What is PTE
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English language proficiency test used for study, work, and migration purposes. It assesses your ability to understand and use English in academic and professional settings.
There are two main versions:
- PTE Academic: Measures your English skills for academic purposes, such as applying to universities or colleges. It evaluates listening, reading, speaking, and writing abilities through integrated tasks.
- PTE Core: Assesses your general English language skills and is used for work and personal purposes. It focuses on practical language use in everyday situations.
The test is computer-based, with results typically available within a few days.
PTE Academic Overview
The PTE Academic test evaluates English proficiency for academic purposes. Here’s a brief overview:
Test Format
- Speaking & Writing (77–93 minutes):
- Personal Introduction
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Re-tell Lecture
- Answer Short Question
- Essay Writing
- Summarize Written Text
- Reading (32–41 minutes):
- Multiple-choice Questions
- Re-order Paragraphs
- Fill in the Blanks
- Listening (45–57 minutes):
- Summarize Spoken Text
- Multiple-choice Questions
- Fill in the Blanks
- Highlight Incorrect Words
- Write from Dictation
Scoring
- Band Score: Results are reported as a score from 10 to 90.
Test Duration
- Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours, including optional breaks.
Availability
- Locations: Offered at Pearson test centers globally.
- Frequency: Available throughout the year.
PTE Academic is designed to assess English skills in an academic context, reflecting real-world language use in educational settings.
PTE Core
The PTE Core test, formerly known as PTE General, evaluates practical English language skills for everyday use. Here’s a detailed overview-
Test Format
The PTE Core is divided into two main parts:
- Written Test
- Reading & Writing: Includes various question types such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and comprehension passages.
- Writing Tasks: Often involves writing short essays or responses to prompts.
- Spoken Test
- Speaking Tasks: Includes answering questions, giving spoken responses, and Test Format
- Written Test:
- Reading & Writing: Includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and comprehension passages.
- Writing Tasks: Involves short essays or responses to prompts.
- Spoken Test:
- Speaking Tasks: Includes answering questions, giving spoken responses, and participating in conversations.
Levels
- Proficiency Levels: Ranges from A1 to C2, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), covering basic to advanced skills.
Scoring
- System: Results are reported as CEFR levels, reflecting the candidate’s proficiency.
- Skills Assessed: Evaluates listening, reading, speaking, and writing in practical contexts.
Test Duration
- Written Test: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the level.
- Spoken Test: Around 10-15 minutes.
Availability
- Locations: Available at test centers worldwide.
- Frequency: Offered year-round with multiple test dates.