All about the PTE Exam

What is covered in this article?

What is PTE

Types of PTE exams

14 Frequently asked questions about PTE

1. Where can I take the test?
2. Where are the PTE test centres in India?
3. How is the test administered?
4. How long is the PTE Academic test?
5. How many parts are there for the PTE exam and how long are they?
6. What are the different question types in the PTE test?
7. What is the fee for PTE Academic test?
8. What is the next PTE test date?
9. Do Canadian institutions accept PTE scores?
10. Which other destinations accept PTE?
11. How long is the PTE score valid?
12. How long will it take to get the PTE test results?
13. How is the PTE exam scored?
14. Where can I try PTE practice tests?

Are you looking to study undergraduate courses abroad? Proof of English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement set by several universities abroad. Like IELTS and TOEFL, PTE is another popular English language test accepted by many institutions.

What is the PTE Exam?

PTE stands for Pearson Language Test and is involved in assessing the English language skills of non-native English speakers. More than 3000 institutions around the world accept Pearson PTE test scores. The UK, Australian and New Zealand governments accept PTE scores from students.

Types of PTE exams

Different PTE tests are available, based on the purpose of travel to the foreign country.

• PTE Academic: For studying in the UK and other countries that accept PTE scores, you should go for the PTE Academic test.
• PTE Academic UKVI: This is majorly for people who want to work in the UK. PTE scores can be submitted for skilled-worker visa applications, start-up visa applications etc. This visa can be used for UK student visa applications too.
• PTE Academic Online: This is an online version of the PTE Academic test for candidates who cannot make it to a test centre.
• PTE Home: These tests are approved by the UK Home Office and are the approved Secure English Language Test for UK visa, settlement, or citizenship applications.

As an Indian student going abroad to study, you should register for the PTE Academic Test. However, make sure that your institution accepts PTE scores. PTE Academic Online is currently not accepted for visa applications.

Some institutions that do accept PTE Academic Online test scores are:

Did you know that PTE Academic uses non-native English accents too, in their tests?

14 Frequently asked questions about Pearson’s PTE exam

1. Where can I take the test?

You can take the test at authorized test centres called the secure Pearson Test Center. Test centres are available in all major cities in India. You can check the test availability on the PTE site and book the test as per your convenience.

2. Where are the PTE test centres in India?

You can find PTE test centres in major cities of India. There are test centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Cochin, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Surat, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and several other cities. As of September 2022, there are 35 PTE test centres in India.

3. How is the test administered?

PTE Academic is a computer-delivered test. Apart from a computer, you will be given a headset to attempt the listening and speaking sections.

4. How long is the PTE Academic test?

The test is 2 hours long. IELTS speaking is administered as a separate section. However, in the PTE exam, the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections are tested in a single go.

5. How many parts are there for the PTE exam and how long are they?

The test is broadly divided into 3 parts: Speaking and writing as one part, followed by listening and reading.

6. What are the different question types in the PTE test?

The test has 20 different question types.

7. What is the fee for PTE Academic test?

PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online will cost you 14,700 rupees.

PTE Academic UKVI also costs the same.

8. What is the next PTE test date?

PTE tests are administered throughout the year. Typically, you will be able to find a slot within the following 5 working days at your nearest test centre.

9. Do Canadian institutions accept PTE scores?

Yes, PTE Academic scores are accepted by most Canadian institutions. An example is the University of Northern British Columbia. One of the entry requirements to their MBA course is to have some proof of English language proficiency. PTE is one of the accepted tests. Candidates should have an overall score of 65 with a minimum of 60 for the reading, writing, listening and speaking sections.

10. Which other destinations accept PTE?

PTE scores are accepted by Australian, New Zealand and UK governments for visa purposes. PTE scores are accepted by institutions in these countries and also by institutions in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany and several others.

11. How long is the PTE score valid?

PTE scores are valid for 2 years from the date of examination.

12. How long will it take to get the PTE test results?

PTE results have a good turnaround time; you will get the results very fast, typically within 48 hours.

13. How is the PTE exam scored?

Your responses to the PTE test questions are machine-scored. They make use of a unique, automated system for scoring the responses. You will get a full score for correct responses, no score for incorrect responses and partial score points if your response is partially correct. Your overall score will be in the range of 10 – 90. Your score for individual skills will also be in the same range.

14. Where can I try PTE practice tests?

Pearson offers 5 versions of PTE mock tests, each costing around 2,700 rupees. Though this is a paid PTE mock test, it has an advantage in that you can get the score too, typically within an hour.

Do you have more questions about English language tests for studying abroad? Reach out to our counsellors to understand which would be the best proficiency test to go for. All the best with your study abroad dreams!