PTE comprehensive guide
PTE Academic is a computer-based test designed to assess your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The test takes approximately three hours to complete. This duration includes an untimed introduction to the test and one optional scheduled break.
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Details |
PTE format |
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PTE Academic Exam |
PTE exam type |
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2 hours 15 minutes |
Duration of PTE Exam |
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Home / Test Centre |
Exam mode |
PTE Exam Pattern:
|
Duration |
Question types |
Parts |
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54–67 min |
7 different question types |
Speaking & Writing |
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29–30 min |
5 different question types |
Reading |
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30–43 min |
8 different question types – based on video and audio clips |
Listening |
PTE Exam Pattern for Speaking and Writing:
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Answering time |
Task |
Item |
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30 seconds to record |
Read the prompt and prepare a response. Only this question in this section is unscored. |
Personal Introduction |
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Varies |
Read out the given text which is 60 words. |
Read Aloud |
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15 seconds |
Listen to a sentence recording and repeat |
Repeat sentence |
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40 seconds |
Describe the displayed image in detail. |
Describe Image |
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40 seconds |
Listen/watch a lecture and describe its own words |
Re-tell Lecture |
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10 seconds |
Listen to the question and answer it in a single or few words |
Answer short question |
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10 minutes |
Read the text of up to 300 words and write the summary in one sentence. |
Summarize written text |
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20 minutes |
Write an essay of 200 to 300 words on a given topic |
Write essay |
PTE Exam Pattern for Reading:
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Prompt length |
Task |
Item |
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300 words |
Read the prompt and prepare a response. Only this question in this section is unscored. |
Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer |
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300 words |
Read the text and answer the MCQs by selecting more than one option. |
Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers |
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150 words |
Arrange the text boxes in random order to the correct order. |
Re-order Paragraphs |
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80 words |
Fill out the gaps in the text using the words in the box below it. Drag the words and drop them in the gaps. |
Fill in the blanks |
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300 words |
Fill out the gaps in the text (300 words) using the words in the box below it. Drag the words and drop them into the gaps. |
Reading and Writing-Fill in the blanks |
PTE Exam Pattern for Listening:
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Prompt length |
Task |
Item |
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60-90 seconds (about 1 and a half minutes) |
Listen to the recording and write a summary of 50-70 words. |
Summarize spoken text |
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40-90 seconds (about 1 and a half minutes) |
Listening to the recording. Then answer the MCQs by selecting more than one response |
Multiple choice, choose multiple answers |
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30-60 seconds |
The transcript of a recording appears on the screen with several gaps. Candidates can listen and simultaneously type the missing words in the gaps. |
Fill in the blanks |
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30-90 seconds (about 1 and a half minutes) |
Listen to the recording and select the paragraph that gives the best summary of the recording. |
Highlight correct summary |
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30-90 seconds (about 1 and a half minutes) |
Listening to the recording. Then answer the MCQs by selecting only one response. |
Multiple choice, choose a single answer |
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20-70 seconds |
Listening to a recording. Select the missing word that completes the recording from the given list of options |
Select missing word |
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15-50 seconds |
The transcript of a recording appears on the screen. Candidates can listen to the recording and simultaneously identify the words that are incorrect in the transcript. |
Highlight incorrect words |
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3-5 seconds |
Listen to a recording of a sentence and then type it. |
Write from dictation |
PTE Scoring and Results:
- PTE Academic provides a detailed score report, highlighting your performance in each section.
- Results are typically available within five business days, making it a quick option for those needing to meet deadlines.
PTE Exam Fee:
- The PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam fees vary depending on the type of test and location. Here are the details for India:PTE Academic Test:
- Standard Fee: ₹17,000 (inclusive of 18% tax)
- Late Registration Fee: Additional ₹695 if booked within 48 hours (about 2 days) of the test date
PTE Home Test:
- Fee: ₹17,000 (same as PTE Academic Test)
- Availability: Can be taken from home with the same cost structure
PTE UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)
- Fee: ₹17,000 (same as PTE Academic Test)
Key Points:
- Test Components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- Test Duration: Approximately three hours, including an untimed introduction and an optional scheduled break
- Test Format: Computer-based, ensuring standardized testing conditions
Payment and Registration:
- Payment Methods: Typically, you can pay using credit or debit cards during the registration process.
- Booking: Ensure you book your test well in advance to avoid late registration fees.
By understanding these fees and choosing the appropriate test type, you can better prepare for your PTE exam and plan your finances accordingly.
When is the Exam Conducted?
The PTE Academic exam is available regularly throughout the year, providing great flexibility for test-takers. Here are some important points about scheduling your PTE exam:
Test Centers and Availability:
- Global Presence: PTE Academic is conducted in over 475 test centers
- Flexible Scheduling: You can often find dates with last-minute availability, including the option to book as soon as the next day.
- Convenient Locations: Test centers are widely distributed, ensuring that you can find a location that is convenient for you.
Booking Your PTE Exam:
Steps to Book:
- Visit the Official PTE Website: Begin by navigating to the PTE Academic section of the Pearson website.
- Check Available Test Dates: Use the website’s search feature to find available dates at your preferred test center.
- Review Test Appointment Details: Confirm the date, time, and location that best fits your schedule.
- Submit Your Order: Complete the booking process by entering your personal details and payment information.
Confirmation:
- After booking, your test appointment details will appear in your myPTE account.
- You will also receive a confirmation email with all necessary information, including the test center address and reporting time.
Preparation Tips:
- Plan: Ensure you choose a date that allows ample time for preparation.
- Check Requirements: Verify any specific requirements or documents needed for test day, such as valid identification.
By understanding the flexibility and process of booking the PTE Academic exam, you can select the most suitable date and location for your test.
