PTE Pattern

PTE Academic

English proficiency for study, work, and visa applications

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Quick facts

Conducted by: Pearson
Country / Region: Global
Test fee: USD 200–245 (varies by region)
Frequency: Available year-round, 350+ test centers
Results: Typically within 2 days, often within 24 hours

Accepted by

3,000+ universities, colleges, and governments (including UK, Australia, New Zealand)

Scoring

Each skill scored 10–90. Overall score is the average of enabling skills. Results based on automated assessment. Integrated scoring means performance on one task can contribute to multiple skills. Test is ~15 min longer since the 2025 update.

Purpose

English proficiency for study, work, and visa applications

Pattern

Section breakdown

Each section follows the official PTE Academic format exactly.

Speaking & Writing

Read aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, re-tell lecture, answer short question, summarize written text, essay (200–300 words), SUMMARIZE GROUP DISCUSSION (added 7 Aug 2025 — summarize a 3-person audio discussion), RESPOND TO A SITUATION (added 7 Aug 2025 — react to a described scenario). 22 task types total. Integrated skills.

Duration

54–67 min

Questions

~20

Reading

Re-order paragraphs, fill in the blanks (drag and drop), multiple choice (single & multiple), reading & writing: fill in the blanks.

Duration

29–30 min

Questions

15–20

Listening

Summarize spoken text, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, highlight correct summary, multiple choice (multiple), select missing word, highlight incorrect words, write from dictation.

Duration

30–43 min

Questions

15–20

Why practise on PassPilot

Real PTE Academic pattern.

Every PTE Academic paper on PassPilot follows the official structure — sections, time, item types, and scoring all match. We randomise questions on every retake so you can never memorise the bank.