Whether you are aiming for studying abroad, this computer-based English proficiency test is widely accepted and offers fast results. This guide covers everything you need to know about PTE Academic Exam from test format to exam day tips.
What is PTE Academic?
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer based exam that evaluates your skills in four sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. It is accepted by the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand for studying abroad.
Why Choose PTE Academic?
- PTE Academic provides accurate and unbiased AI-based scoring.
- It delivers results within 24-48 hours.
- It is recognized by top institutions across various countries.
- It is Shorter test duration compared to other English proficiency exams.
- It tests real-life academic English skills needed for studying abroad.
PTE Academic Test Format
The exam is divided into three major sections.
- Speaking and Writing (54-67 minutes)
- Reading (Approx. 30 minutes)
- Listening (Approx. 30 minutes)
Each section will assess different skills through various question types. To become familiar with each question, read the detailed explanation provided below:
Speaking and Writing:
This section of the test lasts 54–67 minutes and includes seven different question types. It is the longest part of the test, where your speaking and writing skills will be evaluated based on English commonly used in academic settings.
- Read Aloud: You will see a text on the screen. Read it aloud clearly and fluently.
- Repeat Sentence: You will listen to a sentence and repeat it exactly.
- Describe Image: An image appears on the screen and describe it in detail using relevant vocabulary and structure.
- Retell Lecture: You will listen to a lecture and summarize it in your own words. This tests evaluates listening and speaking skills.
- Answer Short Question: You will listen to a question and provide a one or two-word answer.
- Summarize Written Text: Read a passage and summarize it in single sentence. It tests comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
- Write Essay: Write a 200-300 word essay on a given topic, demonstrating clarity, coherence, and correct grammar.
Reading
This section of the test is approximately 30 minutes and includes five different question types.
- Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: You will see a text with several gaps. Select a word from the drop-down list to choose the right answer.
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: Read the passage and select all the correct answers from the given options. It includes negative marking
- Reorder Paragraphs: Arrange scrambled sentences in the correct logical order to form a logical sequence.
- Fill in the Blanks: A passage with missing words is displayed. Drag the correct words into the blanks from the given options.
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Read the passage and choose the best answer from the options provided.
Listening
This section of the test is approximately 30 minutes and includes eight different question types.
- Summarize Spoken Text – You will listen to an audio clip and write a summary in 50- 70 words.
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer –You will listen to an audio recording and select all correct answers. It includes negative marking.
- Fill in the Blanks – A transcript with missing words is provided. You will listen to the
- recording and fill in the blanks with the missing words.
- Highlight Correct Summary – Choose the option that best summarizes the given audio recording.
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer – You will listen to an audio clip and select the most appropriate answer from the options.
- Select Missing Word – The last word of an audio recording is replaced with a beep. Select the correct word to complete the sentence.
- Highlight Incorrect Words – A transcript is displayed while the audio plays and identify words in the transcript that differ from the recording. It includes negative marking.
- Write from Dictation – You will listen to a short sentence and type it exactly as you hear it.
PTE Scoring System
PTE Academic is scored on a 10-90 scale with AI based scoring system. Here’s a breakdown:
- Overall Score: An average of your performance across all sections.
- Communicative Skills: Scores for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
- Enabling Skills: Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Written Discourse.
Overview of PTE Skills Profile
The PTE Skills Profile is a detailed report that evaluates a test-taker’s performance in eight essential language skills.
Skills in the PTE Skills Profile
- Open Response Speaking and Writing: It includes tasks like essay writing and retell lecture.
- Reproducing Spoken and Written Language: It includes tasks like summarize spoken and written text.
- Extended Writing: It includes tasks to write essay.
- Short Writing – It includes tasks like summarize written text.
- Extended Speaking – It includes tasks like describe image or retell lecture.
- Short Speaking – It includes tasks like repeat sentence or read aloud.
- Multiple Skills Comprehension – It includes tasks from both the listening and reading modules.
- Single Skill Comprehension – It includes tasks that test one skill, primarily reading tasks.
PTE Exam Booking
Booking your PTE Academic test is a quick and easy process. Follow these steps to book your exam slot:
- Visit the Pearson PTE website to begin the registration process.
- Sign up or log in to your Pearson account.
- Select a convenient location and available test date.
- You will ensure you have a valid passport, as it is required on test day.
- Pay the exam fee using an available payment method.
- After booking, you will get an email confirmation with test details.
Exam Day Tips
Before The Exam:
- Ensure Your Details Are Correct: Make sure your test booking details (name, date of birth, gender, citizenship) match exactly with the passport ID on the test day.
- Practice with a QWERTY Keyboard: If you are not familiar with a QWERTY keyboard, practicing with one before the exam will help you feel more comfortable during the test.
- Check Your ID: Verify that you have a valid passport, as it is needed for identity verification at the test center.
On Exam Day:
- Arrive Early: Arriving at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time allows for check-in and security procedures.
- Bring Your ID: Don’t forget your passport, as you will need it for identity verification.
- Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the Test Center Administrator’s instructions and ask if you have any questions.
- Stay Calm and Focused: If you are distracted by noise or other test-takers, remember that the microphones won’t pick up their answers, and each person will have
- different questions.
- Use the Provided Materials: You will have a notepad and pencil available, so use them wisely for any written notes during the test.
