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What is PTE exam?: Complete PTE Test Details in 2024

If you’re planning to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country, you may have come across the term “PTE exam.” But what is PTE exam? And what does it entail? In this blog, we will provide you with complete PTE course details, including its format, sections, scoring, and benefits. Whether you’re a student, professional, or individual looking to assess your English language skills, this blog will help you understand what the PTE exam is all about. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of PTE!

What is PTE Exam?

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam is a globally recognized English language proficiency test that assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom accept it widely. Let’s take a closer look at the different aspects of the PTE exam to understand its importance, types, and latest updates.

Importance of the PTE Exam:

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam holds significant importance for several reasons:

Study Abroad: The PTE exam is crucial for students, professionals, and individuals who wish to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.

Visa and Immigration: Many countries use PTE scores as evidence of English language proficiency for visa and immigration purposes.

Widely Accepted: It is recognized by thousands of universities, colleges, and institutions worldwide, making it a preferred choice for demonstrating English language proficiency. 

Career Opportunities: Achieving a high score in the PTE exam can enhance your opportunities for admission to reputable universities, employment prospects, and immigration eligibility.

Language Proficiency Assessment: It is a reliable measure of your English language skills and provides you with a competitive edge in a globalized world.

Types of PTE Exam

The PTE exam offers two main types of tests – the PTE Academic and the PTE General.

The PTE Academic is primarily designed for students seeking admission to universities and colleges. It assesses your language skills in an academic context and measures your readiness for academic programs. 

On the other hand, the PTE General is aimed at individuals looking to demonstrate their English language proficiency for work, migration, or visa purposes. It assesses your language skills in real-life situations and measures your ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment.

Latest Updates

Pearson, the provider of the PTE exam, has introduced some recent updates to the PTE exam pattern, offering new options and changes for test-takers. These updates include the launch of a shorter version of the PTE Test and the availability of PTE at Home starting in November 2021.

Pearson has introduced the ‘PTE at Home‘ version of the PTE exam, allowing candidates to take the test from the comfort of their own homes. Starting from November 16th, 2021, candidates can book their PTE Academic online test and take the exam remotely.

In addition, Pearson has also shortened the duration of the PTE exam by one hour, starting from November 16th, 2021. This means that test-takers will now have a more streamlined and efficient exam experience.

The PTE exam pattern for 2024 remains a computer-based test that assesses candidates’ speaking and writing skills, reading skills, and listening skills. The exam has a duration of 2 hours and is conducted in a single test session. The test is in a test center or through the PTE at Home option.

The PTE exam assesses real-life English skills through 20 different question types, covering speaking, writing, reading, and listening. It is important for test-takers to stay updated with the latest changes in the PTE exam pattern and format to ensure they are well-prepared for the test and can perform to the best of their abilities.

These updates aim to provide more flexibility and convenience for test-takers, allowing them to take the exam from home and have a more efficient testing experience. Candidates need to stay updated with the latest information and prepare accordingly for the PTE exam to achieve their desired scores.

What are PTE Exam Eligibility Criteria?

You may wonder about the PTE eligibility criteria if you want to take the PTE exam. Let’s explore who can take the PTE exam and what the requirements are.

PTE Academic Eligibility:

The PTE Academic exam is open to students of all nationalities, and candidates must have a valid, current, and legible identification proof document, typically a passport, as mentioned on the official PTE website.

Age Limit:

Candidates must be over the age of 16 years to take the PTE Academic exam. There is no specific upper age limit mentioned on the official PTE website. However, candidates in the 16-18 age group may need to fill out and submit a parental consent form in advance, which can be downloaded from the official PTE Exam website.

Educational Qualifications:

The PTE Academic Board mentions no specific educational qualification requirements. As long as a candidate is fluent in the English language, they are eligible to appear for the exam.

Preparation:

It’s important to note that while there are no strict educational qualifications for the PTE Academic exam. It does require a good level of English language proficiency. Candidates should be well-prepared and familiarize themselves with the exam format, sections, and scoring criteria. Taking a PTE coaching or using PTE preparation materials can be beneficial in improving the chances of success.

Remember to check the official PTE website or contact the test center for any updates or changes to the eligibility criteria before registering for the PTE exam. With the right preparation and readiness, you can confidently approach the PTE Academic exam and work towards achieving your English language proficiency goals.

What is PTE Exam pattern?

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam consists of four sections that assess your English language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Let’s take a closer look at the exam pattern and what you can expect in each section.

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Speaking and Writing

  • Read aloud
  • Repeat sentence
  • Describe image
  • Re-tell lecture
  • Answer short question
  • Write essay
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Listening:

  • Summarize spoken text
  • Multiple choice, choose single answer
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Highlight correct summary
  • Multiple choice, choose multiple answers
  • Select missing word
  • Highlight incorrect words
  • Write from dictation
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Reading

  • Fill in the blanks
  • Multiple choice, choose single answer
  • Re-order paragraphs
  • Multiple choice, choose multiple answers
  • Fill in the blanks

Time allotted for each section:

The PTE exam is a computer-based test, and the time allotted for each section may vary. The total test duration is approximately 3 hours, but the time for each section is as follows:

SectionTime Allotted
Reading29-30 minutes
Speaking and
Writing
54-67 minutes
Listening30-43 minutes

Breakdown of the scoring system:

The PTE exam is scored based on a point system, with a range of 10-90 points for each section. The overall score is based on the performance in all four sections, and the scores are reported on a scale called the Global Scale of English (GSE). Here is what the scoring looks like:

SectionScoring CriteriaScore Range
ReadingReading Skills, Reading: Fill in the Blanks, and Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks10 - 90
WritingWriting Skills, Writing: Essay, and Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks10 - 90
ListeningListening Skills, Listening: Summarize Spoken Text, Listening: Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers, Listening: Fill in the Blanks, and Listening & Writing: Fill in the Blanks10 - 90
SpeakingSpeaking Skills, Speaking: Personal Introduction, Speaking: Read Aloud, Speaking: Repeat Sentence, Speaking: Describe Image, Speaking: Re-tell Lecture, Speaking: Answer Short Question, and Listening & Speaking: Describe Image10 - 90

It’s essential to understand the PTE exam pattern and the time allotted for each section to effectively manage your time during the test and perform well. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the types of questions in each section and practice regularly to improve your skills.

Remember, preparation is key to success in the PTE exam. Enrolling in a PTE course or seeking guidance from reliable study abroad consultants in Delhi can help you understand the exam format, practice with sample questions, and improve your chances of achieving a high score.

So, now that you have a basic understanding of the PTE exam pattern let’s move on to the next section to learn more about the benefits of taking the PTE test and what a PTE course entails.

What is PTE Exam syllabus?

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam is divided into four sections, each designed to assess different aspects of your English language skills. Let’s examine each section in detail and understand what it involves.

Speaking and Writing Section

The speaking and writing tests are combined in the PTE Academic exam and take about 54-67 minutes to complete. It consists of various question types that assess your ability to express yourself clearly and coherently in English, both in spoken and written form. Here’s an overview of the PTE syllabus and format for the Speaking and Writing section:

Personal Introduction: You are given one minute to introduce yourself.

Read Aloud: 6-7 questions where you read a passage out loud.

Repeat Sentence: 10-12 questions where you repeat a sentence after hearing it.

Describe Image: 3-4 questions where you describe an image.

Re-Tell Lecture: 1-2 questions where you summarize a lecture.

Answer Short Question: 5-6 questions where you provide short answers to questions.

Summarize Written Text: 1-2 questions where you summarize a written passage.

Write Essay: 1-2 questions where you write an essay on a given topic.

PTE Reading Section

The reading section of the PTE exam consists of different question types that assess your ability to understand and analyze written text in English. Here’s an overview of the syllabus and format for the Reading section:

Reading & Writing: 5-6 questions where you read a passage and complete a related task.

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: 1-2 questions where you select multiple correct answers.

Re-order Paragraphs: 2-3 questions where you arrange jumbled paragraphs into a coherent passage.

Fill in the Blanks – Reading: 4-5 questions where you fill in the missing words in a passage.

Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions where you select one correct answer.

The total number of questions in the Reading section ranges from 13 to 18, and you are given approximately 29-30 minutes to complete this section.

PTE Listening Section

The listening section of the PTE exam measures your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. Here’s an overview of the syllabus and format for the Listening section:

  • Summarize Spoken Text: 1-2 questions where you summarize a spoken passage.
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: 1-2 questions where you select multiple correct answers.
  • Fill in the Blanks: 2-3 questions where you fill in the missing words in a transcript.
  • Highlight Correct Summary: 1-2 questions where you identify the correct summary of a spoken passage.
  • Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions where you select one correct answer.
  • Select Missing Word: 1-2 questions where you select the missing word in a transcript.
  • Highlight Incorrect Words: 2-3 questions where you identify the incorrect words in a transcript.
  • Write from Dictation: 3-4 questions where you write down words or phrases dictated to you.
  • The total number of questions in the Listening section ranges from 12 to 20, and you are given approximately 30-43 minutes to complete this section.

It’s important to note that the PTE exam syllabus is designed to assess your overall English language proficiency, including your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and understanding the requirements of each section can help you better prepare for the exam and improve your chances of achieving a high score.

How to Register for the PTE Examination?

If you’re interested in taking the PTE exam, registering for it is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Visit the official PTE website

Go to the official website of Pearson PTE (https://pearsonpte.com/) to access the registration portal.

Step 2: Create an account

Click on the “Create Account” or “Register” button to create a new account. Fill in the required information, including your name, email address, and contact details. Create a secure password for your account.

Step 3: Choose your test type and location

Select the type of PTE test you want to take, such as PTE Academic or PTE General, and choose your preferred test location from the available options.

Step 4: Select a test date and time

Pick a suitable test date and time from the available slots. Make sure to choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare for the exam.

Step 5: Review and confirm your details

Review all the information you provided, including your personal details, test type, location, and test date. Make any necessary changes and double-check for accuracy.

Step 6: Make payment

Proceed to the payment section and pay the required exam fee using the available payment methods, such as credit card or online banking.

Step 7: Receive confirmation

Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your PTE exam details, including a unique eVoucher number you must bring on the test day as proof of registration.

You can also take the help of Transglobal IELTS Training Academy, we will help you completely in your PTE journey!!

Preparation for PTE Exam

Proper preparation is essential to excel in any exam, and the PTE exam is no exception. Here are some valuable tips and recommended study materials to help you get started:

Tips for preparing for PTE Exam:

Familiarize yourself with the exam format: Understanding the format of the PTE exam is crucial. The exam consists of four sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening, and an optional 10-minute break. Get acquainted with each section’s question types, time limits, and instructions.

Practice regularly: Regular practice is the key to success in the PTE exam. Set aside dedicated time for practice, and aim to cover all four sections of the exam. Utilize online practice tests, sample questions, and mock exams to get familiar with the exam environment and develop your skills.

Improve your English language skills: The PTE exam assesses your English language skills, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Focus on improving your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and comprehension skills. Engage in English language activities such as reading books, newspapers, and articles, listening to podcasts or watching English movies, and practicing speaking and writing in English.

Manage your time effectively: Time management is crucial during the PTE exam. Practice solving questions within the time limits to develop time management skills. During the exam, pace yourself and avoid spending too much time on a single question. Make use of the optional break to relax and recharge.

Take the help of PTE coaching: A qualified PTE coaching class can provide you with personalized training, feedback, and guidance on how to improve your English language skills and overall test-taking strategies. They can also help you identify your weak areas and develop a study plan tailored to your needs.

Recommended Study Materials:

Official PTE Preparation Books

Pearson, the organization that conducts the PTE exam, offers official preparation books that cover all sections of the exam. These books provide comprehensive guidance, practice exercises, and sample questions.

Online Practice Platforms

Several online platforms offer PTE practice materials, including sample questions, practice tests, and mock exams. These platforms provide a simulated exam environment and help you gauge your progress.

Coaching and Training Programs

Many coaching institutes and training centers like our PTE coaching centre in Delhi offer PTE preparation courses that provide structured guidance, expert coaching, and personalized feedback. These courses can be beneficial, especially if you prefer a guided approach to exam preparation. And, one of the best things is that we provide online PTE classes also. So, you don’t stress about location.

PTE Exam Strategies

Preparing for the PTE exam can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’re new to the test. Here are some unique strategies that can help you navigate the exam with confidence and achieve the best possible results:

Practice Time Management: Time management is crucial in the PTE exam as you need to complete all the tasks within a given timeframe. Practice managing your time during your preparation to ensure you have enough time to complete all the tasks in each section.

Learn Effective Test-taking Strategies: The PTE exam requires not only language skills but also effective test-taking strategies. For example, in the speaking section, practice speaking clearly and fluently, and manage your time well to respond to all the tasks. In the writing section, organize your ideas logically and use proper grammar and vocabulary.

Review PTE Course Details: Enroll in a reputable PTE course that provides comprehensive study material, practice tests, and expert guidance. Review the course details, including the syllabus, study materials, and practice resources, to make the most of your preparation.

Mock Tests and Feedback: Practice taking mock tests to get a feel of the real exam and receive feedback on your performance. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and work on improving them accordingly.

Stay Calm and Confident:

  1. Stay calm and confident during the exam.
  2. Remember to take deep breaths, read the questions carefully, and answer to the best of your ability.
  3. Avoid getting stressed or anxious, as it can affect your performance.

What is PTE Exam Scoring and Results System

The PTE exam uses a scoring system ranging from 10 to 90, with separate scores for each section, which are combined to generate a final band or score. The exam assesses various English language skills, including grammar, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, comprehension, and retention skills. Your performance in each section contributes to your overall score. Here is a scoring table that provides an overview of the PTE score range and corresponding score statements:

PTE Score RangePTE Score Statement
89-90Expert
83-85Very good
74-84Very good
73-77Good
64-72Good
58-63Competent
50-57Competent
42-49Modest
35-41Modest
30-34Limited
0-30Limited

Examples:

For instance, if you score between 89-90, you are considered an expert in English language proficiency. While a score of 50-57 indicates competence. A score of 30-34 reflects limited proficiency and a score below 30 indicates limited ability in English language skills.

Understanding the scoring system and score statements can help you interpret your results accurately and identify areas for improvement. It provides a clear indication of your English language proficiency level, helping you gauge your performance and work towards enhancing your skills.

Retaking the PTE Exam

If you have already attempted the PTE exam but didn’t achieve the desired score, you may be considering retaking the exam. Many students choose to retake the PTE for various reasons. Let’s explore some common reasons why students may decide to retake the PTE exam:

Improving Scores

One of the most common reasons for retaking the PTE exam is to improve the overall scores. If you feel that you could have performed better in one or more sections of the exam, retaking the test gives you an opportunity to focus on those areas and aim for a higher score.

Meeting Visa or Immigration Requirements

Some students may need to retake the PTE exam to meet the English language proficiency requirements for their visa or immigration application. This could be a requirement for studying abroad, obtaining a work visa, or immigrating to an English-speaking country.

Building Confidence

Retaking the PTE exam can also be a strategy to boost your confidence. If you felt nervous or anxious during your first attempt, retaking the exam can help you overcome those feelings and perform better with improved confidence.

Revising Preparation Strategies

Retaking the PTE exam gives you a chance to revise and improve your preparation strategies. You can reflect on your previous attempt, identify areas that need improvement, and modify your study plan accordingly.

Meeting Course or Program Requirements

Some students may need to retake the PTE exam to meet the English language proficiency requirements of a particular course or program they wish to enroll in. This could be a requirement for language courses, professional certifications, or academic programs.

Retaking the PTE exam can be a strategic decision to improve scores, meet visa requirements, or fulfill course requirements. If you are considering retaking the PTE exam, it’s important to reflect on your previous attempt and plan your preparation accordingly.

Transglobal's PTE Coaching classes in Delhi

Transglobal’s PTE Coaching Classes in Delhi are designed to provide you with comprehensive guidance and support to excel in your PTE exam. With both offline and online PTE classes available, you can choose the mode of learning that suits your preferences and schedule. Our experienced trainers are well-versed in the PTE exam format and can help you understand the PTE course details. Here are just a few benefits of our PTE coaching classes:

Expert Guidance

Our trainers are experienced and knowledgeable in PTE exam preparation. They will provide you with step-by-step guidance, tips, and strategies to tackle different sections of the exam.

Comprehensive Course Material

Our PTE coaching classes include well-structured course material that covers all the aspects of the exam. You will have access to study materials, practice exercises, and mock tests to enhance your preparation.

Practice Sessions

Our coaching classes include ample practice sessions to help you improve your skills and gain confidence in answering PTE exam questions. You will receive regular feedback from our trainers to identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

Personalized Attention

We understand that every student is unique, and our coaching classes provide individual attention to address your specific challenges. Our trainers will closely monitor your progress and provide customized guidance to help you achieve your desired score.

The Flexibility of Online and Offline Classes

Transglobal’s PTE coaching classes offer the flexibility of both online and offline classes, allowing you to choose the mode of learning that suits your convenience and preferences. You can join our virtual classes from anywhere in the world or attend our offline classes at our conveniently located center in Delhi.

Regular Mock Tests

To help you gauge your progress and familiarize yourself with the actual PTE exam format, our coaching classes include regular mock tests. These tests will simulate the real exam experience and provide you with valuable insights into your performance.

Time Management Strategies

Time management is crucial in the PTE exam, and our coaching classes will provide you with effective strategies to manage your time efficiently during the exam. You will learn techniques to prioritize tasks, allocate time to different sections, and pace yourself to complete the exam within the given time frame.

Conclusion

The PTE exam is a widely recognized English proficiency test that assesses your language skills. With its increasing popularity and acceptance by various academic institutions and immigration agencies worldwide, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the PTE exam and how to prepare for it. In this article, we provided complete PTE course details. We also highlighted tips and all the important information about the test. With these tips and resources, you can confidently approach your PTE exam and improve your chances of achieving a high score!

FAQs Regarding What is PTE Exam

What is the PTE Exam Fee?

The PTE examination fee is currently INR 14700 (including GST), but it may vary depending on the location and test center. It is recommended to check the official PTE website, or you can contact the respective test center for the most updated fee information.

PTE Important Dates 2024

PTE’s important dates for 2024 can be found on the official PTE website. They start on March 3rd, 2024, and go all the way to September. These dates may include test registration deadlines, test dates, and result release dates. It is essential to stay updated with these dates to ensure timely registration and preparation for the exam.

How to Get the Results of the PTE Examination?

You can access your PTE examination results online through your Pearson PTE account. Results are usually available within 5 business days from the test date, and you will receive an email notification when they are ready.

How soon can you retake the PTE Exam?

You can retake the PTE exam as soon as you receive your results if needed. There is no waiting period, and you can retake the exam multiple times to improve your score. However, it is advisable to thoroughly prepare before retaking the exam to increase your chances of a better score.

What are PTE exam basics?

The basics of PTE include the format of the exam, which consists of four sections: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The exam is computer-based, and the questions are designed to assess your English language skills in an integrated manner.

What is PTE exam structure?

The PTE structure includes various question types in each section, such as speaking and writing tasks, multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and more. The exam is designed to evaluate your English language proficiency in real-life situations, including academic and professional contexts.

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Whether PTE is easier or harder than IELTS depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses in English language skills. Some test-takers may find PTE more suitable for their strengths, while others may prefer IELTS. Assessing your language skills and requirements before choosing between the two exams is recommended.

What is PTE exam full form?

The full form of the PTE exam is the “Pearson Test of English.” It is a computer-based English language proficiency test that universities, colleges, and immigration agencies worldwide widely accept.

Can a student prepare for PTE Academic in a month?

While one month may be a short timeframe for comprehensive preparation, it is possible to prepare for PTE Academic within a month with dedicated effort, efficient study materials, and proper time management. It is important to create a study plan, focus on your weaknesses, and practice regularly to maximize your chances of success.

Can I get a scholarship through PTE Academic?

PTE Academic does not offer scholarships. It is an English language proficiency test. Educational institutions and immigration agencies use the results for admission and visa purposes. Individual institutions typically offer scholarships based on their own criteria and requirements.

Can I take the PTE Academic tests multiple times? What is the maximum number of times that I can take the test?

Yes, you can take the PTE Academic test multiple times if needed. There is no maximum limit on the number of times you can take the test. However, it is advisable to thoroughly prepare and improve your skills before retaking the exam to increase your chances of a higher score.

What documents are accepted as IDs at the test centre?

Acceptable ID documents at the test center may vary depending on the location and test center. Generally, valid passports and national identification cards are accepted as ID documents. It is recommended to check the official PTE website or contact the respective test center for the list of acceptable ID documents.