PTE Academic

Understand each question type

A Guide to the test and its Format

Part of TestSectionItem TypeTime to Allowed
Part 1 - Speaking and Writing-Total Time54-67 minutes
Section 1Personal Introduction40 Seconds
Section 2
  1. Read Aloud
  2. Repeat Sentence
  3. Describe Image
  4. Retell Lecture
  5. Answer Short Question
30-35 minutes
Section 3Summarise Written Text10 minutes
Section 4Essay20 minutes
Part 2 - Reading-
  1. Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks
  2. Multiple Choice Choose Multiple Answer
  3. Reorder Paragraph
  4. Fill in the Blanks
  5. Multiple Choice Choose Single Answer
29-30 minutes
-Total Time54-67 minutes
Part 3 - ListeningSection 1Summarise Spoken Text10-20 minutes
-Section 2
  1. Multiple Choice Choose Multiple Answer
  2. Fill in the Blanks
  3. Highlight Correct Summary
  4. Multiple Choice Choose Single Answer
  5. Select Missing Word
  6. Highlight Incorrect Words
  7. Write from Dictation
20-23 minutes
FAQ

Frequently Asked Question

You can check PTE Academic test dates and session availability at pearsonpte.com/book/ under ‘Availability’

PTE Academic is recognised globally for academic entrance by over 1,700 institutions and over 3,000 programs. PTE Academic is accepted by all universities in Australia and New Zealand, 98% of universities in the United Kingdom and a large number of institutions in Canada and the USA. PTE Academic is recognised by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for all visa categories including skilled migration. PTE Academic is also accepted in Australia by a growing number of employers and professional associations.

W: www.pearsonpte.com
T: 1800 729 282 (open Monday to Friday 7am–7pm Central Time; closed on local holidays)
Chat live with Pearson on their website: https://www.pearsonpte.com/help-center

You can check PTE Academic test dates and session availability at pearsonpte.com/book/ under ‘Availability’

During the month following your test appointment, you will receive an email invitation to share your views on your PTE Academic test journey. If you are unsatisfied with your testing experience, you can contact Pearson VUE Customer Support team at: pte-acustomersupportapac@pearson.com

You should arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of your test.

Test Centre only accepts your original passport as ID.

There is no scheduled break during the test.

You may take an unscheduled break if you need to. However, the exam clock will not be stopped. During an unscheduled break you are not allowed to access your locker, leave the test area or speak to another candidate.

If you are ill on the test day and unable to sit the test, please contact Pearson as soon as possible. Pearson will offer transfers to another test session free of charge in some circumstances. Phone: 1800 729 282 Email: pte-acustomersupportapac@pearson.com

Your results will typically be available within five business days of your test date. When your results are ready, you will receive an email notification from Pearson telling you how to view your score via your Pearson web account. If for any reason there is a delay in your results, Pearson will contact you directly.

You can find information on scores at: http://pearsonpte.com/test-takers/results/

Pearson does not issue paper certificates or paper score reports for PTE Academic. You can send your score to your chosen institution(s) and government bodies via your Pearson web account. Only scores assigned in this way are considered to be valid.

PTE Academic results are typically available within 2-5 business days and candidates can schedule tests up to 24 hours in advance. Typically, students are able to schedule, take and send their PTE Academic scores to institutions, all within 1 week.