PTE

The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) assesses the Listening, Reading,
Speaking, and Writing abilities of candidates who wish to study at institutions where English is the principal language of instruction. PTE Academic is endorsed by the Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®).

For non-native speakers of English, PTE Academic provides an accurate measure of English
language proficiency, ensuring success in academic courses and active participation in
university and college-level education where English is the language of instruction. Institutions use PTE Academic results to determine the English language skills of applicants for admission decisions.

Test Format

PTE Academic test items are task-based, representing a range of functions and situations encountered during academic studies in English-speaking countries. PTE Academic features 20 different item types, each assessing one or more language skills.

Availability

PTE Academic is a computer-based test delivered through Pearson VUE’s secure network of test centers. It is offered over 360 days a year in more than 50 countries worldwide.

International Recognition

Developed in accordance with the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), PTE Academic is internationally respected for its quality.

Development

Pearson Language Tests, a division of Pearson, the world’s leading education company, is responsible for the development of PTE Academic. Test development professionals from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, contribute to its creation.

Scoring

PTE Academic assesses English language skills at all levels with no pass or fail. Results are reported on a scale from 10 (the lowest) to 90 (the highest).

Test Results

Test results are presented in a score report, which includes scores for the four skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) and describes candidates Communicative and Enabling Skills. Results are typically issued within 48 hours after the test.

Validity

PTE Academic scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Integrated Skills Items

PTE Academic uses a variety of integrated skills items to assess how well candidates can use English for oral and written communication. Integrated skills items are crucial for assessing English language proficiency in an academic environment, where students must combine several language skills to perform specific tasks.

Speaking and Writing
(54 to 67 minutes)

Personal Introduction (1 minute)
Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Answer Short Question (30 –
35 minutes)
Summarize Written Text
Write Essay

Reading
(30 minutes)

Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
Re-order Paragraphs
Fill in the Blanks (Reading)
Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)

Listening
(30 minutes)

Summarize Spoken Text
Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation

Types of Scoring

Correct or Incorrect: Some items are scored as either correct or incorrect.
Partial Credit: Some items receive partial credit based on the accuracy of the response.

Types of Scores

Overall Score: Based on performance on all test items, ranging from 10 to 90 points.
Communicative Skills Scores: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, each ranging from 10 to 90 points.
Enabling Skills Scores: Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Written Discourse, each ranging from 10 to 90 points.

Score Report

The PTE Academic score report shows the overall score, communicative skills
scores, and enabling skills scores.