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byShahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
PTE Band Score is a standardized measure of English language proficiency awarded to candidates who take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic exam. It reflects a test-taker’s abilities across listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. The PTE band score ranges from 10 to 90 points, with increments of one point, providing a detailed assessment of English proficiency. Scores are reported for each communicative skill-listening, reading, speaking, and writing-as well as an overall score that summarizes the candidate’s overall English language ability. This scoring is aligned with the Global Scale of English (GSE), which measures language proficiency with precision.
PTE Band Score Proficiency Levels and CEFR Equivalents
Every PTE band chart showcases different proficiency levels. Understanding the meaning of your score by comparing it to the CEFR's proficiency levels is important. Check the comparison between your PTE scores and CEFR levels:
| PTE band Score | CEFR Level | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 85-90 | C2 | Can understand with ease everything Summarize information from different sources Can express spontaneously |
| 76-84 | C1 | Can understand longer texts Express fluently Flexible use of language Produce clear, well-structured texts |
| 59-75 | B2 | Can understand main ideas Can express effectively Can produce clear and concise texts Vocabulary and grammar are weak |
| 43-58 | B1 | Can understand main ideas Can deal with different situations Can produce simple texts Hesitation in speaking Weak pronunciation, grammar use, and style |
| 30-42 | A2 | Can understand sentences Can communicate in simple terms |
| 10-29 | A1 or Below | Can understand words and phrases Can introduce oneself Describe interest in simple ways |
PTE Score to IELTS Band
PTE and IELTS are both highly popular English language proficiency exams. Many universities accept scores from both IELTS and PTE. Understanding score conversions can help you prepare for your target score range. The following table depicts on how to convert PTE score in IELTS band scores:
| PTE Score | IELTS Score | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|
| 89-90 | 8.5-9.0 | Expert |
| 84-88 | 8.0 | Very Good |
| 76-83 | 7.5 | Good |
| 66-75 | 7.0 | |
| 56-65 | 6.5 | Competent |
| 46-55 | 6.0 | |
| 36-45 | 5.5 | Modest |
| 29-35 | 5.0 | |
| 23-28 | 4.5 | Limited |
| 10-22 | 0-4.0 | Extremely Limited |
PTE Band Score to TOEFL Scores
The following table shows the TOEFL iBT equivalences of PTE Band scores.
| PTE Score | TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|
| 38 | 40-44 |
| 42 | 54-56 |
| 46 | 65-66 |
| 50 | 74-75 |
| 53 | 79-80 |
| 59 | 87-88 |
| 64 | 94 |
| 68 | 99-100 |
| 72 | 105 |
| 78 | 113 |
| 84 | 120 |
PTE Band Score Calculation
PTE scores are generated through an automated scoring system powered by AI algorithms trained on over 450,000 sample answers. The scoring system evaluates responses based on two main criteria:
- Partial Credit: Awarded for partially correct answers, especially in tasks requiring multiple components (e.g., speaking fluency and pronunciation).
- Correct or Incorrect: Full credit for correct answers and no credit or deductions for incorrect responses.
Each section of the PTE exam includes various question types scored using these methods:
- Speaking & Writing: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Essay Writing, etc., mostly scored with partial credit.
- Listening: Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Fill in the Blanks, etc., with a mix of partial credit and correct/incorrect scoring.
- Reading: Multiple Choice, Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks, etc., scored similarly.
The overall PTE band score is a composite of the four communicative skills, reflecting a balanced measure of English proficiency.
Also Read: PTE Score Calculator
PTE Speaking and Writing Scoring
| Question Types | Scoring Method |
|---|---|
| Read Aloud | Partial credit |
| Repeat Sentence | Partial credit |
| Describe image | Partial credit |
| Re-tell lecture | Partial credit |
| Answer Short Questions | Correct/ Incorrect |
| Summarize Written Text | Partial credit |
| Writing Essay | Partial credit |
PTE Listening Scoring
| Question Types | Scoring Method |
|---|---|
| Summarize spoken text | Partial credit |
| Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers | Partial credit for each correct response. Points are deducted for incorrect options chosen |
| Fill in the blanks | Partial credit for each correct word spelled correctly |
| Highlight correct summary | Correct/ Incorrect |
| Multiple-choice, choose a single answer | Correct/ Incorrect |
| Select missing word | Correct/ Incorrect |
| Highlight incorrect words | Partial credit for each word. Points are deducted for incorrect options chosen |
| Write from dictation | Partial credit for each word spelled correctly |
PTE Reading Scoring
| Question Types | Scoring Method |
|---|---|
| Multiple-choice, choose a single answer | Correct/ Incorrect |
| Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers | Partial credit for each correct response. Points are deducted for incorrect options chosen |
| Re-order paragraphs | Partial credit for each correctly ordered, adjacent pair |
| Reading: Fill in the blanks | Partial credit for each correctly completed blank |
| Reading and writing: Fill in the blanks | Partial credit for each correctly completed blank |
PTE Band Score Visa Requirements
PTE Academic band score is accepted for visa and immigration applications in Australia and New Zealand. For the UK, PTE Academic UKVI is valid for work visas and below degree-level study. Minimum score requirements vary by visa type. Refer to the table below to know the PTE band score requirements for different student visas to study abroad.
PTE Band Requirement for Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
| English Language Proficiency Level | Test Component | PTE Academic Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | Overall Score | 30 |
| Vocational | Listening | 36 |
| Vocational | Reading | 36 |
| Vocational | Writing | 36 |
| Vocational | Speaking | 36 |
| Competent | Listening | 50 |
| Competent | Reading | 50 |
| Competent | Writing | 50 |
| Competent | Speaking | 50 |
| Proficient (Points-tested skilled visas) | Listening | 65 |
| Proficient (Points-tested skilled visas) | Reading | 65 |
| Proficient (Points-tested skilled visas) | Writing | 65 |
| Proficient (Points-tested skilled visas) | Speaking | 65 |
| Superior (Points-tested skilled visas) | Listening | 79 |
| Superior (Points-tested skilled visas) | Reading | 79 |
| Superior (Points-tested skilled visas) | Writing | 79 |
| Superior (Points-tested skilled visas) | Speaking | 79 |
Read More: PTE Score for Australia PR
PTE Band Requirement for UK Student Visa
| Visa Type | Proficiency | Minimum PTE Score | Accepted Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa (below degree level e.g., pre-sessional) | B1 | 43 or higher in each sections | PTE Academic UKVI |
| Student visa (degree level and above) | B2 (some universities may require higher) | 59 or higher in each sections | PTE Academic; PTE Academic UKVI (dependent on institution visa approval status) |
Also Read: UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Understanding PTE score to band system is crucial for translating your test results accurately. By familiarizing yourself with PTE band score list criteria, you can identify strengths and weaknesses and set realistic goals. Achieving a high PTE score band chart requires dedicated preparation and practice.
FAQs
Ques: How much is 7 bands in PTE?
Ans: Achieving a 7 IELTS band describes and good command of the English language, and is accepted by most of the top-ranked universities worldwide. PTE score range of 66 to 75 is compared to the 7 IELTS band.
Ques: How much is 5.5 band in PTE?
Ans: IELTS band of 5.5 describes a modest English language proficiency and is compared to the 36-45 PTE score range.
Ques: What is 6 in PTE?
Ans: PTE scores ranging between 46 to 55 are similar to IELTS 6 band. This scoring range is preferable for PR purposes, the top-ranked universities require a 7+ band score.
Ques: What score is 8 in PTE?
Ans: An IELTS score of 8 bands is compared to the 84-88 PTE score range. This is a very good score and describes the candidate’s prominent proficiency level in the English language.
Ques: How to calculate PTE score?
Ans: PTE scores are calculated based on performance in four sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Each section contributes to the overall score. The exact calculation method is proprietary information, but it involves assessing both correct answers and partial credit.
*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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