided into three main sections-

Speaking and Writing (54-67 minutes):

Personal Introduction: Candidates introduce themselves; this part is not scored but sent to institutions.
Read Aloud: Candidates read a written text aloud.
Repeat Sentence: Candidates listen to a sentence and repeat it exactly.
Describe Image: Candidates describe an image or graph.
Re-tell Lecture: Candidates summarize a lecture.
Answer Short Questions: Candidates answer brief questions based on audio prompts.
Summarize Written Text: Candidates summarize a given text in one sentence.
Essay: Candidates write an essay of 200-300 words.

Reading (29-30 minutes):

Fill in the Blanks: Candidates complete a text by filling in missing words.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: Candidates select multiple correct answers from given options.
Re-order Paragraphs: Candidates arrange jumbled paragraphs into a coherent order.
Fill in the Blanks (Reading and Writing): Candidates choose the correct words to fill in blanks.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Candidates select one correct answer from given options.

Listening (30-43 minutes):

Summarize Spoken Text: Candidates summarize a spoken text in 50-70 words.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: Candidates select multiple correct answers after listening to a recording.
Fill in the Blanks: Candidates fill in the missing words in a transcript based on a recording.
Highlight Correct Summary: Candidates select the summary that best matches the recording.
Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Candidates choose one correct answer after listening to a recording.
Select Missing Word: Candidates choose the missing word in a recording.
Highlight Incorrect Words: Candidates identify words in a transcript that differ from the recording.
Write from Dictation: Candidates write down sentences exactly as they hear them.

Key Details

Test Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Scoring: The PTE is scored on a scale of 10-90, with 10 being the lowest and 90 the highest.
Test Delivery: The test is entirely computer-based, including the speaking section, which uses a headset and microphone for responses.
Registration: Candidates can register for the PTE online and choose a convenient test date and center. The cost is around INR 17,000.

Preparation Tips

Familiarize with the Test Format: Understanding the structure and types of questions in each section is crucial.
Practice Regularly: Regular practice using official PTE materials and taking mock tests helps improve familiarity and timing.
Improve Language Skills: Enhancing vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills through varied English media is beneficial.
Seek Feedback: Regular feedback from teachers or peers on speaking and writing can help refine skills.
Time Management: Practicing under timed conditions ensures efficient time management during the actual test.