The PTE exam (Pearson Test of English) is crucial for evaluating the English proficiency of non-native speakers for study, work, or visa applications.
Accepted by universities and governments worldwide, including in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, Russia, and Ireland.
The PTE exam has no academic eligibility or age criteria, though applicants under 16 need parental consent.
The computer-based test, taken in a secure center, measures speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills within 2 hours, with results available in 48 hours. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, PTE does not require a face-to-face interview for the speaking section. Over 3,300+ universities accept PTE scores for admission.
Now let’s dive into the comprehensive guide for the PTE Exam.
Table of Contents
- What is PTE Exam 2024: Key Highlights
- Latest Updates for PTE Academic Exam
- Importance of PTE Examination
- Types of PTE Exam
- What is PTE Academic Online
- Expert's Guides for PTE Exam Preparation
- PTE Exam Eligibility Criteria
- How to Register for PTE Examination
- PTE Exam Slot Booking
- Other Methods of Registering for the Pearson PTE Exam
- What is PTE Examination Fee
- PTE Important Dates 2024
- PTE Exam Centres
- PTE Exam Format and Syllabus
- PTE Examination Band Score
- PTE Exam Preparation Tips
- Best PTE Books and Resources
- PTE Exam Day Tips
- PTE Scholarships
- How to Get the Results of PTE Examination
- PTE Important Examination Tips
- Find PTE Exam Dates in or near by Your City
- Popular Study Abroad Destinations
What is PTE Exam 2024: Key Highlights
If you are preparing for the PTE exam to study abroad, here are the main highlights for the exam:
Name of Examination | PTE |
PTE Full form | Pearson Test of English |
Official Website for Pearson Test of English | https://www.pearsonpte.com/ |
Conducting Authority | Pearson PLC Group |
Mode of Examination | Online |
PTE Exam Fees | ₹17000 INR |
Places accepting the score | Universities of Australia, New Zealand, and UK |
Latest Updates for PTE Academic Exam
Global company Pearson, specializing in education, has recently launched its new English language proficiency test, PTE Core. This test is pre-approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is significant as the PTE Core test can be used as evidence of English language proficiency for permanent economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship.
It is a 2-hour-long, done-on computer test of the candidate's speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprise) conducts the test. The computer-based test can be taken within 24 hours of scheduling the test online, and results can be obtained within two business days.
Read More about PTE Exam Accepted Countries | PTE Exam for Australia | PTE Accepted Universities in UK | PTE accepted universities in Canada | PTE accepted universities in USA |
Importance of PTE Examination
A good PTE score is required to be eligible for immigration, study, and work in an English-speaking country. Language skills are important to survive, communicate, learn and get comfortable in an English-speaking environment.
- PTE test scores are accepted globally: PTE examination scores are accepted globally. Over 74 Countries worldwide allow immigration and study with the help of PTE scores. It opens up various opportunities for non-native English speakers to enroll in overseas programs, settle down, or work abroad.
- PTE test scores for higher education: A certified English speaking student is preferred by leading business schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. Meritorious students from a non-English speaking country can easily enroll in a reputed university in an English-speaking country with the help of a PTE test score. The score and eligibility requirements vary with the rank and reputation of the university. The PTE score requirements of the top 100 universities will be higher.
- PTE exam scores for visa applications: English language proficiency is a critical selection criterion for visa and immigration agencies in Australia, the UK, and others. The language test helps them screen and select applications easily. Visas for work, study, PR, and immigration are awarded only to those with a valid English language test result.
- Global employers accept PTE exam scores: Countries like Germany, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland have a robust job market. However, PTE scores are essential for international job seekers in these countries. Employees must be able to communicate in English to work in an English-speaking environment and to be understood by everyone else around.
Types of PTE Exam
There are three types of PTE exams:
- PTE Academic Test
- PTE General Test
- PTE Young Learners
PTE Academic Test
It is a computer-based examination and measures an applicant’s proficiency in English reading, speaking, writing, and listening. PTE Academic is a two-hour test accepted in over 3,000 universities globally. It is also used for immigration services in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The examination is conducted frequently, and its result is also declared in a short span.
PTE General Test
It measures the applicant’s communication skills and not overall proficiency. The test has two sections: a written section and a spoken interview. The examination is evaluated by examiners in the UK. One can take the PTE General Test in May, June, August, November, and December.
PTE Young Learners
The examination is delivered by Edexcel and is available for students aged between six to 13. It is organized into two parts, spoken, and written. PTE Young Learners has an emphasis on real-life scenarios rather than on knowledge of specific language items and vocabulary.
What is PTE Academic Online
PTE Academic Online is a computer-based version of PTE Academic that can be used in cases where it is not possible to visit a test center. PTE Academic Online lets you choose the location of your test – your home, office, or any other location of your choice, provided it is a comfortable, quiet area.
It gives the option of the same test materials, grading, and assessment format as the test taken at a testing facility.
PTE Exam Eligibility Criteria
The PTE test has no official eligibility criteria and is intended for non-native English speakers planning to get admission to academic institutions in English-speaking countries. There is no minimum educational qualification required to take the examination.
However, applicants for PTE need to have a valid national ID to register and appear for the examination. It can be a passport, national photo ID proof, or a military identification card. Valid documents for PTE exam registration should also be carried along on the examination day.
Applicants must have an international credit or debit card for payment via an online payment gateway. There is no maximum or minimum age limit.
How to Register for PTE Examination
PTE examination registration can be done via the website, email, or phone. Indian students can register by phone by contacting the test center at 00080 0440 2020.
PTE Exam Slot Booking
The detailed guide for slot booking is given below:
Step 1 Initiate Booking
Go to the official PTE website and click on the button marked by the words 'Book a test.'
Step 2 Select Your Test
Some of these questions include 'Where do you want to go? and 'What do you want to do there?' This will give you a suitable PTE for your kind.
Step 3 Check Availability
Check the desired slot for the exam by clicking "Check availability & book."
Step 4 Choose the Test Center and Make an Appointment
- Give the details of your desired location for the test.
- Check the available test centers and choose the desired center and the possible time and date.
- Use 'Book' to fix the appointment, and you will be taken to a new page.
Step 5 Create a myPTE Account
- Your myPTE account is required to manage your booking slots and see the result.
- Provide your photo identity details in the next space, and it should match your valid passport details to the letter, including any middle names in the 'Given names' in case you have any.
Step 6 Important ID Policy
It is mandatory to carry your valid passport to the test center. Any problem with your account details and passport will deny you an opportunity to undertake the test and there will be no chance of a refund. Depending on the center, corrections can be done 3 days prior to the test.
Step 7 Complete Booking
- Go to the myPTE portal through the link from the email or as hinted on the PTE website, then input relevant information and tap on ‘Create an account & continue booking.’
- Enter details about the booking, such as the type of booking, room, date of arrival and departure, total cost, etc.; accept to follow the PTE Admission Policies, Reschedule Policies, and Cancellation Policies; and finally, confirm payment.
- For payments, credit cards are acceptable, such as American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, etc.
- All your test appointment details and payment information have been filled in, so click on the ‘Submit Order’ button.
Step 8 Confirmation
After successfully ordering your test, your details for the test will be displayed in the myPTE section, and you will also receive an email with all the necessary information.
Other Methods of Registering for the Pearson PTE Exam
The other methods of registration apart from the online booking process are as follows:
1. Phone Registration: While registering for the test, you can contact any of the authorized test centers or any customer service. They arrange a call, and on the call, they are offered the relevant information and asked to make payment over the phone.
2. In-Person Registration: Applying for a test early is essential because some test centers allow on-site registration. Go to the test center, fill in the registration sheet, and submit the necessary information. Payment should be made on the spot.
What is PTE Examination Fee
The PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online, PTE Core, and PTE Academic UKVI tests cost ₹17,000 each. The PTE Home A1, A2, and B1 tests are priced at ₹14,435 each. Applicants have to pay a late fee if they book the test within 48 hours of the test. The fee amount keeps changing, so it is recommended that you check the PTE official website before paying.
PTE Exam Cancellation Fees
The refund amount depends on how many days before the exam you cancel your booking.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees and refund policy:
- If you cancel your test 14 days or more before the exam date, you will get a full refund.
- Cancellation of the test before 8 to 13 days will only give you a 50% refund.
- In case you cancel your exam before 7 days or less, no refund is available.
However, it should be noted that the test day is not included in these processes and periods. Any money sent to you will be refunded to the card through which the original payment was made at the time of booking.
PTE Rescheduling Fees
In general, rescheduling policies are in force for your PTE examination and possible rates, which depend on when you want to reschedule your examination. Here are the critical points regarding PTE rescheduling fees:
- You can alter your test date more than 14 days before the exam and it shall be free of cost.
- You can't reschedule your exam if you've already rescheduled it six times or if there are 14 days or less left before the exam.
How to Cancel or Reschedule PTE Exam
If your plans change, you can cancel or reschedule your test anytime if it's more than 14 days before the test.
- Sign in to your my PTE account.
- Navigate to the 'booking information' section on your dashboard.
Select 'reschedule' or 'cancel' and follow the instructions.
PTE Academic UKVI
It is approved by the UK Home Office and recognized by 99% of all UK universities and colleges. PTE Academic UKVI is a single test and can be booked at short notice, results of which are usually made available within 48 hours of taking it.
It is relevant for UK visas that require a four-skill (speaking, writing, listening, reading) language test.
The test can be used to either study or work in the UK. PTE Academic UKVI can be taken to get skilled worker visas, innovator visas, Tier 2 Minister of Religion visas, and start-up visas.
As a student, you can take PTE Academic UKVI:
-If you are applying for a student route visa and planning to pursue a below degree level program.
-If you wish to pursue a degree level or higher program at an institute that doesn't qualify as a Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Know More in Detail about : PTE Speaking Test | PTE Reading Test | PTE Listening Test | PTE Writing Test | PTE Essay Writing |
PTE Important Dates 2024
The PTE exam is conducted on multiple dates throughout the year. To know more about the dates, check here.
PTE Exam Centres
PTE test centers are strategically located in major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata, among others. To know more about them, click here.
PTE Exam Format and Syllabus
The PTE Academic examination has three test sections, Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. . The examination has 20 unique question types.
Below is the complete format and syllabus for PTE.:
Speaking and Writing Section: Format and Syllabus
The speaking and writing test is taken together in the PTE Academic examination. It requires 54-67 minutes, and the number of questions ranges from 28 to 36. Here’s the syllabus and format:
· Personal Introduction: A total of one minute is given for the same.
· Read Aloud: 6-7 questions
· Repeat Sentence: 10-12 questions.
· Describe Image: 3-4 questions.
· Re-Tell Lecture: 1-2 questions.
· Answer Short Question: 5-6 questions.
· Summarize Written Text: 1-2 questions.
· Write Essay: 1-2 questions.
PTE Reading Section: Format and Syllabus
· Reading & Writing: 5-6 questions.
· Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: 1-2 questions.
· Re-order Paragraphs: 2-3 questions.
· Fill in the Blanks- reading: 4-5 questions
· Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions.
The total number of questions ranges from 13 to 18, and approximately 29-30 minutes are allowed for the section.
PTE Listening: Syllabus and Format
· Summarize Spoken Text: 1-2 questions.
· Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: 1-2 questions.
· Fill in the Blanks: 2-3 questions.
· Highlight Correct Summary: 1-2 questions.
· Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions.
· Select Missing Word: 1-2 questions.
· Highlight Incorrect Words: 2-3 questions.
· Write from Dictation: 3-4 questions.
The total number of questions ranges from 12 to 20, and approximately 30-43 minutes are allowed for the section.
How to prepare PTE exam at home ?
PTE Examination Band Score
The PTE exam score ranges from 10 to 90. All the examination sections have separate scores that are added together to get a final band or score in PTE. Since it is an English language proficiency test, factors like grammar, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, comprehension skills and retention skills are important to get a good score.
PTE Score Range | PTE Score Statement |
85-90 | Can effortlessly comprehend, summarize, and present information from various sources with precision and fluency, even in complex situations. |
76-84 | Can fluently and flexibly understand and articulate complex texts and ideas across various contexts, producing well-structured and cohesive content. |
59-75 | Can understand and discuss complex texts and technical topics fluently, interacting effortlessly with fluent speakers and producing clear, detailed content on diverse subjects. |
43-58 | Can understand main points of clear standard input on familiar topics, handle common situations, produce simple connected text, and describe experiences and aspirations. |
30-42 | Can understand and use common expressions for immediate needs, communicate in simple tasks, and describe basic personal and environmental aspects. |
10-29 | Can understand and use basic expressions for concrete needs, introduce oneself, ask and answer personal questions, and interact simply with slow, clear communication.
|
PTE Exam Preparation Tips
Important preparation tips for the PTE exam are as follows:
1. Understand PTE and Its Components
Get acquainted with the 20 questions included in the exam, like re-telling lectures, summarizing the written text, reordering paragraphs, and others. Be aware of what type of skill each test will evaluate and apply yourself accordingly. For example, in the speaking section, practice increased listening, speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills by re-watching the short videos and carrying on English conversations with others.
2. Diversify Your Topics
It is also essential to diversify the materials to expand your knowledge and the range of words you know. News is one of many sources to be watched. Explore documentaries, podcasts, vlogs, dramas, newspapers, magazines, academic papers, blogs, and short stories to gain variety for your exposure.
3. Structure Your Answers
It is best to follow a specific methodology for questions on describing images and writing essays. To describe an image, follow the IDEA (Identify, Describe, Explain, Analyze) method. For writing an essay, plan your response using the PIE method (Point, Illustrate, Explain). Refrain from rehearsing too much, and answer all the questions naturally to avoid blunders.
4. Practice Extensively
Before the day of the exams, practice using actual tests to emulate the same conditions as in the actual test. Use scored practice tests, the list of questions, the PTE Question Bank, and the Test Takers’ official guide to increase your performance and add confidence.
Best PTE Books and Resources
Some of the best books for PTE exams are mentioned below:
1. The Official Guide to PTE Academic: This book will help you understand everything essential to become acquainted with test organization and the questions you will likely encounter. It provides access to an online practice bank of questions and model answers, along with a variety of digital resources. Available in both eBook and print versions.
2. Practice Tests Plus with CD: This book will upgrade your test skills to the next level with accurate exam practice tests and tips on each task for each test section. It is helpful for self-evaluation and acts as an avenue to assess one’s preparedness for the examination.
3. Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1: Intermediate-focused, this coursebook is practically oriented, providing gradually the means and steps for speaking and writing with the help of high-level texts and tasks.
4. Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B2: The book is suitable for upper-intermediate learners, providing a thorough preparation with a focus on speaking and writing. It includes high-level texts and tasks to help students build their skills progressively.
PTE Exam Day Tips
Some PTE exam tips are as follows:
1. In the Test Center: At the test center, you will meet a PTE Test Centre Administrator who will direct you through a checklist. They will ensure you understand the rules and procedures and confirm your identity by checking your ID, taking a digital photograph, capturing your digital signature, and scanning the palm of your hand. After these steps, you will be given a secure place to store your personal items and prepare for your test.
2. During the Test: To complete the test, you will be provided with a personal computer, a keyboard, an auditory headset, a chair, a writing pad, and a pencil. Test centers are usually sundry, with close to 10 seats on average for a given period. Sometimes, you may find other people taking tests, but only your voice is captured by microphones around the test arena.
The computer fits a QWERTY shared keyboard, so it would be beneficial to use one if this is the first time you have done so. The test is two hours if the candidate takes PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI, or PTE Core, while PTE Home takes only half an hour.
3. Acceptable Identification (ID): As for the identification documents, only actual documents are allowed in biological passports. No digitally enabled passports are permitted. If you lack a passport, then you have to have a specific ID and specific identification. To avoid any problems on the day of the test, it is essential to ensure that you have proof of your ID.
PTE Scholarships
Some scholarships from UK and Australia are mentioned below:
Australia Scholarships:
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships pay for all of the living expenses, tuition, and other costs associated with education for students from developing nations.
2. Destination Australia Awards
It offers scholarships of up to 15,000 AUD per year for students in regional and rural areas, encouraging them to study.
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Various universities provide scholarships to international students. A few examples are Monash International Tuition Scholarships and Monash International Merit Scholarships.
UK Scholarships:
1. Chevening Scholarships
Scholarships for furthering education with the most essential costs, including tuition, travel, and maintenance, for future leaders to be met.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
These scholarships are funded by the UK government for students from developing Commonwealth countries pursuing Master's and PhD degrees.
How to Get the Results of PTE Examination
To check your PTE results and scores, you need to simply sign in to your my PTE account, which was created for registration. You can see your digital score report and share it with your chosen institutions. You can do it straight away or later. Results are available online within five working days from the test.
PTE Important Examination Tips
The PTE examination is not too simple and requires applicants to prepare for all the sections with equal seriousness. Follow the tips below to get the ideal score in just one attempt.
Understand the format well: The format for each of the three sections are very different. Writing and speaking have different types of questions. It is important to have a concrete idea of the format, pattern, and types of questions you can expect on the day of the examination. You can practice well only when you know the format and syllabus.
Ensure correct grammar: You cannot make any grammatical errors while writing. Make sure you know your tenses well. Submit grammatically correct tasks.
Build good vocabulary: When you are eager to settle down in a country where the primary language is English, you need to have a good vocabulary. ·
Pronunciation is very important: Start speaking and listening to English every day. You usually pronounce the way you hear and write the way you pronounce. So, it is important to know the right pronunciation, or you are bound to make spelling errors.
Practice spelling: You cannot make spelling mistakes. Avoid long and complicated words if you are unsure of the correct spelling, but do not make mistakes.
Time yourself: Your time is divided into thinking, preparing answers, and writing. If you don’t manage your time, you will end up submitting an incomplete test.
Make use of the rule of elimination: The strategy will help you narrow down your options as much as possible.
Follow all the instructions: This is a way of testing your skills too. It evaluates your ability to understand English instructions.
Here is a complete guide on PTE Exam Preparation
Find PTE Exam Dates in or near by Your City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PTE exam?
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) measures the aspirant's speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. It is taken by students who wish to pursue graduate studies in English-speaking countries.
What is the full form of PTE exam?
The PTE exam’s full form is Pearson Test of English. There are three types of PTE exams: PTE Academic Exam, PTE General Exam, and PTE young learners.
How to book the PTE exam with a voucher?
The PTE test can be booked with a voucher by following the below-mentioned steps:
Create an account with the help of your passport.
Fill in all the required details.
Create a username and strong password.
Sign in using the credentials.
Schedule the exam by filling in the required details.
Book the PTE exam slot. One can pick up to three test centers.
Review the details.
Pay using the voucher code.
Submit the complete application to confirm the booking.
How to clear the PTE exam?
One can employ the following tips in order to clear the PTE exam:
Take several practice tests.
Work on building your vocabulary.
Know the types of questions.
Identify your weaknesses and strategically work on them.
Learn time management and plan ahead.
How to reschedule the PTE exam?
If you want to move the PTE exam date, rescheduling it is simple. You need to begin by signing in to your my PTE account. Go to your account dashboard and follow the instructions to reschedule the PTE exam.
How to prepare for the PTE exam at home?
You can prepare for the PTE exam at home by getting hold of the right study material. Here are some self-preparatory books:
The Official Guide to PTE Academic
PTE Official Vocabulary 2020-2021
PTE Academic Practice Test Plus (Volume 1 & 2) with Online Gold Test Preparation Kit (2 Scored Practice Tests)
Wiley's PTE Advantage for Academic Module (WIND).
How is the PTE exam conducted?
Pearson PLC Group conducts the PTE test. One can take the PTE exam at the test center or online at home with the 'PTE at Home' version. The home version is the same as the test center in question types, scoring scale, and syllabus.
What is the PTE exam for Canada?
PTE scores are valid for admissions into several Canadian universities. However, one cannot use the PTE scores for Canada Permanent Residency visa. You may need to take IELTS or TOEFL to show your language proficiency for the PR process in the country.
Where is the PTE exam accepted?
The PTE exam is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and governments around the world, including countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. It is recognized by thousands of academic programs and professional organizations.
What are the sections in the PTE exam?
The PTE exam consists of three main sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. These sections evaluate different aspects of English language proficiency, such as oral fluency, vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and written communication skills.
How is the PTE exam scored?
The PTE exam is scored using an automated scoring system. Each section of the exam is assessed independently, and scores range from 10 to 90. The overall score reflects the candidate's overall English language proficiency level.
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Disclaimer
The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.