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byYatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist
Choosing the right PTE exam format depends on your goals and the country you’re targeting. Pearson PTE offers three types of tests: PTE Academic, PTE Core, and PTE UK Visa Tests. Each format assesses the four primary language skills—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—through 20 different question types. While multiple-choice questions are scored as right or wrong, complex tasks like essays are evaluated based on criteria such as coherence and grammar. Scores range from 10 to 90, with 65+ recommended for top universities. The PTE Academic is recognized by over 3,500 universities and colleges worldwide. Prepare effectively using resources available on Pearson’s official website.
PTE Academic Exam Pattern 2025
The PTE Academic is a computerized exam completed within a 2-hour session. It assesses your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting, making it ideal for candidates planning to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries.
Exam Structure
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 54 – 67 minutes |
| Reading | 29 – 30 minutes |
| Listening | 30 – 43 minutes |
| Total Duration | 2 hours |
| Medium | Computer-based with headset |
| Mode | Test centre / Home Edition |
| Test Type | Assesses real-life English |
| Question Types | 20 different types |
Detailed Breakdown
Speaking and Writing (54 – 67 minutes)
This section evaluates your spoken and written communication skills through six smaller tasks:
| Task | Questions per Task | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Introduction | 1 | 55 seconds (25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record) |
| Read Aloud | 6 - 7 | 30-40 seconds to prepare and read out 60 words |
| Repeat Sentence | 10 - 12 | 15 seconds (3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record) |
| Describe Image | 3 - 4 | 25 seconds to prepare, 40 seconds to answer |
| Retell Lecture | 1 - 2 | 90 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to prepare, 40 seconds to answer |
| Answer Short Question | 5 - 6 | 20 seconds (3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer) |
| Summarize Written Text | 1 - 2 | 10 minutes to summarize a 300-word text |
| Write Essay | 1 - 2 | 20 minutes to write a 200-300 word essay |
| Total Questions | 28 - 36 | 54 - 67 minutes |
| PTE Speaking Practice papers | |
|---|---|
| PTE Writing Practice papers | |
|---|---|
Reading (29 – 30 minutes)
This section assesses your ability to understand written English through five different tasks:
| Task | Questions per Task | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fill in the Blanks – Reading & Writing | 5 - 6 | Based on 300 words of text |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 1 - 2 | Based on 300 words of text |
| Re-order Paragraph | 2 - 3 | Based on 150 words of text |
| Fill in the Blanks – Reading | 4 - 5 | Based on 80 words of text |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 1 - 2 | Based on 300 words of text |
| Total Questions | 13 - 18 | 29 - 30 minutes |
| PTE Reading Practice Papers | |
|---|---|
Listening (30 – 43 minutes)
This section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English through eight different tasks:
| Task | Questions per Task | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Summarize Spoken Text | 1 - 2 | 60-90 seconds to retain, 10 minutes to write |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 1 - 2 | 40-90 seconds for prompt |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2 - 3 | 30-60 seconds |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 1 - 2 | 30-90 seconds |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 1 - 2 | 30-60 seconds |
| Select Missing Word | 1 - 2 | 20-70 seconds |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 2 - 3 | 15-50 seconds |
| Write From Dictation | 3 - 4 | 3-5 seconds |
| Total Questions | 12 - 20 | 30 - 43 minutes |
| PTE Listening Practice Papers | |
|---|---|
PTE Core Exam Pattern
PTE Core is specifically designed for Canadian immigration, citizenship, and work visa applications. The format mirrors the PTE Academic exam, ensuring consistency in evaluation.
Exam Structure
- Exam Format: Same as PTE Academic
- Fee: INR 17,000
- Score Calculation: Converts PTE scores to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels
CLB Level Conversion
| CLB Level | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Speaking | PTE Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 89-90 | 88-90 | 89-90 | 90 |
| 9 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 84-88 | 88-89 |
| 8 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 76-83 | 79-87 |
| 7 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
| 6 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 59-67 | 60-68 |
| 5 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-58 | 51-59 |
| 4 | 28-38 | 33-41 | 42-50 | 41-40 |
| 3 | 18-27 | 24-32 | 34-41 | 32-40 |
Also Check: PTE Writing Guide
PTE for UK Visa
If you’re planning to move to the UK, the PTE UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) test is tailored to meet the specific requirements for various visa applications.
Available Test Types
| Exam Type | Sections | Timings | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic UKVI | Speaking and Writing, Reading, Listening | 2 Hours | INR 18,000 |
| PTE Home A1 | Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Conversation: Listen and Answer | 22 Minutes | INR 15,285 |
| PTE Home A2 | Repeat Sentence, Describe an Image, Retell Story | 25 Minutes | INR 15,285 |
| PTE Home B1 | Repeat Sentence, Describe an Image, Retell Story, Story: Listen and Answer | 22 Minutes | INR 15,285 |
PTE Score Pattern
PTE scores range from 10 to 90, with higher scores indicating better proficiency in English. Universities and immigration authorities set their own score requirements based on their specific needs.
| PTE Score Range | Description | Acceptance at Universities Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 85-90 | High level of English proficiency- Proficient and very fluent in English- Excellent writing and speaking skills- Ability to interpret complex texts | Rarely required, as most institutions do not demand such high scores |
| 76-84 | Fluent in English- Highly effective communication skills- Ability to understand long texts- Well-structured and grammatically correct | Top colleges/universities may have such high cut-offs- Not typically required for undergraduate admissions |
| 59-75 | Understands main ideas- Clear and concise content production- Decent language use- Some grammar and pronunciation issues | Commonly required for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions |
| 43-58 | Hesitation in speaking- Poor pronunciation and language use- Numerous grammatical issues | Generally required for undergraduate admissions |
| 30-42 | Understands simple terms- Ability to interpret basic language- Numerous grammatical errors | Low score for approval at colleges/universities |
| 10-29 | Understands only familiar words- Basic sentence interpretation- Very basic English knowledge | Extremely low for approval at colleges/universities |
Note: PTE scores are valid for two years from the test date
PTE Registration 2025
Registering for the PTE exam is a straightforward process:
- Visit the Official PTE Website: Navigate to Pearson PTE Academic (www.pearsonpte.com/) to start your registration.
- Create an Account: Provide your personal details and create a login.
- Select Test Type and Location: Choose between Test Centre or Home Edition based on your preference.
- Choose a Date: Select from the available test dates at your preferred test centre.
- Make Payment: Complete the registration by paying the exam fee online.
- Confirmation: Receive your test confirmation via email.
Note: Ensure that all information provided is accurate to avoid any issues on the test day.
PTE Exam Dates 2025The PTE exam is conducted throughout the year at designated test centres worldwide, as well as through the Home Edition option. Test dates may vary by location, so it's essential to check availability on the Pearson PTE Academic website (www.pearsonpte.com/) and book your preferred date in advance to secure your spot. |
PTE Exam Question Types
PTE exam pattern also offers the four main skills - reading, writing, speaking, and listening. PTE General Exam Pattern is solely for candidates who speak other languages or ESOL. You will face various types of questions in PTE. PTE exam pattern for Speaking and Writing consists of 8 different question types and is 54-67 long. Reading PTE Academic exam pattern is 29–30 minutes long and contains 5 different types of questions. Part 3 Listening of PTE test pattern includes 8 types of questions and is allocated 30–43 minutes to complete.
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Exam Flow
Exam Flow- Question Presentation: Prompts vary in length and complexity.
- Preparation Time: Typically 10-15 seconds to relax and formulate your response.
- Response Time: Varies by task—record spoken answers, write responses, or select options for multiple-choice questions.
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PTE Results and Score
- PTE Results are typically available online within two working days from your test date. You can access your scores through your PTE Academic student account.
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Retaking the Exam
- Frequency: There is no limit on the number of times you can take the PTE Academic exam.
- Interval: Candidates can retake the exam with a minimum gap of 5 days between attempts.
FAQs
Ques: What is the format of PTE exam?
Ans: PTE exam format consists of 3 parts - Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. PTE exam pattern is designed to evaluate all four language skills - speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
Ques: How long is each section of the PTE exam?
Ans: The Speaking and Writing section is 54–67 minutes long, the Reading section is 29–30 minutes long, and the Listening section of PTE exam pattern is 30–43 minutes long
Ques: What question types are there in PTE Speaking and Writing section?
Ans: PTE Speaking and Writing section contains 8 different question types like
personal introduction, read aloud, repeat sentences, describe images, re-tell lecture, answer short questions, summarize written text, and essay type.
Ques: What question types are there in PTE Reading section?
Ans: PTE Reading section contains 5 different question types; fill in the blanks, multiple choice, multiple answer, re-order paragraphs, fill in the blanks, multiple choice, and single answer type.
Ques: What question types are there in PTE Listening section?
Ans: There are 8 different types of questions in PTE Listening section; summarize spoken text, multiple choice, multiple answers, fill in the blanks, highlight correct summary, multiple choice, single answer, select the missing word, highlight incorrect words, and write from dictation types.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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