During the three-hour test session there are three main parts to the test: speaking and writing (together), listening and reading. There are twenty different question formats, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing and interpreting information.
To complete a PTE Academic test, a candidate needs to attend a secure Pearson test center. The candidate will use a computer and headset to listen to, read and respond to questions. There is no limit to the number of times the candidate can take the test.
PTE Academic assesses real-life, academic English, so the candidate will hear excerpts from lectures and view graphs and charts.
Test Format
Part 1: Speaking & Writing (77 – 93 minutes)
- Personal introduction
- Read aloud
- Repeat sentence
- Describe image
- Re-tell lecture
- Answer short question
- Summarize written text
- Essay (20 mins)
Part 2: Reading (32 – 41 minutes)
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple choice questions
- Re-order paragraphs
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple choice questions
Part 3: Listening (45 – 57 minutes)
- Summarize spoken text
- Multiple choice questions
- Fill in the blanks
- Highlight the correct summary
- Multiple choice questions
- Select missing word
- Highlight incorrect words
- Write from dictation
Certain sections of PTE have negative marking.
PTE scores are not considered by Canada.