PTE Test: Everything You Need to Know

April 17, 2024, 12:01 PM
by Shahriar Rabab

UNB News
Publish- April 17, 2024, 12:01 PM
Shahriar Rabab
Update- April 17, 2024, 12:42 PM

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It's nothing new that English is the most widely recognized global language today. Owing to that, proficiency in English is a must if you’re planning to study or work abroad. While IELTS is more common as a standardized English test option, it's not the only choice out there. There are more comprehensive tests like the PTE which are easier to take and provide faster results. Here’s everything you need to know to about the PTE Test.

What is the PTE Test?

PTE or Pearson Test of English is a standardized English proficiency test designed for non-native English speakers. The test assesses the language skills of a person who wants to study or work in an English-speaking country.

The test evaluates four skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. PTE is recognized by various universities, colleges, governments, and organizations around the world as proof of English language proficiency. They are reputed for reliable and fast result delivery which is typically available within 5 business days.

Types of PTE Test

Unlike IELTS, PTE offers a range of test options. Each of these tests is designed for specific usage targeting different demographics. As part of the PTE itself, there are PTE Academic, PTE Core, and UK Visa tests (SELT). The PTE Core and SELT are designated for work and immigration in Canada and the UK respectively.

PTE Academic

PTE Academic is the most common type of Pearson test. It is designed for non-native speakers seeking higher education and professional opportunities where the medium of instruction is English. There is also PTE Academic Online which can be attempted from home rather than a test center.

The SELT is included as part of the PTE Academic. Several options under SELT include PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home A1, A2, and B1.

PTE Core

PTE Core is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a standard of qualification for the English language. It is designated for work and migration in Canada. Note that if you’re applying for higher education in Canada, you will need the PTE Academic unless stated otherwise.

In addition to the PTE Academic, SELT, and PTE Core, there are two more certificate exams held under the Pearson system. These are:

International Certificate

The International Certificate is commonly known as PTE General. It is designed to assess and validate general English language proficiency for day-to-day use. Note that PTE General cannot be used for academic or immigration purposes.

International Certificate Young Learners

The International Certificate Young Learners test is designed for students aged between 6 to 13. It assesses the English language ability of a student in a child-friendly manner. There are four levels to the Young Learners test, Firstwords, Springboard, Quickmarch, and Breakthrough.

Test Format and Structure of PTE Test

The PTE test being a standardized module assesses a user on speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Speaking and writing parts are combined as a single section with reading and listening being separate sections. However, the test format and the test structure differ depending on the type of the test.

PTE Academic

The PTE Academic Speaking and Writing section takes about 54 to 67 minutes to finish. The reading section takes about 29 to 30 minutes and the listening takes about 30 to 43 minutes. The question structure for each of the sections is as follows:

Speaking and Writing

- Personal Introduction
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Re-tell Lecture
- Answer Short Question
- Summarize Written Text
- Essay (20 minutes)
- The total number of questions would vary between 28 to 36.

Reading

- Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
- Re-order Paragraphs
- Fill in the Blanks (Reading)
- The total number of questions would vary between 13 to 18.

Listening

- Summarize Spoken Text
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
- Fill in the Blanks
- Highlight Correct Summary
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer
- Select Missing Word
- Highlight Incorrect Words
- Write from Dictation
- The total number of questions would vary between 12 to 20.

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PTE Core

PTE Core shares the same format as PTE Academic. However, there are minor differences between the structure of each section. The speaking and writing sections take around 50 minutes while reading and listening both take around 30 minutes each.

Speaking and Writing

The speaking and writing section is similar to the PTE Academic. Instead of re-telling a lecture and essay, the test taker would have to respond to a situation and write an email.

Reading

The reading section is exactly the same as the academic.

Listening

The listening section is also similar to the academic minus the correct summary highlight questions.

International Certificate

International Certificate or PTE General assesses the user on five different levels. This test assesses the user on two broad categories, writing and speaking. Listening and reading are combined under the writing section. The duration and the question pattern differ according to each level.

Foundation Level/ CEFR A1 ( 1 hour 35 mins for writing and 3.5 minutes for speaking)

Level 1/CEFR A2 (1 hour 35 mins for writing and 3.5 minutes for speaking)

Level 2/CEFR B1 (1 hour 35 mins for writing and 5.5 minutes for speaking)

Level 3/CEFR B2 (2 hours for writing and 5.5 minutes for speaking)

Level 4/CEFR C1 (2 hours 30 mins for writing and 6 minutes for speaking)

Level 4/CEFR C2 (2 hours 55 mins for writing and 6 minutes for speaking)

Follow this comprehensive guide with sample questions for each level to get a more detailed idea about the International Certificate/PTE General. Note that you cannot apply for PTE General from Bangladesh as there are no test centers available in the country.

International Certificate Young Learners

The Young Learners also assess the test takers in both writing and speaking categories. You can check out the detailed guidelines for each of the levels below.

First words (Level 1)

Springboard (Level 2)

Quickmarch (Level 3)

Breakthrough (Level 4)

Young Learners qualification test is also not available in Bangladesh as there are no partnered test centers in the country.

Acceptance of PTE Test

PTE Test is accepted in over 70 countries and 3524 institutes across the globe. You can check out the official search portal to see the entire list of accepting countries and institutes.

What is the Cost of a PTE Test?

The PTE Test cost depends on the type of the test. For Bangladesh, the test rates are as follows.

PTE Academic – 200 USD or 21,958 BDT (1 USD = 109 BDT)

PTE Academic Online (Test attempted from home) – 200 USD or 21,958 BDT

PTE Core – 200 USD or or 21,958 BDT

PTE Academic UKVI – 200 USD or 21,958 BDT

PTE Home A1, A2, B1 – 170 USD or 18,664 BDT.

How to Register for the PTE Test

You can easily register for the PTE Test in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Create your account in the myPTE portal.

Step 2: Input all the personal details to complete your profile.

Step 3: Select the type of your desired test.

Step 4: Select the location, date, and time slot for the test.

Step 5: Complete the billing procedure.

That’s it, your test will be booked.

Final Words

PTE test is widely recognized and in some cases, the preferred form of standardized English test. The complete computerized test modules mean that it doesn’t rely on human bias and can provide an accurate assessment for the test taker. It is recommended to check which PTE test applies to your case as there are different options depending on study, work, and immigration.