The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language proficiency test widely recognized and accepted globally by educational institutions, professional associations, and governments. There are three main types of PTE exams:

PTE Academic

Purpose:

• Designed for individuals aspiring to study at English-speaking universities or institutions.
• Accepted for visa applications by the Australian and New Zealand governments.

Format:

• Divided into three sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening.
• Total test duration approximately 3 hours.
  Components:
  Speaking & Writing (54 – 67 minutes):

• Personal Introduction

The Personal Introduction is an opportunity for you to get familiar with PTE test technology and to help you prepare for your speaking and listening questions. This question does not contribute to your scoreand isfor familiarization purposes only. 

You will have 25 seconds to read the prompt and prepare your response, and then 30 seconds to record your response. You are only able to record your answer once.

• Read Aloud

For this question type, you need to read a written text aloud.

The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 30–40 seconds to read the text and prepare.

You will then hear a short tone.

• Repeat Sentence

For this question type, you need to repeat the sentence you hear.

The audio recording will play automatically.

• Describe Image

For this question type, you need to describe an image.

The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 25 seconds to study the image and prepare your response.

You will hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.

• You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
• Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed’’.
• You can only record your response once.

• Respond to a situation

For this question type you need to listen to and read a prompt describing an everyday situation.

You then need to provide a spoken response describing what you would say in the situation.

You will have 20 seconds to think about your response, and then 40 seconds to speak.

The audio recording will play automatically.

After the audio finishes you will have 20 seconds to prepare.

The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You will hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.

• You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
• Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” will change to “Completed”.
• You can only listen to the audio recording once.
• You can only record your response once.

Note: While the audio is playing you can take notes on the erasable whiteboard provided.

• Answer Short Question

For this question type, you need to reply to the question in one or a few words.

The audio recording will play automatically. You may also see an image.

When the audio finishes, the microphone will open and the recording status box will show “Recording”. Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no short tone) and answer the question with one or a few words.

• You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
• Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” will change to “Completed”.
• You are not able to replay the audio. You are only able to record your response once.

• Summarize Written Text

For this question type, you need to write a short summary of the text.

You have 10 minutes to write your summary. Make sure to include the main points of the reading passage in 25 to 50 words.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. There are also cut, copy and paste buttons which you may use while constructing your summary.

• Write Email (20 minutes)

For this question type, you need to write an email containing between 80 and 120 words in response to a prompt.

You have 9 minutes to write the email.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. There are also cut, copy, and paste buttons, which you may use to use while constructing your response.

• Reading (29 – 30 minutes):

This part of the test is approximately 30 minutes long and contains five different question types. Because PTE Core is an integrated skills test, one question type (‘Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks’) also assesses writing skills.

• Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

For this question type, you need to select the most appropriate words from a drop-down list to complete the text.

You will see some text with missing words. Complete the text by clicking on the button next to each gap and choosing the correct option from the list.

You can change your answer by clicking on a different option.

• Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers

For this question type, you need to read the passage and answer the multiple-choice question. There is more than one correct response.

You need to select all the response options that you think are correct from the list of possible options.

Click on an option to select it. You can deselect it by clicking on it again.

The options you select are highlighted in yellow.

• Re-order Paragraphs

For this question type, you need to restore the original order of the text by selecting text boxes and moving them across the screen.

There are two ways you can move the text:

1) Click and drag the box to where you want to place it

2) Click on a box and then use the arrow buttons to move it. You can also use the up and down arrows to reorder the boxes.

To deselect a box, click elsewhere on the screen.

• Reading: Fill in the Blanks

For this question type, you need to drag and drop words across the screen to correctly fill in the gaps in the text.

There is a passage with some missing words. You have a list of words in the blue box that you can use to fill the gaps in the text. There are more words than gaps so you will not use all the words provided.

Click and drag a word to each gap. If you need to change it, you can drag the word to a different gap or back to the blue box.

• Multiple-choice, Choose Single Answer

For this question type, you need to read the passage and answer the multiple-choice question.

There are several possible response options but only one is correct.

Click on an option to select it. You can change your mind by clicking on it again, or by clicking on a different option.

• Listening (30 – 43 minutes):

This part of the test is approximately 30 minutes long and contains seven different question types. The questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once. You are allowed to take notes.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

You need to select all of the correct options from the list.

Click on an option to select it. You can deselect it by clicking on it again.

• Summarize Spoken Text

For this question type, you will hear an audio recording and need to write a 20-30 word summary of what you heard.

You have 8 minutes to listen and write your summary.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. Make sure to write a minimum of 20 words, but no more than 30 words.

There are also cut, copy and paste buttons, which you may choose to use while constructing your summary.

• Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers

For this question type, you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question. There is more than one correct response.

• Fill in the Blanks

For this question type, you need to complete a transcript of an audio recording by typing in the missing words.

While the audio is playing, you can take notes on the erasable whiteboard.

• Multiple-choice, Choose Single Answer

For this question type, you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question.

• Select Missing Word

For this question type, you need to select the most appropriate word or group of words to complete an audio recording.

• Highlight Incorrect Words

For this question type, you will listen to an audio recording and select words in the transcript that are different.

• Write from Dictation

For this question type, you need to listen to a sentence and then type it into the response box at the bottom of the screen.

While the audio is playing, you can take notes on your erasable whiteboard.

Remember to check your spelling.

PTE Core

Purpose:

• Assess general English skills for work, migration, and permanent residency.
• Recognized by the Canadian Government (IRCC) for these applications.

Test Format:

As explained above, you will be assessed for:

• Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills.

Preparation:

• VLTS Language and Translation Limited offers comprehensive preparation courses including online courses, practice tests, and test tips tailored to PTE Core.

Booking and Fees:

• VLTS now partners with PTE Core, facilitating direct test registration through our platform.
• Exclusive discount vouchers available for VLTS language learners.

Results:

• Typically available within 5 business days, providing quick feedback on English proficiency levels.

Why Choose PTE?

• Flexible test dates, unbiased scoring through AI, and global acceptance.

At VLTS, our certified language teachers specialize in preparing candidates for PTE Academic and PTE Core exams. Whether you’re pursuing higher education, career opportunities, or residency, our personalized training ensures you achieve your goals.
Contact us today to explore our PTE preparation courses and embark on your path to success!