Overview of the PTE exam

Want to take the next step in pursuing your dreams of studying, working, or living overseas? You might first need to take an English proficiency test to fulfil certain admissions or visa criteria for your target institution, organisation, or country.

To give you broader options, there are several English proficiency tests available to choose from such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. However, you might be wondering what the difference is between these assessments and how to choose the right English proficiency test for you.

Join us as we take a look at the PTE online exam, its popularity in countries including the United Kingdom, and what to consider before making your PTE exam booking.

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) exam evaluates your English language skills across three exam segments covering four skill sets:

• Part 1: Speaking & Writing

• Part 2: Reading

• Part 3: Listening

The PTE exam format is meant to assess ‘international’ forms of English against a standardised benchmark, resulting in a verified English proficiency score that is accepted at thousands of institutions worldwide.

The PTE comes in various forms, including:

• PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI: Suitable for global academic and educational pursuits, visa applications to Australia and New Zealand, and registration for professional training or placements. The PTE Academic UKVI is also available for visa application to the United Kingdom.

• PTE Core: A general English proficiency test; recognised by Canada for immigration and citizenship applications.

• PTE Home: Available at PTE Home A1, A2, and B1 levels to assess speaking and listening capabilities in a pass-fail framework.

The right PTE exam for you will depend on the intention or goals of your move abroad.

PTE Academic

The PTE Academic exam includes 20 question types covering Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening, including multiple-choice and essay questions. Each question’s maximum score is based on its complexity, with more complex question types, like essay questions with a higher maximum score.

You will be given a score for each of the four skills, which totals up to your overall score.

The overall score for the PTE Academic ranges between 10-90, and most educational institutions require an overall minimum score of 36-50 for Foundation courses, 51-60 for Undergraduate degrees, and 57-67 for Postgraduate degrees.

PTE Core

The PTE Core exam includes 19 question types, including multiple-choice and essay questions. Scoring is based on right/wrong (for multiple-choice questions), content, and form (for essays and other complex question types).

You will be given an overall score out of 90 for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening, as well as an overall score of up to 90. Institutions that accept PTE Core typically set their own minimum requirements and it’s recommended that you check with your intended institution for more information.

PTE Home

The PTE Home is graded in a straightforward manner with only pass/fail scoring. You will receive a SELT URN (secure English language test Unique Reference Number) with your PTE Home exam scores that allows you to apply for visas in accepting countries.

Developed by leading education company Pearson, the PTE is built on the principles of efficiency, reliability, and fairness.

Initially introduced as a computer-based English proficiency test, the PTE has gained traction worldwide due to its innovative online formats and algorithm-powered automated scoring methods. A standout feature of the PTE is that its algorithms are designed based on input from hundreds of thousands of examiner responses – ensuring that your examinations are marked accurately while returned to you as quickly as possible.

One of the key milestones in the PTE's development was its partnership with Edexcel, a renowned examination board based in the United Kingdom. This collaboration brought together Pearson's expertise in language assessment and Edexcel's legacy of academic excellence, resulting in a robust and comprehensive testing framework that solidified the PTE's credibility as a trusted choice for English proficiency assessment.

Over the years, the exam has undergone continuous refinement and enhancement to adapt to the evolving needs of test-takers worldwide. From introducing new question formats to enhancing scoring algorithms, the PTE has remained at the forefront of technological innovation in language testing.

The PTE’s adaptive nature also ensures that it accurately measures a candidate's English language skills against standards for international English—rather than just ‘native’ fluency—providing a fair and reliable assessment of proficiency.

In short, the PTE’s global expansion has been nothing short of remarkable. It is now administered in over 300 test centres across more than 50 countries, making it easily accessible to aspiring candidates worldwide. This extensive network of test centres ensures convenience and flexibility for test-takers, allowing them to schedule their exams at their preferred location and time.

PTE exam scores are recognised and accepted by over 3,000 institutions and countries worldwide. From universities to government bodies and professional organisations, the PTE offers a pathway to academic and professional success. 

Leading educational institutions like Harvard University, Goldsmiths University of London, University of Melbourne, University of Toronto, and the University of Auckland all currently accept PTE scores for study purposes. Governments, including UK Visas & Immigration, Skilled and Business Migration Victoria, Immigration, and Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - SDS also accept PTE for immigration and visa purposes.

While the PTE online exam has garnered significant recognition in the realm of English language testing, it's crucial to consider how it stacks up against counterparts like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

The IELTS, established in 1989, boasts a longer history and broader acceptance compared to the PTE. Recognised by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies, the IELTS remains a gold standard for English language proficiency assessment globally.

A key difference between the PTE and IELTS lies in their testing formats. 

The PTE is solely a computer-based test, whereas IELTS offers both computer-based and paper-based options, providing flexibility for test-takers based on their preferences and circumstances. Additionally, while both tests assess the four language skills (Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading), their question formats and scoring criteria may vary, leading to differences in test-taking experiences.

Despite these distinctions, both PTE and IELTS serve the same fundamental purpose: to assess an individual's ability to communicate effectively in English. 

Ultimately, the choice between PTE and IELTS test in Singapore depends on factors such as test format preferences, institutional requirements, and personal preferences. Aspiring test-takers are encouraged to research and compare the two tests thoroughly before making an informed decision based on their individual needs and goals.

Want to learn more about what is the right English test or exam for you? Find out more about PTE exam validity, PTE exam fees, and more with IDP’s trove of resources. 

From 9 common myths about IELTS Speaking to how you can avoid common mistakes in IELTS Listening, we provide test-takers with the information needed to choose—and ace—the right English proficiency test for your academic and professional aspirations.

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