Pearson Test of English

PTE

Pearson Test of English

PTE is a computer based English language proficiency test taken by candidates to study in an English-speaking environment, work in or emigrate to an English-speaking country. PTE exam is assessed by an AI based scoring system. There are two types of PTE tests which you can attempt:
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1. PTE Academic:
It is the test taken by those who seek to move abroad for studies and assess your english proficiency for academic pursuits. It can also be taken for PR applications to Australia and New Zealand.
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2. PTE Core:
It is the test taken by those who seek to migrate to Canada for Permanent Residence purposes and is currently approved by IRCC.

PTE Test Format

The PTE Exam consists of 20 question types (for PTE Academic) and 19 Question Types (for PTE Core), which assesses your skills across Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. The question types in each section are as follows:

Speaking & Writing

54-67 mins

Read Aloud
Repeat Sentence
Describe Image
Retell Lecture ^{(in Academic)
‍}Respond to a Situation ^{(in Core)}
Answer Short Question
Summarise Written Text
Write Essay^{(in Academic)
‍}Write Email ^{(in Core)}

Reading

29-30 mins

Fill in the blanks - Reading & Writing
Multiple Choice Questions, Single Answer
Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Answers
Reorder Paragraphs
Fill in the Blanks - Reading

Listening

30-43 mins

Summarize Spoken Text
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Answers
Highlight Correct Summary ^{(only in PTE Academic)}
Multiple Choice Questions, single answer
Select missing word
Highlight incorrect word
Write from dictation

Should I take PTE or IELTS?

Few Pros and Cons to help you decide.

PTE is widely considered an easier exam than IELTS, by most students
PTE has interconnected modules; which means score from one question type will go to multiple modules. So it is unlikely to fail even if you are weak on a specific module.
PTE is a better choice if you have a tighter deadline - PTE results are published within 5 days while IELTS results take 13 days.
PTE exam is complete assessed by an AI based scoring system to remove human bias while IELTS is assessed by a human examiner.
IELTS is a better option for students who does not prefer a computer based test as it offers traditional Pen and Paper test, while PTE only has computer based test option.
IELTS is more widely accepted across the world than PTE - so if you change your target country/course, IELTS will likely be accepted
IELTS has more exam centres across India than PTE, however PTE is rapidly expanding their test centres across new cities.

Things to Know

Exam Fees

The PTE test fee is 17,000 INR in India.

Exam Centers

There are over 62 test centers for PTE across India. The full list can be found and exam can be booked here

Score Validity

PTE scores are valid for two (2) years from the day you receive your results. You will receive your test scores within 5 days.

Recognition & Acceptance

PTE is less accepted globally compared to IELTS, however, you can now use PTE for study/PR applications to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Please check with your agency or university to see if they accept PTE scores.

Scoring in PTE

There is no pass or fail mark in PTE. Your score will be in a range of 10 to 90 and each organisation/country sets their own minimum score requirements.