What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test from Pearson. It measures reading, writing, listening and speaking for people who need to prove their English for university admission or for visa and migration purposes.

The whole test is taken at a computer in a secure test centre (or, for some versions, online). You speak into a headset, type your answers, and work through interactive question types. Responses are scored by automated marking rather than by a human examiner, which is why results come back quickly.

Who accepts it?

PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities and colleges worldwide, and by the governments of countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom for study and migration visas. Because acceptance and required scores differ by institution and visa type, always confirm the exact score you need directly with the organisation you're applying to.

How is it scored?

Scores are reported on a scale from 10 to 90, based on the Global Scale of English. You receive an overall score plus scores for each of the four communicative skills — Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing — and for a set of enabling skills such as grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and written discourse.

A key feature is integrated scoring: many tasks contribute to more than one skill at once. A single "Read Aloud" task, for example, feeds both your Reading and your Speaking scores. That's why steady, all-round practice tends to lift several scores together.

How fast are results?

Because marking is automated, most test takers receive their score report within a couple of business days. Check Pearson's official site for the current turnaround and for how long scores remain valid.

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