The Pearson Test of English Academic( PTE) is an English language test designed to assess the readiness of non-native English speakers to participate in a university-level English language instruction program. Pearson created PTE Academic in response to demand from institutions, government and other organizations for a more accurate way of testing non – native English language students who enter the English-speaking academia world. It is a computer-based exam which focuses on real-life English used in academic surroundings. This is to say that integrated language is used throughout the test and students will listen to a variety of accents and academic language which they will encounter at English-speaking higher education institutions.
The exam will include an unmarked voice recording of the candidate, which is part of advanced biometric data that should assist institutions in verifying the identity of candidates and should aid them with their admission decisions. The test will be a maximum of 3 hours long and takers can expect their results to be delivered to them, online, within 5 working days.
Test scores are reported on the Global Scale of English, a standardized, numeric scale from 10 to 90 which can measure English language proficiency more precisely with reference to the widely known set of levels distinguished in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFR.
Structure
The Pearson Test of English Academic comprises 3 sections: i) Speaking & Writing ii) Reading and iii) Listening.
Here is the detailed paper pattern:
| Section | Duration | PTE Academic |
| Speaking & Writing | 77 – 93 minutes | Personal IntroductionRead AloudRepeat sentenceDescribe imageRe-tell lectureAnswer short questionSummarise written text (10 mins)Essay (20mins) |
| Reading | 32 – 41 minutes | Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanksMultiple-choice, choose multiple answersRe-order paragraphsReading: Fill in the blanksMultiple-choice, choose single answerA 10-minute break is optional |
| Listening | 45 – 57 minutes | Summarise spoken textMultiple-choice, choose multiple answersFill the blanksHighlight the correct summaryMultiple choices, choose a single answerSelect missing wordHighlight incorrect wordWrite from dictation |
