What is pte

What is the PTE exam?

PTE, known as the Pearson Test of English, is an internationally accepted and standardized test designed to assess the English language of non-native English speakers to understand their ability to use the language. It is recognized by universities, colleges, governments, and employers throughout the world.
In this article, our expert tutors will guide you through the PTE exam and all its relevant details, including the format, sections, scoring system, and tips for a better PTE score.
PTE Success Online has been chosen as the go-to platform for preparing for PTE examinations by students around the globe. Our 10+ instructors with 10+ years of experience have achieved 98% success, having assisted over 1000+ students. We guarantee your dream PTE score.

PTE exam format overview


The Pearson Test of English assesses its test-takers on four major language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, through different sections of the test. The tasks and questions are as follows:

  1. Speaking and writing
    • Personal Introduction
    • Read Aloud
    • Repeat Sentence
    • Describe Image
    • Re-Tell Lecture
    • Answer a short question.
    • Summarize Written Text
    • Essay
  2. Reading
    • Multiple-Choice Questions
    • Re-Order Paragraphs
    • Reading Fill in the Blanks
    • Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks
  3. Listening
    • Summarize Spoken Text
    • Multiple-Choice
    • Fill in the blanks.
    • Highlight the correct summary.
    • Select Missing Word
    • Highlight incorrect words.
    • Write from Dictation

How long is the PTE exam?


Pearson has recently shortened the timeframe of the PTE examination to approximately 2 hours based on the competency of the student. Previously, the test took nearly 3 hours. A 33% decrease in test time has changed the fundamentals of the PTE exam.

In short, the PTE examination can be completed within approximately 114–141 minutes.

The PTE Examination Test is divided into four major parts:

  1. Introduction
  2. Part 1 (Speaking and Writing)
  3. Part-2 (Reading)
  4. Part-3 (Listening)

According to the new test module, the introduction takes 1 minute. Part 1, which consists of speaking and writing, takes approximately 54–67 minutes. Part 2 of the test, which consists of reading, takes approximately 30 minutes, whereas Part 3 of the test takes approximately 30–43 minutes.

PTE exam sections
The PTE examinations have three parts with four sections. The time allocated for each section is as follows:
Part-1

  1. Introduction: 1 Minute
  2. Read Aloud: 6-7 Minutes
  3. Repeat Sentence: 10–12 Minutes
  4. Describe Image: 3–4 Minutes
  5. Retell Lecture: 1-2 Minutes
  6. Answer a Short Question: 5–6 Minutes
  7. Summarize Written Text: 1-2 Minutes
  8. Write an essay in 1-2 minutes.

Part 2

  1. Fill in the Blanks: Reading and Writing (5–6 minutes)
  2. Multiple Choice and Multiple Answers: 1-2 Minutes
  3. Re-Order Paragraph: 2-3 Minutes
  4. Fill in the Blanks: Reading: 4-5 Minutes
  5. Multiple Choice and Single Answers: 1-2 Minutes

Part-3

  1. Summarize Spoken Text: 1-2 Minutes
  2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, 1-2 Minutes
  3. Fill in the blanks: 2-3 minutes
  4. Highlight the Correct Summary: 1-2 Minutes
  5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 1-2 Minutes
  6. Select Missing Word: 1-2 Minutes
  7. Highlight the incorrect word for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Write from Dictation: 3–4 Minutes

PTE exam scoring system?


The PTE Exam Scoring System is as follows:

Task TypeScoring MethodPrompt LengthCommunicative Skills Scored
Reading Section
Multiple Choice – Single Correct AnswerCorrect/IncorrectUp to 300 wordsReading Comprehension
Multiple Choice – Multiple Correct AnswersCorrect/IncorrectUp to 300 wordsReading Comprehension, Scanning
Reading and Writing Fill in the BlanksPartial CreditUp to 300 wordsReading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar
Fill in the BlanksPartial CreditUp to 80 wordsReading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar
Re-order ParagraphsPartial CreditUp to 150 wordsReading Comprehension, Text Organization, Logic
Listening Section
Multiple Choice – Single Correct AnswerCorrect/Incorrect30-90 secondsListening Comprehension
Multiple Choice – Multiple Correct AnswersCorrect/Incorrect40-90 secondsListening Comprehension, Detail Identification
Fill in the BlanksPartial Credit30-60 secondsListening Comprehension, Spelling, Vocabulary
Highlight Correct SummaryCorrect/Incorrect30-90 secondsListening Comprehension, Summarization
Write from DictationPartial Credit3-5 SecondsListening Comprehension, Spelling, Grammar
Select Missing WordCorrect/Incorrect20-70 secondsListening Comprehension, Vocabulary
Highlight Incorrect WordCorrect/Incorrect15-50 secondsListening Comprehension, Reading
Summarize Spoken TextPartial Credit30-90 secondsListening Comprehension, Summarization, Conciseness
Speaking & Writing Section
Read AloudPartial CreditUp to 60 wordsPronunciation, Fluency, Reading
Describe ImagePartial CreditN/AVocabulary, Grammar, Cohesion, Relevance
Repeat SentencePartial Credit3-9 SecondsPronunciation, Listening, Speaking
Answer Short QuestionPartial Credit3-9 SecondsSpoken Expression, Vocabulary, Listening
Re-tell LecturePartial CreditUp to 90 SecondsSpeaking Skills, Listening, Retention
Summarize Written TextPartial CreditUp to 300 wordsReading Comprehension, Summarization, Conciseness
EssayPartial Credit2-3 SentencesWriting

How to register for PTE?


Here is a Step-by-Step Guide for registering for PTE:

  1. Visit the Official PTE Website: Start by going to the official website of PTE, which is pearsonpte.com.
  2. Create an Account: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create an account on the website. Look for the “Sign Up” or “Create an Account” option and provide the required information like your name, email address, and password.
  3. Select Test Type: Once you’re logged in, select the type of PTE test you want to take. There are different versions of the test available, such as PTE Academic, PTE General, and PTE Young Learners. Choose the one that suits your needs.
  4. Choose Test Location: After selecting the test type, you’ll need to choose the location where you want to take the test. PTE test centers are located in various cities and countries around the world. Pick the one that is most convenient for you.
  5. Select Test Date and Time: Once you’ve chosen the location, you’ll be able to see available test dates and times. Select the one that fits your schedule best.
  6. Review Test Fee: Take a look at the test fee for your chosen test type and location. Make sure you’re aware of how much you need to pay and any additional fees that may apply.
  7. Make Payment: Proceed to make the payment for the test. You can usually pay online using a credit or debit card. Follow the prompts to complete the payment process securely.
  8. Receive Confirmation: After successfully completing the registration and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details of your test registration. Make sure to keep this email safe as you may need it for future reference.
  9. Prepare for the Test: Now that you’re registered for the PTE test, it’s time to start preparing! Familiarize yourself with the test format, practice sample questions, and consider taking preparation courses if needed.
  10. Arrive on Test Day: On the day of the test, make sure to arrive at the test center on time. Bring along any required identification documents as specified in the test guidelines.
  11. Take the Test: Follow the instructions of the test administrators and complete the test to the best of your ability. Stay calm and focused throughout the test.
  12. Receive Scores: After completing the test, your scores will be available within a few days. You’ll receive an email notification when your scores are ready, and you can view them by logging into your account on the PTE website.

PTE exam fees

Test Center NameAddressPhone
Pearson Professional Centers – MelbourneLevel 14, 300 La Trobe Street, Melbourne Vic 3000(03) 9670 4899
Pearson Professional Centers – Sydney, AustraliaLevel 2, 10 Bridge Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia+61 2 9247 6072
Victoria UniversityLevel 17, 300 Flinders Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 AustraliaN/A
Swinburne University of TechnologyTD building, Room TD132, John Street Hawthorn, Victoria 3122 AustraliaN/A
Pearson Professional Centers – Box Hill VICLevel 3, 990 Whitehorse Road Box Hill, Victoria 3128 AustraliaN/A
Gordon Institute of TAFE2 Fenwick St, T BUILDING – BASEMENT LEVEL ROOM TB.12 Geelong, Victoria 3220 AustraliaN/A
RMIT Training Pty LtdLevel 10, RMIT Building 108, 235-251 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic 3000(03) 9657 5800
Melbourne PolytechnicMelbourne Polytechnic Preston Campus, Room 315 Building E, 77 St Georges Road, Preston 3072 Melbourne+61 3 9269 1200
Melbourne Polytechnic – Room 31377 St Georges Road Building E Room 313 Preston, Victoria 3072 AustraliaN/A
Pearson Professional Centers – Perth WAGround Floor, 1 William Street, The Quadrant Perth, Western Australia 6000N/A
Edith Cowan CollegeBuilding 80, Joondalup Campus West 10 Injune Way Joondalup, Western Australia 6027 AustraliaN/A
Pearson Professional Centers – Adelaide SAGround Floor, 76 Waymouth Street Adelaide, South Australia 5000 AustraliaN/A
PLT at Cliftons Canberra2/10 Moore Street Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601 AustraliaN/A
Canberra Institute of TechnologyLibrary, Block E Ground Floor 37 Constitution Avenue Reid Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601N/A
International Education Services LtdLeichhardt Street Campus Ground level, 88 Leichhardt Street Spring Hill Brisbane, Queensland 4004 AustraliaN/A
Pearson Professional Centers – Brisbane QLDLevel 9, 333 Adelaide Street Brisbane, Queensland 4000 AustraliaN/A
The University of Queensland (UQ)213: Level 2, Sir Llew Edwards Bld (#14) Cnr University Drive & Campbell Road St Lucia, Queensland 4072 AustraliaN/A
Pearson Professional Centers – Parramatta NSWLevel 5, 31 Macquarie Street Parramatta, New South Wales 2150 AustraliaN/A
Western Sydney University – The CollegeLevel 3, 8 Australia Avenue Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales 2127 AustraliaN/A
Navitas English Test Centre – SydneyLevel 3, 255 Elizabeth St Sydney, New South Wales 2000 AustraliaN/A
Navitas English Test Centre – Sydney (Room 2)Level 8, 255 Elizabeth St Sydney, New South Wales 2000 AustraliaN/A
Navitas English Test Centre – Perth211 Newcastle St Northbridge Perth, Western Australia 6003 AustraliaN/A
Navitas English Test Centre – BrisbaneGround Floor, East Tower, 410 Ann Street Brisbane, Queensland 4000 AustraliaN/A
Griffith UniversityGriffith English Language Institute Level 3, G52 International Building Southport, Queensland 4222 AustraliaN/A
UNSW Global Pty LtdShop 1, 159-171 Anzac Parade Kensington, New South Wales 2033 AustraliaN/A
Central Queensland University, Campus Sydney400 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000(07) 4930 9000
University of Southern Queensland487/521-535 West St, Darling Heights QLD 43501800 269 500
Educational Enterprises Pty Ltd16-20 Coglin Street, Adelaide, 50001300 739 585

Tips and Strategies for the PTE Examination


These are the secret tips, tricks, and strategies for a better PTE examination:

  1. Focus on weak areas.
  2. Use authentic resources.
  3. Join PTE Success Online for Preparation (Wink)
  4. Learn to manage time.
  5. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
  6. Mastering time management
  7. Develop Fluency
  8. Improve listening skills.
  9. Review and analyze mistakes.
  10. Simulate test conditions.

Conclusion


PTE Success Online provides a complete PTE Exam Pattern 2024 to crack the PTE academic exam with language proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing the English language.