A candidate’s proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English is evaluated using the computer-based PTE (Pearson Test of English). There are two versions of it: General and Academic.
PTE Academic is a well-liked English proficiency test among potential international students because it is recognized by many colleges throughout the world.
There are test facilities located all over the world, and PTE is becoming more widely known.
The exam can be taken at the closest PTE test centre and lasts a maximum of three hours and ten minutes.
PTE in a nutshell
Full form – Pearson test of English Academic
Who is eligible to take the test? – Anyone of 16 years and over
Format
– Speaking and writing (77-93 mins)
– Reading (32-41 mins)
– An optional 10 min break
– Listening (45-57 mins)
Test Registration – Online registration at Pearson PTE Academic’s official website
PTE test fee – depends on the location
Approx. 150 GBP in the UK (15,300 INR)
Approx. 11,600 INR in India (110 GBP)
Different PTE Exams
PTE tests are of three types: Academic, General, and Home.
Since the latter doesn’t apply to international students, let’s start with it:
The speaking and listening test PTE Home has been authorized by the UK Home Office. People who are applying for family or settlement visas in the UK primarily use it.
Academic PTE (PTE-A)
The most well-known of the exams is the PTE Academic, which, as its name implies, is primarily taken by prospective overseas students. More and more organizations, colleges, and schools now recognize the PTE as evidence of English proficiency.
Most importantly, it is recognized as valid English proficiency documentation for immigration reasons by the governments of Australia and New Zealand.
PTE General – Also referred to as The International Certificate, PTE General entails an interview and a written paper. It is created with career goals in mind, rewarding success in English language learning. On the other side, this exam is not accepted by any immigration authorities.
The PTE exam that international students should take is…
The PTE Academic test should be taken by international students.
Exam PTE Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill the following requirements in order to sit for the PTE Academic Exam:
Minimum age for PTE Academic
In order to take the PTE Academic exam, candidates must be at least 16 years old.
Candidates under the age of 18 must obtain a parental consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian before taking the test. You can access this consent form on the official website.
education prerequisites
The PTE Academic Exam has no particular educational prerequisites.
The PTE Academic Exam is administered by Pearson PLC Group, which has not established any specific educational prerequisites for applicants.
PTE exam structure and syllabus
The four sections of the PTE syllabus and exam format are listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
The following topics are covered in sequence of appearance:
Writing and speaking abilities – (77-93 minutes)
Reading skills – (32-41 minutes)
10 minute optional break
Skills in listening – (45-57 minutes)
The questions you can anticipate in each section are as follows:
Writing and Speaking
– Personal statement in response to a prompt
– Reading aloud the text
– Repeating sentences after hearing them
– Describer picture
– Listening to a lecture and retelling it in your own words
– Responding to a brief inquiry
– Putting a written text’s summary in one sentence
- Essay creation (200-300 words based on a prompt)
Reading
– Reading and writing: Complete the gaps
– Multiple-choice questions with various options
– Re-order paragraphs
– Reading: Fill the gaps
- Multiple options, just one response
Listening
– Summarize the spoken text
– Multiple-choice questions with multiple answers
– Fill in the gaps
– Highlight the correct summary
– Multiple options, just one response
– Choose the missing term.
– Highlight the wrong terms.
- Write from dictation
The PTE Score
The Pearson automated scoring technology is used to automatically score the PTE Academic exam.
Some questions are graded using straightforward accurate-or-incorrect criteria, while others are deemed to be just partially correct (for example, in multiple-choice and multiple answers). One point is given for right answers, while zero points are given for wrong ones.
In other instances, formal components as well as the standard of response for spoken and longer-form written answers are scored. Formal aspects refer to the format of your response (sticking to word limits, for example).
Your overall sectional score is given out of a possible 90.
PTE training
PTE Tips for Preparation
Generally speaking, we advise beginning exam preparation at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the test date. The same is true when getting ready for your PTE exam. You will have plenty of time to study without being under stress, which, as we all know, is detrimental to learning.
More about the test’s format.
- Grab a study guide.
- Finish the practice exams (at least 1, ideally two or more)
- Create a study schedule (and stick to it)
- Make learning a game.
- Read new phrases and words out loud to check for pronunciation.
- Consider the distinction between the “primary concept” and the “detailed details” when reading texts.
- Describe the visuals you come across while browsing social media. Before getting more specific, begin with the broad strokes.
PTE Practice Exams
On the Pearson PTE website, you can get official practice exams as well as academic question banks for your own preparation.
Although they are more expensive (around GBP 25 each test), these can be purchased in discounted packages. These exams, which are also evaluated by PTE, can offer incredible insight into your development.
Exam day
You simply need to carry your passport and a copy of it as identification on the day of the exam. If you don’t have a passport, get in touch with your test location to learn about other alternatives.
To check in with the test administrator and go through regulations and procedures, try to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your test. For security reasons, the staff will also take a picture of you, acquire your signature, scan it, and take a palm print. After that, you can put your belongings in a locker while you take the test.
PTE results
PTE test results are typically released five days after the test.
As soon as your results are available, you’ll get an email alert. Simply go into your PTE account and choose activity from the portal dashboard to access them.
Additionally, you can utilize this dashboard to communicate your score to any institution or company that requires it.