Your PTE score is a vital part of a successful application to a university that requires students to submit proof of English language proficiency. This guide will help you understand the scoring system for the PTE exam.
Let’s get started.
What is the PTE exam?
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a widely recognized language proficiency test required by universities in the United States, Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. This test is accepted by over 3,300 universities globally.
The PTE exam is available in several formats, with the PTE Academic being the most common.
The other variants of the PTE test are PTE General and PTE Academic Online.
Here’s an overview of these tests:
- PTE Academic
- Purpose: Ideal for studying at universities, applying for work or migration visas to Australia and New Zealand, and professional registration
- Format: A computer-based test taken in a test center, lasting two hours
- Skills Assessed: Speaking, writing, reading, and listening at an academic level
- Recognition: Accepted by over 3,500 universities and colleges globally, and recognized by the U.S. State Boards of Nursing for work visas
- PTE Core
- Purpose: Suitable for those applying for permanent residency in Canada or for Canadian citizenship
- Format: A two-hour computer-based test taken in a test center
- Skills Assessed: General speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills
- Recognition: Recognized by the Canadian government for all economic class permanent residency applications
- PTE for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Purpose: Various PTE tests tailored for different UK visa requirements, including work, study, and family visas
- Variants:
- PTE Academic UKVI: For applying to skilled worker visas, start-up visas, innovator visas, and more
- PTE Home A1: For spouse or parent-of-a-dependent visas
- PTE Home A2: For extending an A1 visa while already in the UK
- PTE Home B1: For applying for UK settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or British Citizenship
In this guide, we will focus on the PTE Academic exam.
As we explained earlier, the PTE academic test covers four skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Since it is an integrated test, you get points from all four modules. Here’s a demo scorecard.
Next, let’s learn more about specific tasks in each section from which you’ll get points. This will help you understand the PTE score range and the weightage of each section.
PTE exams scoring in 2024 (Section wise)
The PTE exam report shows two types of scores:
- Overall Score
- Communicative score
The overall or total PTE score ranges between 10 and 90. However, the communicative score evaluates a test-taker’s ability to read, speak, write, and listen to the English language.
The scoring system rates the answers on correctness/incorrectness. Some answers are scored depending on the quality of the response (e.g., fluency and pronunciation), and the remaining questions are based on the word limit of the task.
Let’s break down how the PTE exam will assess your English language skills in 2024.
1. Speaking and Writing (54-67 Minutes)
This is the longest part of the PTE exam and tests your ability to speak and write in English.
Here are the tasks with their description, number of questions, and marks.
| Section | Questions | Total contribution | Skills assessed | Description |
| Personal Introduction | 1 | 0 | 0 | Speak about yourself for 25 seconds and record it in the next 30 seconds. |
| Read Aloud | 6 | (15-5) x 6 = 60 | 28 | Prepare for 30-40 seconds, then read a 60-word text aloud |
| Repeat Sentences | 10 | (13-3) x 10 =100 | 31 | Listen to a sentence for 3-9 seconds and repeat it. |
| Describe Images | 3 | 15 x 3 = 45 | 13 | Analyze an image for 25 seconds, then describe it |
| Retell lecture | 2 | (15-5) x 2 = 20 | 6 | Listen to a lecture, prepare for 10 seconds, and retell it. |
| Answer short questions | 5 | 1 x 5= 5 | 2 | Respond quickly to a question. |
| Total | 27 | 230 | 80 |
2. Reading section (29 – 30 minutes)
This section challenges your reading skills:
| Section | Questions | Total contribution | Contribution out of 90 | Description |
| Read aloud | 6 | 5×6=30 | 22 | Summarize a 300-word text in one sentence.\ |
| Summarize written text | 2 | 2×2=4 | 3 | Write a 200-300 word essay based on a prompt |
| Reading and writing fill-in-the-blanks | 5 | 5×5 =25 | 19 | Complete a 300-word passage by filling in the blanks |
| MCQ multiple answers | 1 | 2 x 1 = 2 | 1 | Choose several correct answers from a 300-word text |
| Reading re-order paragraphs | 2 | 4 x 2 = 8 | 6 | Arrange mixed paragraphs from a 150-word text correctly |
| Reading blanks | 5 | 5 x 5 = 25 | 19 | Fill in an 80-word passage |
| MCQ single answers | 1 | 1 x 1 = 1 | 1 | Select one correct answer from a 300-word passage |
| Highlight correct summary | 1 | 1 x1=1 | 1 | |
| Highlight incorrect summary | 2 | 5×2=10 | 8 | |
| Total | 25 | 106 | 80 |
3. Listening section (30 – 43 minutes)
This section tests how well you can understand spoken English using various formats:
| Section | Questions | Total contribution | Contribution out of 90 | Description |
| Repeat sentences | 10 | 3×10=30 | 20 | Listen to an audio clip, then write a 50-70 word summary |
| Retell lecture | 2 | 5 x 2 = 10 | 6 | Read the essay and answer multiple questions |
| Answer short questions | 5 | 1×5=5 | 2 | |
| MCQ- Multiple answers | 1 | 1×2=2 | 1 | Write missing words from a spoken transcript |
| Highlight the correct summary | 1 | 1×1=1 | 1 | |
| Summarise spoken text | 2 | 10 x 2 = 20 | 14 | Choose the summary that best fits the audio |
| MCQ- single answer | 1 | 1×1=1 | 1 | |
| Select missing words | 1 | 1×1=1 | 1 | |
| Listening fill in the blanks | 2 | 5 x 2 = 10 | 7 | Listen to the audio and fill in the blanks |
| Highlight incorrect word | 2 | 5×2=10 | 7 | |
| Write from dictation | 3 | 10 x 3 = 30 | 20 | Transcribe a short sentence you hear |
| Total | 17 | 119 | 80 |
Validity of the score
Like many standardized tests, PTE scores come with an expiration date.
Knowing the validity period of your PTE results is essential for effectively planning your studies, work, or migration applications.
Let’s find out how long your PTE scores remain valid.
General validity of PTE score
The PTE score is generally valid for two years from the date you take the exam.
This standard is maintained across several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
The reason for this two-year PTE score validity period is to ensure that the language skills of test-takers are up to date, as language proficiency can diminish over time if not used regularly.
Also, this exam undergoes various changes that compel candidates to take the test again.
Special conditions for Australia
PTE Academic score has a longer validity of three years for those applying for permanent residency (PR) in Australia.
This extended period reflects the specific requirements set by Australian immigration authorities.
Accessing and using your PTE scores
You can access your PTE results within 48 hours after taking the test via your myPTE account.
The scorecard is available in PDF format, which you can download and immediately send to universities or other organizations.
It helps ensure that your applications are not delayed.
What happens when your PTE score expires?
Once your PTE score expires, it will no longer be accessible in your myPTE account. You must contact the PTE Academic support team if you need your results beyond this period. They can assist you by manually verifying and providing proof of your score to institutions or employers.
How do you check your test scores?
Pearson gives out PTE scores within five working days of the test.
However, many Indian students have reported receiving their PTE scores within 48 hours.
Sometimes there’s a variability in the timing of the results. It generally happens due to multiple factors like the number of test takers, technical issues, and any necessary security reviews.
Despite the fluctuation in timings, the most common question among test takers is how to check their PTE test scores.
Here’s a simple way how to access your PTE scorecard.
- Start by visiting the official myPTE website and log into your PTE Account (myPTE).
Source - Once you log in, click on the ‘View score’ option. Click on this to see your PTE results for 2024.
- However, if the ‘View score’ option is not visible on your homepage, navigate to the ‘My Activity’ section.
- Select the ‘View score’ option next to the relevant test in this section.
- Now that your scores are digital, you can download your PTE scorecard in PDF format. You can save it on your computer or print it for your records.
- Your PTE results are entirely digital. You can share your Score Report with as many universities or institutions as you like at no extra cost.
- There’s no need for paper copies, making the process eco-friendly and efficient.
- You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. This ensures that you can quickly download or share your scores as needed.
What is a good score?
Any score that lies between 70 and 85 out of 90 is considered good.
However, benchmarking of scores differs among universities.
Pearson has comparison tables to compare your PTE scores to those of IELTS and TOEFL.
It helps you understand how internationally competitive your PTE results are.
A high PTE score improves your chances of being admitted to the university and gives you a competitive edge when being considered for any scholarships the institution may provide.
Academic requirements
Different educational institutions set their own minimum PTE scores needed for admission. Here are the typical score ranges:
- Foundation Courses: Generally, you will need scores ranging from 36 to 50
- Undergraduate Degrees: Scores required usually range between 51 and 60
- Postgraduate Degrees: Typically, scores need to be between 57 and 67
Note: Always check directly with the institution to confirm the PTE score requirements for your specific program.
Visa Applications
The PTE Academic test is widely accepted for visa and immigration purposes.
- Australia and New Zealand: Specific score requirements vary depending on the visa category. It’s important to review the criteria set by the immigration authorities of Australia and New Zealand.
- The UK also has score requirements under the PTE Academic UKVI for work visas and studies below the degree level.
How to prepare for the PTE exam?
We have understood what a PTE exam is, and now we will see how to prepare for PTE academics.
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started.
Understand the PTE test format
First, you need to understand the PTE test format and the questions on the test. It will help you familiarize yourself with question types, main sections, and time allocated to each section. This will help you prepare objectively.
Understand the marking scheme
Automated systems evaluate each response in the PTE. This guarantees precise and reliable scoring. So, to make yourself comfortable with the marking scheme of the PTE exam, understand which tasks in each section carry the most weight. Then, allocate more preparation time to question types that hold higher weightage. This will also help you prioritize questions correctly when you’re taking the exam.
Know your target score
Ascertain the PTE score range you must obtain to meet your objectives, whether academic or visa-related. In order to get the PTE total score you want, identify the areas of improvement in the speaking, writing, listening, and reading sections. You can start by using online practice tests to evaluate your present proficiency in English.
Work smartly
As you keep doing the practice tests, concentrate on improving the four communicative skills—speaking, writing, reading, and listening—assessed in the PTE.
Use PTE preparation resources
Make use of the premium and free study guides that are accessible on the PTE website.
Consider signing up for online PTE or English language courses to improve your readiness.
Try doing mirror-speech exercises, interacting with English-speaking people, keeping a journal, reading widely, and watching English-language media.
Note: As you prepare for the PTE exam, remember that this is just one step in your journey to studying abroad. Finding the right university is crucial. However, most students rely on word-of-mouth recommendations or a few hours of internet research to create their university shortlist. With thousands of universities available, it’s easy to miss the best options.
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FAQs
What is the PTE score chart?
The PTE score chart is a detailed breakdown of scores obtained by the test taker. It provides a comprehensive score of all sections including reading, listening, speaking, and writing proficiency, using the Global Scale of English (GSE), which ranges from 10 to 90.
What is a good PTE score?
Anything above 65 is a good PTE score. Many top institutions have 60-65 as their admissions cut-off marks.
Where can I find the official PTE score chart?
If you’ve taken the PTE test and are waiting for the results, then the PTE scorecard will be mailed to you. However, if you’ve not received the score in the mail, then you can log in to your PTE account and access it through your test tab.
Is there a way to compare PTE scores to IELTS or TOEFL scores?
Yes, the Pearson PTE website even offers comparison tables that compare PTE scores with IELTS bands and TOEFL scores.
What are the different sections of the PTE score report?
The PTE score report includes detailed scores of four sections–listening, reading, speaking, and writing where you can find the section-wise score distribution. There are also details of the test center and the candidate’s information like name and date of birth.
How long are PTE scores valid?
PTE scores are valid for two years from the date you receive the test results.
Can I send my PTE scorecard to universities after the validity expires?
No, you cannot send PTE scorecards to universities after the two-year validity period has expired.
What is the maximum score you can achieve on the PTE?
The highest PTE score is 90, which represents excellent English proficiency in all aspects like reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Are PTE scores automatically sent to institutions?
Yes, you can send your digital PTE score results directly through your PTE account to universities without paying any extra fees.
