PTE Academic is a computer-based English test made by Pearson. Universities and governments around the world use it to check whether you can study or live in an English-speaking country. The whole test is marked by computer, and you usually get your result within about two days.
You take it at a test centre on a computer with a headset. There's no human examiner — answers are scored by AI, so results are fast and consistent.
Accepted for university admission worldwide, and for study & migration visas in Australia and New Zealand. For UK visas you need PTE Academic UKVI; for Canadian PR you need PTE Core — different Pearson tests.
One session covers Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. Results typically arrive within 48 hours.
PTE Academic has four skills across 22 question ("task") types. The PTE Master lets you practise every one of them.
See all 22 question types explained, with timings and scoring →
PTE scores you from 10 to 90. You get an overall score plus separate scores for Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Higher is better.
Your English level is set by your lowest section score. Here's the minimum each level needs in each section on the current test (taken on or after 7 August 2025):
| English level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superiorhighest band | 69 | 70 | 88 | 85 | 20 |
| Proficient | 58 | 59 | 76 | 69 | 10 |
| Competentbaseline pass | 47 | 48 | 54 | 51 | 0 |
| Vocational | 33 | 36 | 24 | 29 | — |
Functional English is a single overall band of 24 (no section breakdown). Notice that Speaking and Writing now need the highest scores — for Superior, Speaking 88 and Writing 85 — so that's where most points are won or lost.
Applying for Australian PR? See the full PTE score & points guide →
Practise every task type, sit full-length mock tests in the real exam layout, and get instant marks on reading & listening. Speaking and writing are graded by AI that explains why — and on the paid mock packs you also get pronunciation feedback from your own audio, plus explanations in your language.
Take a free, full-length mock test in the real PTE layout — no card needed.
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