The Pearson Test of English - PTE is one of the world’s most widely accepted English language tests widely used by universities, colleges, governments and employers around the world to gauge applicants’ English proficiency.
PTE is completely computer-based English language test aimed at non-native English speakers. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The whole test is done in a single session, lasting 3 hours and is taken sitting at a computer in a secure test environment. Even the speaking part of the exam is done at the computer - the voice is recorded and sent for marking.
In the part 1 you will be tested on your speaking and writing skills within the timeframe of 77-93 minutes
This single timed section contains 15-20 independent and integrated skills items to test you reading skill.
Part 3 consists of questions that are based on audio or video clips which begin to play automatically.
PTE written discourse enabling skills are proved through a structure of a written text, or an essay featuring specific characteristics. If the responses expressed are not tallied with the content body or its form and structure, no score will be awarded for Enabling Skills.
Written Discourse Enabling Skills can be gradually developed through frequent practice of essay writing. There are certain key points which are essential to consider in improving PTE Written Discourse score in your essay.
The essay must contain a count of 200- 300 words on the given topic in response to a prompt. There has to be a minimum of 200 words and not more than 300 words within 20 minutes. The writing discourse enabling skills have to be utilized in composing your essay.
Note the key words you need to focus and understand the point of view you need to apply in writing.
Devise your answer according to the nature of the prompt, the answer would require your point of view whether you agree or disagree with the point. Make sure to leave the space for other opinions and possibilities as well while maintaining your focus on the key point.
You can score better if your points on the given topic are argumentative and persuasive. There are seven factors on which your essay would be scored.
It should address each aspect of the topic with appropriate details and examples containing logical and specific information.
The arguments should be logically organized in a smooth flow, divided into certain paragraphs containing a clear introduction, body and a conclusion with a coherent transition, connecting and explaining the ideas.
The word count has to be between 200 and 300. If the words are more than 300 or less than 200 your score will be decreased and if the essay contains more than 380 words or less than 120 words, no score will be given for all seven factors.
If you use complex sentence structures and correct vocabulary in providing clear descriptions, changing emphasis and use stylistic features while precisely conveying your idea, you’ll receive full credit.
Credit will be given depending on your sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization and the high proportion of grammatically correct, complex sentences plying standard written English.
Use of synonyms, idioms, and precise academic terms suiting to the environment while avoiding repetition will be given full credit.
PTE Academic recognized English spelling conventions from United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. One spelling convention has to be continued throughout your response.
PTE Academic scores are accessed via an online account. You will receive an email notifying you once your scores are available. After you receive this, you will need to log in to the Pearson VUE account that you created to book your test.
Sending Your Scores
You must send your PTE Academic score through your Pearson VUE account. When you send your scores, you may use following steps. Repeat for each institution. You can send your score to as many institutions as you like for free.
No, PTE Academic is a test of your English ability. The test covers a range of subjects, but you are not being tested on these subjects.
No, you do not need any special computer skills.
You must be at least 16 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a signed parental consent form before taking the test.
No. PTE Academic has been designed to recognize speech from non-native speakers of English representing over 100 different native languages.
You can take PTE Academic as many times as you like. You must wait to receive your scores before you can book your next test.
No. You can use a card that is registered in a different name (e.g. a parent’s credit card.)
No. You can register for the test online
Enter your given name into the family name field. Enter a period/full stop (.) in the given name field.
Enter as much of your name as you can. Then contact us so we know there will be a difference between the name you register with and the name on your ID.
You will not be allowed to take the test and you will lose your test fee.
Please ensure your name on your ID matches your PTE-A registration name, otherwise you may not be permitted to enter the exam.
If you don’t have a Pearson account:
Go to http://pearsonpte.com/book-now/ read all the information on the page. In order to book your PTE Academic test, you will need to complete the following:
1. Click ‘Sign in Now’ & enter your details. Once you have successfully logged in, click ‘PTE-A: Pearson Test of English Academic’ under Exam Catalogue.
2. Select ‘Schedule Exams’ on the right hand side.
3. Provide answers to all the required questions then click ‘Next’
4. Select your desired location and click ‘Next’. Search for available dates and times.
5. Once you have confirmed your location, date & time you will be asked to review your booking information and proceed to checkout.
6. Confirm all the details and make full payment to secure your booking.
7. Once you have completed your booking you will receive an email confirmation. The email will contain details on test center location, directions of how to get there and a few points to remember on the test day.
At least 30 minutes before the start of your test. This gives you plenty of time to check in and pass security.
They will check the ID you bring with you. They also take your photo, a palm vein scan and a digital signature.
You should show your passport when arriving at the test center.
Palm vein recognition scans the veins inside your hand to create a digital template that represents your palm vein pattern. Everyone’s veins are different, just like a fingerprint, this allows us to check your identity. To use the palm vein scanner, you simply hold your hand in place above the scanner for a few seconds. The scanner uses a near-infrared light source, similar to a remote control – and you never touch the sensor.
Raise your hand and tell the test administrator. They will do whatever they can to help and will ensure the problem is recorded and reported.
Make sure you tell the test administrator about any problems you feel affect your ability to complete the test. Without their record of the problem, it is very hard for us to trace these issues later on.
Raise your hand and tell the test administrator. They will ask you to complete a form. This will then be sent to us so we can investigate.
Alternatively, contact your local customer service team within 14 days of the test.
Raise your hand and explain your situation to the test administrator. They will advise further.
Yes. Raise your hand and ask the test administrator for permission to leave.
Each section of the test is individually time. You will see a timer in the top right corner of the screen counting down the remaining time.
Yes. You are not allowed to make notes until the test has started.
You can correct multiple-choice responses (click again to deselect your answer) and typed responses (use the cut, copy and paste options) However, you must correct mistakes before moving on to the next item. You cannot re-record any spoken responses. The microphone will switch off automatically if you are silent for more than 3 seconds during an answer.
You can see your scores once you have signed in to your Pearson Vue account at www.pearsonvue.com/pte
Click ‘View Score Report’ to see your scores for each test.
You can do this once you have signed in to your account.
You can send your scores to unlimited number of institutions free of charge.
Check your junk or spam email folder. So the email may be there already.
After you have assigned a score to an institution through your account, it takes up to 48 hours before the institution can view your score.
Yes. Just choose the score you want to send once you have signed in to your account. Scores remain available for two years.
The institution you selected does not yet recognize PTE Academic formally. You will not be able to use your score to this institution until it accepts PTE Academic.