PTE Academic explained: format, scoring and tips

PTE Academic is a computer-based English test run by Pearson. Along with the NAATI CCL, it's one of the most common ways migrants add points for an Australian skilled visa. Here's how it works.

The format

The test takes about two hours in one sitting, on a computer, and is scored by automated systems. It has three parts:

• Speaking and writing: reading aloud, repeating sentences, describing images, retelling lectures, summarising text and writing an essay.
• Reading: multiple-choice questions, re-ordering paragraphs and fill-in-the-blanks.
• Listening: summarising spoken text, multiple choice, filling in missing words and writing from dictation.

How scoring works

You get an overall score and scores for listening, reading, speaking and writing, each from 10 to 90. Many tasks count towards more than one skill, so strong speaking can lift your reading score too. Results usually arrive within a few days.

PTE and Australian visa points

Home Affairs groups English results into levels, and the higher levels earn points on the skilled migration points test. The PTE scores needed for each level have changed over time, so check the current table on the Department of Home Affairs website before you set your target.

Study tips

• Speak at a steady, natural pace: fluency matters as much as accuracy for the automated scoring.
• Practise the tasks that count towards several skills, such as Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation and Read Aloud.
• Build typing speed and accuracy for the written tasks. Our free typing test is a quick daily warm-up.
• Take full practice tests under time pressure before the real one.

Task-by-task guides

• Write from Dictation: 8 tips for full marks
• Repeat Sentence: how to remember every word
• Summarise Written Text: the one-sentence method
• Write Essay: a simple 4-paragraph structure