PTE Academic: syllabus, pattern, fees, scores and preparation
Pearson Test of English Academic, run by Pearson. Used for university admission in the uk, australia, canada, new zealand, ireland and the us; uk, australian and new zealand visas.
What the PTE Academic is
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a english proficiency test run by Pearson. It is used for university admission in the uk, australia, canada, new zealand, ireland and the us; uk, australian and new zealand visas.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Sections | Speaking and Writing, Reading, Listening |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Score range | 10 to 90 |
| Fee | About INR 17,000 in India, £200 in the UK, US$200 to US$240 elsewhere |
| Results | Typically within 2 days, often 24 hours |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Formats | Computer-based at test centres; PTE Academic Online for study only; PTE Academic UKVI |
Types of PTE Academic
PTE Academic
The standard test for university admission and Australian, New Zealand and UK visas.
PTE Academic UKVI
Same test at a UKVI-approved centre for UK visa routes that require a Secure English Language Test.
PTE Home
Speaking and listening test for UK family and settlement visas, not for study.
Who can take it
No minimum qualification. Test takers must be 16 or older; those under 18 need parental consent. A valid passport is required.
Not sure which test your course accepts?
Requirements differ by university and by visa route. We check before you book.
Talk to a counsellorSyllabus
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking and Writing | Personal introduction, read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, re-tell lecture, answer short question, summarise written text, essay | 28 to 36 | 54 to 67 minutes |
| Reading | Fill in the blanks, multiple choice, re-order paragraphs, reading and writing fill in the blanks | 13 to 18 | 29 to 30 minutes |
| Listening | Summarise spoken text, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, highlight correct summary, select missing word, highlight incorrect words, write from dictation | 12 to 20 | 30 to 43 minutes |
Exam pattern
PTE Academic is fully computer-based and scored by AI against human-trained models. There is no human interviewer; you speak into a microphone. Many question types score more than one skill, which is why technique matters. There is no optional break.
How to register
- Create a Pearson account and complete your profile exactly as on your passport
- Choose a test centre and date; slots are available most days in major cities
- Pay the fee; booking within 48 hours of the test costs more
- Take the free scored practice test to see your predicted score
- Results appear in your account, usually within two days; send them to universities free through the account
Scores explained
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 79 to 90 | Equivalent to IELTS 8 or above | Meets the highest professional requirements |
| 65 to 78 | Equivalent to IELTS 7 | Competitive UK master's, health programmes |
| 58 to 64 | Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 | Most UK, Australian and Irish postgraduate requirements |
| 50 to 57 | Equivalent to IELTS 6 | Most undergraduate requirements |
| 43 to 49 | Equivalent to IELTS 5.5 | Foundation and pre-sessional entry |
| Below 43 | Equivalent to IELTS 5 or lower | Further preparation needed |
Sit it once, with coaching
Small-group courses with weekly mock tests and one-to-one feedback.
See IELTS classesHow to prepare
- Learn the scoring rules for each question type; some award marks for fluency more than accuracy
- Practise read-aloud and repeat-sentence daily to build speaking fluency scores
- Use templates for describe image and essay, then personalise them
- Take at least two official scored practice tests
- Type fast and accurately; write-from-dictation is heavily weighted
Books and resources
- The Official Guide to PTE Academic: Pearson's own guide with sample questions and scoring explanations.
- PTE Academic Practice Tests Plus: Timed tests with answer keys and audio.
- Pearson scored practice tests: The only source of genuine predicted scores.
Detailed guides
PTE exam pattern
The three parts, 20 question types and timing of the two-hour test.
PTE eligibility
Age, identity and booking rules for PTE Academic.
PTE dates and fees
How to book, fees by country and late booking charges.
PTE score chart
Score bands, IELTS equivalents and what universities ask for.
PTE registration
A step-by-step booking guide with the details centres check.
Questions about the PTE Academic
Is PTE accepted in the UK?
Yes, by almost all UK universities and by UKVI for visa purposes when taken at a UKVI-approved centre.
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Neither is easier, but PTE suits students who are comfortable with computers and templated answers. Speaking to a machine removes interview nerves for some.
How fast are PTE results?
Usually within 48 hours and often the next day.
How is PTE scored?
Automatically, using models trained on thousands of human-scored responses. Your overall score is from 10 to 90 with communicative and enabling skill sub-scores.
How many times can I take PTE?
Unlimited, but you must wait for a score before booking again.
What PTE score equals IELTS 6.5?
Roughly 58 to 64, though each university sets its own equivalence.
Can I take PTE at home?
PTE Academic Online exists but is accepted for study only by some universities and not for visas.
Fees, formats and dates are as published by Pearson for 2025/26 and change; confirm on the official site before booking.
Preparing for the PTE Academic?
Tell us your target score and date. We match you with coaching or point you to the free resources that work.