PTE FAQ's

Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic is an English language test for international study and immigration and is completely computer-based.

The PTE test for Australia assesses the candidate's English-language skills for Australian visa applications.

The Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic can be taken up by anyone who wishes to move to an English-speaking country for international study and immigration purposes.

The PTE exam has two categories

1. PTE Academic
2. PTE General

The PTE Academic exam fee costs approximately USD 167.

While IELTS can be taken both online and offline, the PTE exam can only be taken online.

Both tests tend to assess the same aspects of your language and your command over the language. So both have an equal level of difficulty.

Three tests tend to test your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. As such, it is not easy to consider one of them the best.

PTE Academic certificates are valid for two years from the day results are issued. If a student wishes to prove their eligibility after two years, they will have to take the exam again.

 PTE Academic test format has three components

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Part 2: Reading

Part 3: Listening

• Speaking and Writing - This section includes a personal introduction, reading given passages aloud, describing images, short answer questions, summarising given text and essay writing.
• Reading - The Reading section consists of multiple-choice questions, rearranging passages in sequential order and filling in the blanks.
• Listening - The Listening section comprises multiple-choice questions, filling in the blanks, dictation, and picking the right summary/incorrect word.

There is no passing score for PTE. Different universities have different minimum score requirements for different courses and programs.

All scores are automated and graded using PTE Academic’s automated scoring system.

• You can prepare for the PTE exam from home in the following ways

  • Take multiple practice tests.
  • Make the best use of all available online resources.
  • Join an online PTE coaching centre if you would like to.

The average time needed to prepare for the PTE exam is between 4 and 6 weeks.

• You can study for the PTE exam in the following ways

  • Assess your English language skills.
  • Take multiple practice tests.
  • Make the best use of all available online resources.
  • Join a PTE coaching centre if you would like to.

Yes, you can take notes during the PTE exam on the sheet they provided.

Candidates cannot wear jackets, hoodies, scarves, gloves, caps, beanies or hats. Apart from these, there are no other restrictions.

The total number of hours given to complete the PTE exam is 3 hours.

Pearson does not have any specific eligibility criteria for PTE Academic. You can attempt the test if you wish to by applying for the same.

No, Pearson does not provide you with the option to take the test from home.

The PTE test scores can be viewed online. When the result is available, you will be notified via mail. You can then log into Pearson VUE and view your score by clicking on View Score.

Students can appear for the PTE Academic exam multiple times as there is no set limit but ensure to take a 5 days gap between the exams. 

The validity of PTE test scores is for two years after the results are released.

The PTE rescore exam costs USD 50 & students can apply it for the recent scores that they have received. They can contact customer support.

There are three types of exams that students can take and it's based on their age. 

It is important to practice by studying for four hours everyday & by taking the practice tests. 

Extend your learnings by improving your vocabulary, writing skills, fluency, pronunciation and go through test format.

Students aged above 16 years must take PTE young learners which is the minimum age & students above can take up PTE Academic. 

PTE Academic UKVI is for students aspiring to study in UK or UK visas that require a four-skill language test.