- Understand the PTE Academic test and why it’s a popular choice for studying or migrating abroad.
- Explore the full test structure, timing, task types, and scoring scale, so you know exactly what to expect on test day.
- Find out what a good PTE score looks like for Bachelor’s or Master’s and how your score compares to CEFR levels.
Thinking of studying or working abroad? The PTE Academic is one of the most widely accepted English language tests out there—trusted by thousands of universities and also accepted for meeting visa requirements in some countries.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the PTE is, how it works, how much it costs, what a good score looks like, and how to prepare. Whether you're applying to university, aiming for a work visa, or just testing your English skills, this article will walk you through it step by step.
What is the PTE?
The PTE, short for Pearson Test of English, is an English language exam designed for English speakers from other parts of the world who want to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.
One of the PTE test types, the PTE Academic is a two-hour computer test that checks how well you can write, read, and listen in English and is useful during the admission process to an English-taught university. Over 3,500 universities worldwide recognise the test.
Explore English-taught Master’s degrees worldwide
What is the PTE Academic used for?
- Most students take the PTE Academic to apply to universities abroad where courses are taught in English.
- In countries like Australia and New Zealand, it’s also a popular choice for professionals and migrants who need to prove their English skills for work or visa purposes.
- In the US, several state Boards of Nursing accept PTE Academic scores for work visa applications.
Who can take the PTE?
- Age requirements: Anyone can take the PTE Academic—there are no strict rules about your background or nationality, which makes it a flexible choice for many students. You just need to be at least 16 years old. If you’re under 18, you’ll need permission from a parent or guardian.
- Education requirements: You don’t need a specific level of education to sign up, but since the test is meant for university admissions, it’s best suited for high school graduates, university students, or professionals who already have a good level of English.
Registration process and deadlines
You can take the PTE Academic any time during the year—there aren’t set test dates. Just choose a date that works for you, depending on what’s available at a test centre near you.
To register:
- Go to pearsonpte.com and create an account.
- Log in, pick your test centre and date.
- Pay the fee to confirm your booking.
Tips:
- There’s no official registration deadline, but it’s a good idea to book a few weeks in advance so you don’t miss out on your preferred date or location.
- Take the PTE 3 to 6 months before your university deadlines. That gives you enough time to retake it if you need to.
Exam costs and additional fees
The PTE test usually costs around $200–$250 USD, depending on where you take it.
- You can cancel or reschedule for free if you do it at least 14 days before your test. After that, fees apply.
- There may be extra costs if you:
- Book late (less than 48 hours before the test)
- Reschedule too close to the date
- Need physical score reports sent out
- You can only reschedule the same test up to 6 times.
- Refunds depend on how early you cancel—full if you cancel 14+ days ahead, 50% if it's 8–13 days, and none if less than 7 days. Financial aid isn’t common, so make sure to budget ahead.
What’s on the PTE? Exam structure and scoring
This table gives you a quick look at each part of the PTE Academic exam—how long it takes, what tasks you’ll face, and the key English skills being tested.
| Duration | Number of Tasks | Sample Tasks | Skills Tested | |
| Speaking & Writing | 54–67 minutes | 8 | Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Summarise Text, Write Essay | Pronunciation, fluency, grammar, spelling, sentence structure, coherence |
| Reading | 29–30 minutes | 5 | Multiple-choice, Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, contextual understanding |
| Listening | 30–43 minutes | 8 | Summarise Spoken Text, Multiple-choice, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Errors, Write from Dictation | Understanding spoken English, memory, note-taking, inference |
There are no optional sections—all tasks are required—and each contributes to your final score. You'll complete the sections in this exact order.
How long is the PTE?
The total test duration is around 2 hours, and it’s taken entirely on a computer. This includes both the writing and speaking sections, which are recorded and scored by AI.
- There are no breaks, so make sure you're well-prepared and rested before the exam starts.
Score range and difficulty
PTE scores range from 10 to 90. Most people score between 50 and 65, which is usually enough for undergraduate or vocational courses. If you're aiming for top universities or a Master’s degree, you’ll likely need a score above 65 or even 75.
Here's a quick breakdown of what the different score levels mean:
| PTE Score Range | CEFR Level | Who Needs It | English Ability Description |
| 85–90 | C2 | Rarely required by universities or governments | Understands everything heard or read with ease; can summarise complex information; speaks fluently and precisely, even in complex situations. |
| 76–84 | C1 | Australian Skilled Migration Visas | Can understand demanding texts; speaks fluently and spontaneously; uses language effectively in academic and professional settings. |
| 59–75 | B2 | Undergraduate/postgraduate entry; professional registration; skilled migration visas | Understands complex texts; interacts fluently with native speakers; writes detailed texts and explains viewpoints. |
| 43–58 | B1 | Often required for undergraduate study | Understands main points of clear speech; handles common situations; can write and talk about familiar topics and personal experiences. |
| 30–42 | A2 | Foundation Year courses (in some cases) | Understands common phrases; can handle simple tasks and talk about basic personal topics. |
| 10–29 | A1 | Not suitable for academic or foundation courses | Understands very basic expressions; can introduce self and others; limited to very simple interactions. |
What is a good PTE score?
As you can see in the table above, most universities consider anything above 58–65 as a strong score. Highly ranked universities and competitive Master’s programmes may ask for scores above 70–79. Here’s a quick guide:
- Bachelor’s degrees: minimum scores usually start at 50–60
- Master’s degrees: often require 60–70
- PhD or research programmes: commonly expect scores above 65
How hard is the PTE?
Many students wonder how tough the PTE really is compared to other English tests. What makes it tricky is the fast pace and the real-life academic tasks—you’ll need to think quickly and juggle different skills at once.
Most people find the listening and speaking parts the hardest, since they demand quick thinking and clear pronunciation. The good news? It’s scored by a computer, so there’s no human bias. Just make sure to practise with real test materials to get used to the format.
- Fun fact: If you didn’t have any problems with reading this article so far, it means your level of English is probably an B2, which corresponds to a PTE score range of 59-75, at least.
How to prepare for PTE: Study plan and timeline
How long to study for PTE depends on your current English level and the score you’re aiming for. If you're confident in your skills, 2–3 weeks of focused study may be enough. But if you need to improve specific skills or reach a high score (like 79+), plan for at least 4–6 weeks.
Create a weekly study plan that covers all four test sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. For example:
- Weeks 1–2: Focus on understanding the test format and practising weak areas.
- Weeks 3–4: Take full PTE practice tests under timed conditions.
- Weeks 5–6: Fine-tune strategies and review mistakes.
Keep an eye on how you're doing and adjust your study time based on what you’re aiming for. If you’re unsure how long to study for the PTE, focus on being consistent and practising actively—it works better than squeezing everything in at the last minute.
Preparation resources and practice tests
There are many tools available when thinking about how to study for PTE. Start with the official PTE Academic website, which offers:
- Free PTE practice tests
- PTE sample questions for each section
- The Official Guide to PTE Academic (includes tips and real test examples)
Practising with PTE sample questions is one of the best ways to build confidence and understand the scoring. You can also find helpful PTE prep courses and mock tests on platforms like E2Language, Magoosh, or YouTube. Some are free, while others offer full courses or coaching.
How to improve your PTE score?
To improve your PTE score, focus on these key goals:
- Learn how each section is scored and the types of tasks you'll face.
- Spend extra time on pronunciation and spelling if you struggle with them.
- When taking the test, don’t leave blanks, speak clearly at a normal speed (do not hurry), and be careful how much time you spend on the reading tasks.
- Practice with full-length mock exams so you get used to the time pressure.
- If you aim to get high scores, consider taking a course or working with a tutor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I take the PTE?
You can take the PTE Academic at 500+ test centres in over 120 countries worldwide, including major cities in India, the UK, Australia, the USA, and Canada.
2. How long does it take to get PTE results?
One of the biggest advantages of the PTE is speed. You’ll likely get your scores within 2 days, or even less.
3. How long are PTE scores valid?
PTE Academic scores are valid for 2 years from the date of your exam.
4. How many times can you take the PTE?
You can take the test as often as you like, but there’s a limit—you can only take it up to 12 times in 12 months. You can only book your new test once you have received your scores from the last test.
