What is PTE?

What is PTE? The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a globally recognized computer-based English language proficiency test designed to assess the English skills of non-native speakers. Unlike traditional exams, PTE uses AI-powered automated scoring, ensuring fast, unbiased, and consistent results.

Key Fact: PTE results are typically available within 2-5 business days, making it one of the fastest English proficiency tests available.

PTE exams are accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, governments, and professional bodies worldwide for study, work, and migration purposes.

Types of PTE Exams

Pearson offers three main PTE exam types, each designed for specific purposes:

PTE Academic

Purpose: For students applying to universities and higher education institutions abroad.

Accepted by thousands of universities worldwide
Approved for Australian and New Zealand student visas
Computer-based test with AI scoring
Results in 2-5 business days

PTE Home

Purpose: For UK family, settlement, and citizenship visa applications.

UK Home Office approved for visa applications
Three levels: A1, A2, B1 (CEFR levels)
Focuses on everyday English communication
Simple pass/fail result

PTE Core

What is PTE Core? Designed for Canadian economic immigration via Express Entry.

Approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Assesses practical English skills for workplace and daily life
Computer-based with fast results
Four skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing

PTE Exam Comparison

Feature	PTE Academic	PTE Home	PTE Core
Primary Purpose	University admissions, student visas	UK family/settlement visas	Canadian economic immigration
Test Format	Computer-based, 3 parts	Computer-based, 2 parts	Computer-based, 4 parts
Scoring	10-90 points (per skill)	Pass/Fail (CEFR levels)	10-90 points (per skill)
Result Time	2-5 business days	2-5 business days	2-5 business days
Validity Period	2 years	2 years	2 years

PTE Exam Structure

PTE exams follow a modular structure testing different English language skills. Below is the detailed structure for PTE Academic:

Speaking & Writing (77-93 minutes)

Personal Introduction (not scored)
Read Aloud: Read a text aloud
Repeat Sentence: Repeat sentences you hear
Describe Image: Describe graphs, charts or images
Re-tell Lecture: Summarize a lecture
Answer Short Questions: Respond to brief questions
Summarize Written Text: Write one-sentence summary
Essay: Write a 200-300 word essay (20 mins)

Reading (32-41 minutes)

Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
Re-order Paragraphs: Arrange text in correct order
Reading: Fill in the Blanks: Complete missing words
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: Complete text with dropdown options

Listening (45-57 minutes)

Summarize Spoken Text: Write summary of audio
Multiple Choice Questions (single & multiple answers)
Fill in the Blanks: Complete transcript
Highlight Correct Summary: Choose best summary
Select Missing Word: Complete audio recording
Highlight Incorrect Words: Identify transcript errors
Write from Dictation: Type sentences you hear

PTE Exam Fee

PTE exam fees vary by country and test type. Below are approximate fees for PTE Academic:

Country	PTE Academic Fee	PTE Home Fee (Approx.)
Pakistan	USD 240 – 260	USD 180 – 200
India	₹ 15,900 – 18,000	₹ 12,000 – 14,000
United Kingdom	£ 180 – 220	£ 150 – 180
Australia	AUD 475 – 500	AUD 350 – 400
Canada	CAD 330 – 380	CAD 280 – 320
UAE	AED 1,100 – 1,350	AED 900 – 1,100

Note: PTE Core fees are generally similar to PTE Academic. Check the latest PTE test fees on our website for current pricing and promotions.

How to Book PTE Exam

Follow these simple steps to book your PTE exam:

1

Create Account

Visit PearsonPTE.com and create an account with valid ID

2

Select Exam Type

Choose PTE Academic, PTE Home, or PTE Core based on your needs

3

Choose Location & Date

Select your preferred test center and available date

4

Make Payment

Pay the exam fee online via credit/debit card

5

Get Confirmation

Receive booking confirmation with test details via email

Booking Tip: Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred test date and location. Last-minute bookings may have limited availability.

PTE Score Guide

PTE Academic and PTE Core use the Global Scale of English (GSE) scoring from 10-90 points. Here’s how scores typically align with proficiency levels:

85-90: Expert

Fully operational command of English. Suitable for postgraduate studies and professional registration.

76-84: Very Good

Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies. Accepted by most universities.

59-75: Competent

Effective command despite some inaccuracies. Meets requirements for many undergraduate programs.

43-58: Moderate

Partial command of English, coping with overall meaning. May require foundation programs.

University Requirements: Most universities require 58-65 for undergraduate and 65-79 for postgraduate programs. Check specific requirements of your chosen institution.

PTE Validity & Retake Policy

Validity Period

All PTE exam results are valid for 2 years from the test date.

Universities and immigration authorities generally accept results within this period
After 2 years, you must retake the test
Results can be sent unlimited times to institutions within validity period

Retake Policy

You can retake PTE as many times as needed.

No waiting period between attempts
Book next test immediately after receiving scores
Full fee applies for each attempt
All scores remain in your Pearson account

General PTE Preparation Guide – FECP.PK

Complete Guide to PTE Exams