What is the Pearson Test of English?

PTE Academic is one of the most famous English Proficiency tests aside from IELTS, TOEFL, and DET used for university admissions, especially immigration. But people predominantly call it shortly as PTE, which is an acronym for Pearson Test of English - a computer-based test assessing the English language skills of non-native speakers. 

The PTE was first introduced to the world of English Proficiency tests in 2009, a “young” name compared to the IELTS or TOEFL, but it’s proved its value and integrity throughout the years with its newest format back in the day: a complete computer-based test with support from technology. 

Where can you take the PTE?

There are two versions of the PTE computer-based test: at the centre and at home (PTE Academic Online). Everything is the same, including test format, question types, test length, the waiting time to receive results, and so on. The only difference is that you take the PTE Academic in test centers or at home for PTE Academic Online. 

However, please bear in mind that PTE Academic Online is suitable for university admissions which recognise the test and can be taken everywhere across the globe. This online version is currently not accepted for visa purposes and is not delivered in China. For details, kindly visit the Official Website. 

If students already checked and confirmed that the PTE Academic Online certificate would do the job, then here are the pieces of required equipment needed to be prepared in advance:

Besides, here are a few things that test-takers cannot use while sitting for the PTE Academic Online. 

In a nutshell, you need to go to authorised PTE testing centres (a network of over 400 test centres in 117 countries) if you pick PTE Academic at the centre. But if you pick PTE Academic Online, you can take it anywhere around the world.

Who accepts the PTE?

PTE Academic at the test center is accepted by over 3,500 universities (updated on 19 August 2024), including lots of prestigious ones such as Oxford University, Yale, HBS and so on, and the number of accepting institutions is increasing on a daily basis. On top of that, the PTE Academic is also accepted by the UK, New, Zealand, and Australian governments for visa purposes. 

To find your dream college, visit the Official page here.

However, if you plan to take the PTE Academic Online, make sure that you understand that this version is only used for university admissions, and it is just accepted by over 3,000 institutions. It's better to check detailed information on the Official website before making your decision.

The pricing and how long to receive results

The pricing of PTE Academic at centres and Online are the same, but we do have different prices in different countries which vary from US$ 160 to 250. To get a specific service fee in your country, go to the Official PTE website.

After completing the test, test-takers will receive their results within 48 hours, which is the same time if they take the Duolingo English Test.

The PTE question format

The PTE is two hours long, including 20 unique question types that test-takers only need to complete in one single test session.

Each test has the following three parts.

Part 1: Speaking and Writing: 54-67 minutes

Test-takers go through a total of seven question types assessing students’ Speaking and Writing skills, including: 

1. Read Aloud

2. Repeat Sentence

3. Describe Image

4. Re-tell Lecture

5. Answer Short Question

6. Summarize Written Text

7. Write Essay

Part 2: Reading: 29-30 minutes

This part contains five question types and evaluates your ability to read academic English. Some item types assess both writing and reading skills, including:

8. R&W: Fill in the Blanks

9. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer

10. Re-order Paragraphs

11. R: Fill in the Blanks

12. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Part 3: Listening: 30-43 minutes

This part evaluates test-takers listening skills through eight different question types, including:

13. Summarize Spoken Text

14. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer

15. Fill in the Blanks

16. Highlight Correct Summary

17. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

18. Select Missing Word

19. Highlight Incorrect Words

20. Write from Dictation

Regarding directions for each question type, content format, recommended timer, and so on, please take a look at this article: “Comprehend all PTE question types”. 

How to prepare for the test 

Preparing for the PTE is no different from other proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL or DET. Students need to create a detailed study plan and commit to it every day. Here are our 05 strategic preparation steps to crack the PTE.

• Step 1: Get to know PTE’s fundamental information
• Step 2: Understand your current level
• Step 3: Create a detailed study plan and commit to it
• Step 4: Take 2-hour Practice tests every week
• Step 5: Utilise unlimited times that we can take the PTE

For a detailed guide, go visit this article: “05 strategic preparation steps to achieve your PTE desired scores”.

Are you looking for a PTE Practice Platform? 

A-live Interactive PTE Practice Platform is brought to PTE takers by the developer and academic team who built the DET Practice Platform at TADE Hub. We have supported over 20,000 students from over 70 countries all over the world to pursue their studying-abroad dreams.

For your study, DET is an acronym for Duolingo English Test, which is similar to PTE, IELTS or TOEFL that students can use for university admissions. To find out more about the DET, please take a look at this article: “What is the Duolingo English Test”.

Back to our PTE Practice Platform, with a Premium account, test-takers have access to all the following benefits:

• Thousands of practice questions;
• Full 2-hour mock tests;
• Same granding elements as Pearson;
• Instant feedback for all question types;
• Fast Support;
• Integrated dictionary;
• 03 supportive vocab lists (not for FREE users);
• Other self-study supporting features.

Here is a feedback sample of a Re-tell Lecture question being evaluated based on Content, Oral Fluency, and Pronunciation. 

And this one is a feedback sample of a Write Essay question being assessed based on Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, Linguistic Range and Coherence. 

Let's take a look at this video sample to get a better understanding of how the PTE Practice Platform helps test-takers advance their PTE scores in weeks. 

Go to our PTE Practice Platform, and create your FREE account to experience all question types and AI-based score feedback. Preparing for your PTE and achieving desired scores are so much easier with your Live interactive PTE Practice Platform.