PTE Overview

PTE Exam 2019

The Pearson Language Test (PTE) was developed in 1982 by the University of London Schools Examination Board. It was formerly known as London Test of English. PTE has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Pearson developed the test for a more accurate way to test students who wish to enter the English speaking academic world. The test has also been approved by the Graduate Management Admission Council.

The Pearson test of English consists of 3 sections. The sections are speaking & writing, listening and reading. There will be 20 types of different question formats such as multiple choices, essay writing, etc. The PTE test is a flexible test as the test is conducted throughout the year. The results are quickly available and the test is accepted worldwide. According to the score, the student’s can get admitted to different globally recognized universities or colleges.

PTE 2019 Exam Highlights

PTE 2019 Eligibility Criteria

• There are no specific criteria to appear for the exam.
• However interested applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
• Candidates below 18 are required to submit a proof of parental consent.

PTE Exam Pattern

The PTE Academic test is conducted on a computer and a headset to listen, read and answer the questions. The test divided into 3 parts. The candidates will be given an optional break of 10 minutes between each part. There will be a different format of questions throughout the test. The duration of the test is 3 hours. The three sections will be speaking & writing, reading and listening.

PTE Exam Syllabus

There are 2 types of PTE exams - PTE Academic and PTE General. The PTE syllabus contains three modules which cover Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. This computer-based test helps to evaluate a student's ability to understand and communicate in English in daily life. Each module is further divided into smaller sections. There are different tasks in each section.

• Listening

In the listening section, the candidates are required to listen to an audio or video clip that begins automatically and is played only once.

At the end of the clip, the candidates have to type the summary of the same in about 50-70 words.

The candidates are also given a set of questions like multiple choices, fill in the blanks etc, which they have to answer based on the clip played.

• Reading

For the reading section, the applicants will be given a passage which they have to read carefully.

The passage can be up to 110 words.

The applicants will have a set of questions with multiple options which they have to answer.

• Speaking & Writing

The speaking section starts with a personal introduction wherein the applicants have to introduce themselves.

In this section the candidates also have to read aloud the text displayed on their screen.

In the writing section, applicants will have to answer questions related to their day-to-day life in one or a few words.

PTE Exam Fee

The PTE test has an application fee which varies across countries. In India, the application fee is INR 16,625. It can be paid via credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express).

Scoring in PTE

The scoring of the PTE Academic is done by using a PTE Academic’s automated scoring system. The scoring is done on a point of 10 to 90. There are 2 types of scoring - correct or incorrect, and partial scoring. If the answer is correct 1 score point will be given and if incorrect, no score points are given. If the answer is partially correct a less score point will be given instead of the maximum point for that question.

Why PTE Academic?

• Fast Results - The results of the test are available within 5 days after the test day.
• Flexibility - The test is conducted throughout the year.
• Fair Scoring - As the scoring is computer-based there is no partiality or bias between the applicants.
• Accepted for Visas - The scores of the PTE exam is accepted by all Australian and New Zealand student visa and migration applications.
• University Acceptance - The PTE scores are accepted by universities all around the world.

Who accepts PTE Academic?

PTE exam is an exam which states your English knowledge so for some countries it can also act as a visa like Australia and New Zealand. When it comes to accepting PTE scores, it is accepted by thousands of globally acclaimed universities and colleges. Some of the most prestigious colleges are Harvard business school, Yale and INSEAD. It is instantly accepted by the UK leading universities as it is the English test.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know about a specific subject to take the test?

No. PTE Academic is a test of your English ability. The test covers a range of subjects, but you are not being tested on these subjects.

2. Do I need computer skills to take the test?

You do not need any special computer skills. To familiarize yourself with the test we suggest you:

– Review the test preparation resources.

– We recommend taking one of our Scored Practice Tests to get used to the timing and moving through each type of question.

PTE Academic is taken using a QWERTY keyboard, where the letters on the top line spell out ‘QWERTY’. IF you are not used to this type of keyboard, it may help to practice with one before you take the test.

3. How old do I need to be to take PTE Academic?

You must be at least 16 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a signed parental consent form before taking the test.

Complete the form, then follow the instructions printed on it to send it to us. Download the form here.

4. Will I be penalized in speaking tasks for not having an accent from a native English speaking country?

No. PTE Academic has been designed to recognize speech from non-native speakers of English representing over 100 different native languages.

5. Are all communicative skills scores (e.g. reading, writing) weighted equally?

Yes.

6. How many times can I take the test?

You can take PTE Academic as many times as you like.

You must wait to receive your scores before you can book your next test.

7. Do I have to take PTE Academic in my home country?

No. You can take it at any of our test centers around the world. Make sure you check what type of ID you have to use. Refer to the Acceptable ID policy.

If you are outside your home country, you will probably be asked to show your passport at the test center.

8. What sections does the test include?

The PTE is a 3-hour test and consists of three main parts, Speaking and Writing, Reading and Listening. There are twenty different question formats that range from multiple choices to essay writing and interpretation of information. PTE Academic assesses real-life, academic content, so you will hear excerpts from lectures, and describe the graphs and charts that you see.

9. Do I need to be a certain age to give the PTE Academic?

You must be at least 16 years of age. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a signed parental consent form before taking the test.

10. How many times can I take the test?

You can take PTE Academic as many times as you like. This means that institutions will not be able to see if your scores are better or worse than the previous tries. You must, however, wait to receive your scores before you can book your next test.

11. Will I know how much time I have left?

Yes, each section of the test is individually timed. You will see a timer in the top right corner of the screen counting down the remaining time.

12. How is PTE different from the IELTS?

Although both the IELTS and PTE have the same sections, the scoring pattern for both these tests differs. The PTE Academic, however, assesses speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as academic skills in an integrated way in a single 3-hour computerized test.

13. Who accepts the PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide. It is also accepted for visa purposes by the Australian government.

14. What happens if my ID shows a different name to the one I registered with?

You will not be allowed to take the test and you will lose your test fee. If you made a mistake when registering, please contact the Pearson customer support before your test day.

15. How long do the test results take?

Typically, PTE Academic results are available in five business days.