PTE is an acronym for the Pearson Test of English. There are three types of PTE Tests but our main focus is on PTE Academics which is different from PTE General. Both tests are used to assess proficiency in the English Language. However PTE General consists of 6 different levels (Al,1,2,3,4 and 5).

There are 3 different tests designed to test English proficiency for non-English speaking natives who seek opportunities in countries where English is a first language/requirement. These tests are IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academics. All the tests have distinct differences and similarities to a certain extent. PTE Academics are a computer-based and computer-assessed test and it is similar to TOEFL but different from IELTS. The other tests are machine-scored.

PTE uses the latest technology to conduct English language testing, therefore, it is totally free from human intervention. This means the test taker’s score is fair and free from any biased decision that could influence the human being during manual grading or testing. The bias decisive factor could be discrimination based on the country of origin of the test taker, personality, appearance, body language and similar traits. Since in PTE the score is auto-generated, the test taker is guaranteed fair results. Other tests involve human intervention at some stage or another.

The benefits of PTE utilization of computers is that the test score is published within 5 days of taking the tests. The other two tests, however,  publish the score after two weeks.

TOEFL and IELTS only assess 4 communicative skills while PTE Academics also evaluates 6 enabling skills. Moreover, PTE also provides the overall score and also grades the test-taker on separately on the aforementioned parameters (4 Communicative skills +6 Enabling skills).

Communicative Skills:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

Enabling Skills:

• Grammar
• Oral Fluency
• Pronunciation
• Spelling
• Vocabulary
• Written Discourse 

How is PTE (Academic) Different from IELTS and TOEFL?

Is There any Negative Marking in PTE?

Negative marking is in ‘Reading- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer’, ‘Listening- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer’ and ‘Highlight Incorrect Words’ questions. This means that in other questions, the negative marking system is not applied while in other sections you only need to select an answer if you are certain that it is correct. Guessing and putting down wrong answers will result in a loss of 1 mark while a correct answer gets awarded 1 mark.

On Test Day

The requirement is to be on time and arrive 30 minutes early for administration purposes. This involves check/documentation verification for security purposes. Only acceptable ID as per PTE Academic is allowed. Upon your arrival, the test administrator in charge of security verification/ check will need you to:

1. Present your ID and sign in digitally
2. Get your digital photograph taken
3. Get your palm scanned.

Then you will be assigned a locker to keep your belongings during the exam. In the exam venue, only required documents are allowed other materials are strictly prohibited. After administration clearance, you can find your assigned seat in a secure cabin.

FAQ’s:

What if there is a problem with my computer during the test?

Any problems that can affect your ability to finish the test within a stipulated time should be reported to the administrator immediately. You can do so by raising your hand for assistance. Assistance will be rendered to you as soon as possible and necessary it will also be recorded and reported.

Can I take notes during the test?

Yes. You will be provided with about 5 A4 erasable pages to take notes during the test. If you need more you can ask the test administrator. NB!! Make sure that the pen can actually write.

Can I correct my answers during the test?

Correcting answers is only plausible in other sections except in spoken response task. However, you can make corrections before proceeding to the next question. Multiple choice can be corrected by deselecting a wrong answer and typed responses by using cut, copy and paste options.

In spoken task re-recording is not allowed so you can only correct yourself as you go along with your speech. NB! Microphone switches off if you are silent for more than 3 seconds during the answer.

Will I be penalized for wrong answers?

Negative marking is in ‘Reading- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer’, ‘Listening- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer’ and ‘Highlight Incorrect Words’ questions. This means that in other question negative marking system is not applied and you need to only select an answer if you are certain that it is correct. Guessing and (putting down) wrong answers will result in a loss of 1 mark while a correct answer gets awarded 1 mark.

5. Are all communicative skills scores (e.g. reading, writing) weighted equally?

Yes. All the tested section score ranges from 10-90.  There is a score for each section that makes up PTE Academics: communicative skills and enabling skills ranging from 10-90. Moreover, there is an overall score to rate you on the test in the same range as other scores.

How long is my score report valid?

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Test Overview

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academics) is a computer-based academic English language test. With high accuracy, it assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to non-English natives.  The non-English speaking native may seek opportunities in areas such as organizations, universities, higher education institutions and government departments. PTE Academics are a requirement to be considered for this opportunity.  PTE Academic is endorsed by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Since it is a computer-based test, it is completed online at Pearson Test centres. The duration of the test is 3 hours which includes 10 minutes break. The test is divided into 3 sections.

How is the Test Conducted?

At the beginning of the test, you are allowed to test the equipment and to report any faults as soon as possible. The test takes a duration of 3 hours split among untimed introduction, optional 10 minutes break and the actual test sections. The sections are Speaking and Writing, Reading and Listening.

RESULTS

The test score is available 24 hours after taking the test but the official publication and the time it is made available by Pearson is within 5 working days. You are advised to contact Pearson customer service in your country if you don’t receive your results within the stipulated time. It is important for you to understand and be able to analyse your score to succeed and score high. Let’s take a look at the scorecard on the next page.

Overall Score: 56

It is the score grading the test taker’s overall performance in the PTE Academics. Communicative skills and enabling skills are scored by items relating to each category since they are divided by many items therefore, the overall score cannot be computed from these two categories.

Please be aware that the overall score, the Communicative skill and Enabling skills differ vastly due to some inaccuracy that depends on various factors. To better understand the PTE Academic Score  Report please visit.

www.pearsonpte.com/pteacademic/scores.

Part 1: SPEAKING & WRITING MODULE

At the beginning of the test, you are allowed to check and test the equipment functionality and report any faulty equipment thereof. To test the microphone, record yourself to check if you are audible clearly. Do not breathe directly into the microphone so much that your lips actually “touch” the microphone. This may affect the sound quality. 

Section 1: Personal Introduction

This is the section where you provide information about yourself. You have 25 seconds to read the prompt and prepare your answer and another 30 seconds to respond. This section cannot be re-recorded and it is not scored, however, it will be sent together with your scorecard to the institutions selected by you.