Are you considering applying to universities abroad? Or are you thinking of immigrating to a foreign country? In this process of moving abroad for higher studies or work, it is no surprise one has to encounter many issues, satisfy countless conditions and show a colossal number of proofs. On top of it, if you hail from a non-native English-speaking country then you are required to prove your English language competency. Hence, you will have to clear one or the other recognised English language proficiency test. As a student, you have the luxury of choosing one amongst IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. However, the recent trend shows that the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is growing more and more popular. What are the reasons? Moreover, what exactly is this exam? Let’s find out the reasons and understand this exam thoroughly.
What Is The Pearson Test of English?
The PTE exam is the world’s first entirely computer-based test of English language competency for abroad education and immigration. The test aims at assessing four skills namely – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
The test duration is 3 hours. It focuses on day-to-day English rather than high-level English language and tests you on your ability to effectively understand the language as spoken in everyday life. The test provides a score on the Global Scale of English (GSE) which is a multi-level grading system. This scale ensures a better understanding of the student’s proficiency in the English language.
How Many Types Of PTE Are There And Which One Is Right For You?
There are two types of PTE offered – PTE Academic and PTE Home.
- PTE Academic – If you are a student who is applying for admission to foreign universities or individual planning of shifting to an English-speaking country then you should take the PTE Academic. It is accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide including some of the most prestigious universities. It is also accepted by immigration authorities of quite a few countries.
- PTE Home/ Academic UKVI – This test is best suitable for those who are looking for a study, work, family or settlement visa specifically in the UK. On successful completion of the test, you are conferred with proof that their English language proficiency meets the CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B1. You can further decide the level you wish to take.
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Where Is The PTE Score Accepted?
The Pearson Test of English has been gaining recognition at an exponential rate. It is accepted by top-notch universities like Harvard and Yale as well. You can check the full list of institutions accepting PTE on the website. Just browse the options according to your country/region.
Just like IELTS and TOEFL, PTE is also accepted by the UK, Australian and New Zealand governments for visa purposes.
Recommended Reading: What Is A Good IELTS Score?
When And Where Can You Appear For the Pearson Test of English?
The PTE is conducted at assigned test centres in your country. For a complete list of the available test centres kindly visit the website. Regarding the date and time when the PTE can be taken is up to you. This exam is ready whenever you are ready. The PTE test booking can be done by you 24 hours in advance 365 days a year. After registering for the test you can directly select the nearest test centre.
The cost of the test varies by country but is in the range of $150-$210.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria For Taking The PTE?
The authorised body for conducting the test has not laid down any specific criteria for taking the test. However, students willing to take the test must be 16 years of age. Students below the age of 18 need a parental consent form.
What Is The PTE Exam Pattern?
As we said, there are four skills that will be assessed in the Pearson Test of English. These skills will be tested in the PTE online test across three main sections – Reading, Listening, Writing+Speaking. The three-hour test has an optional 10-minute break between the Reading and Listening sections. There are twenty different types of questions in the test that range from multiple choice answers to essay writing.
Note: The Pearson Test of English is an integrated skill test. Each section of the test can assess multiple skills simultaneously.
| PTE Academic Section | Description |
| Speaking and Writing | 77 – 93 minutes The ability to speak and write in an academic environment will be tested. Type of questions include – Personal information, Read aloud, Repeat sentences, Describe images, Retell lectures, Answer short questions, Summarize written text, and Essay. Each question type will last for about 10 seconds to 40 seconds. Summarizing written text and Essay questions will be given 10 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. |
| Reading | 32 – 40 minutes This part will focus on your reading skills.It will contain 15-20 independent and integrated skill tests. Types of questions include – Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers, Reorder paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks, and Multiple Choice – Single Answer. |
| Listening | 45 – 57 minutes This section will focus on your listening skills. The questions consist of audio or video clips, which start playing automatically. These clips are played only once and will not be repeated. You are allowed to take notes while the clip plays. You have the opportunity to adjust the volume of the clip with each question. Types of questions include – Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Multiple Choice – Single Answer, Select the Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, and Write From Dictation. |
There are many institutes that provide PTE mock tests online. You could take any one of them to be better prepared and boost your performance.
How Will You Be Scored?
As mentioned above, the PET test is scored against a Global Scale of English. The score can be related to any other popular English language test such as IELTS and TOEFL. The table below shows the overview of the Pearson Test of English and other tests.
| PTE | 30 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 65 | 73 | 79 | 83 | 86 |
| IELTS | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| PTE | 38 | 42 | 46 | 50 | 53 | 59 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 78 | 84 |
| TOEFL | 40-44 | 54-56 | 65-66 | 74-75 | 79-80 | 87-88 | 94 | 99-100 | 105 | 113 | 120 |
Recommended Reading: What is a Good TOEFL Score?
Note: The validity of the Pearson Test of English Score is 2 years.
The score report will include your overall score, communicative skill scores and enabling skill scores. The range for each skill is 10-90 points.
The overall score is based on all the items of the test. Communicative skills scores are based on the skills items like reading, writing, listening and speaking. Enabling scores skills are based on grammar, oral fluency, spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation and written discourse.
The scoring is done based on correctness, formal aspects and quality of the answers. You will receive 1 point for every correct answer. In case of a partially correct answer, you may receive partial credit as well.
The test scores are available within 5 business days of taking the test. The earliest you can get the scores is after 2 days. The scores are accessible online through your PTE account.
What Is The Scenario Of The Pearson Test of English Post COVID-19?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, PTE Testing has been suspended. To gain detailed information regarding your country please visit the official website. It is updated regularly and all the functional centres have been listed over there.
How Can You Cancel Or Reschedule The Exam?
It is suggested that if you wish to cancel or reschedule your test, kindly do so at the earliest. This will result in a reduction of cancellation fees. If there are at least 14 days remaining before your exam date then you will not incur any cancellation charges. However, you will be charged 50% of the registration fee if you wish to cancel with 13 to 8 days remaining. The entire registration fee will be charged if you wish to cancel or reschedule the test with 7 days remaining.
Hope this blog was helpful for you and you’re now well aware of the details of the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Recommended Reading: Which One Should You Go For? TOEFL or IELTS?
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