Step 1
~30 min
Arrival & check-in
ID + photo, mic test, palm-vein scan — before the test clock starts
Chapter01 / 10
Chapter 1 of 10
What is PTE Academic?
The world's leading computer-based English test — three parts, 22 questions, score 10–90
~2 hours · single sitting · accepted by every Australian, NZ & Irish university and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
~2 hours, one sitting
Speaking & Writing → Reading → Listening.
AI + human scored
7 highest-stakes tasks reviewed by humans.
Results in ~2 days
One of the fastest turnarounds available.
Chapter 2 of 10
Test timing & structure
What 2 hours at the test centre actually looks like
From the moment you walk in to the moment you click End Test. Each block is sized to its actual length.
Step 2
76–84 min
Part 1 · Speaking & Writing
9 task types — Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Answer Short Question, Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation, Summarize Written Text, Write Essay
Step 3
23–30 min
Part 2 · Reading
5 task types · 13–18 questions — FIB Reading & Writing, MCQ Multiple, Re-order Paragraphs, FIB Reading, MCQ Single
Step 4
31–39 min
Part 3 · Listening
8 task types · 12–20 questions — SST, MCQ Multiple, FIB Listening, Highlight Correct Summary, MCQ Single, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation
Actual test time: 2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes. Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 run back-to-back — there is no scheduled break. Arrive ~30 minutes early for ID, photo and equipment check.
Chapter 3 of 10
The 22 task types — interactive explorer
Pick a task — see the live exam screen on the left
Every PTE Academic question type with prep time, response time, how many appear, what it scores, and whether you should attempt it. Click any task on the right; the exam preview on the left updates as you scroll.
Speaking
Personal Introduction
Record a short introduction about yourself.
AI scored
Not scored
Live exam screen
PPTE Academic - Candidate Name
Time Remaining 00:29:59 1 of 1
Read the prompt below. In 25 seconds, you must reply in your own words, as naturally and clearly as possible. You have 30 seconds to record your response. Your response will be sent together with your score report to the institutions selected by you.
Please introduce yourself. For example, you could talk about one or more of the following:
- – Your interests
- – Your plans for future study
- – Why you want to study abroad
- – Why you need to learn English
- – Why you chose this test
25
The recording will start in 25 seconds.
Overview
Questions
1 (always first)
Prep time
25 seconds
Response
30 seconds (1 take)
Contributes to
Not scored — sent to your chosen institutions
Why it matters
It's your warm-up, mic check and the first impression universities see — write it before test day.
Should you attempt it?
Yes — always. It's free practice, calibrates your mic, and the recording is shared with the universities you select.
Skills measured
Not scored — sent to your chosen institutions
Sample 30-second introduction
Hello, my name is Aarav Sharma. I'm 24 years old and I come from Mumbai, India. I recently completed my Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and I'm now applying for a Master's program in Australia. In my free time I enjoy reading non-fiction books, playing cricket with friends, and exploring new cafes around the city. I'm taking PTE Academic so I can pursue my dream of studying abroad and one day work as a software engineer in Melbourne.
Speaking · 7 task types Writing · 2 task types Reading · 5 task types Listening · 8 task types 22 total
Chapter 4 of 10
How scoring works
Four big scores, six enabling skills, one fair algorithm
PTE Academic is scored 10–90 in Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. Most tasks contribute to two skills at once.
Communicative skills · the 4 scores you see on your report
Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening — each scored 10–90
Speaking
Score range 10–90
Writing
Score range 10–90
Reading
Score range 10–90
Listening
Score range 10–90
Integrated scoring: many tasks feed two scores at once. Read Aloud contributes to Speaking and Reading. Repeat Sentence contributes to Speaking and Listening. Your overall score is the average of the four.
Enabling skills · the 6 micro-scores that feed your big 4
These show up on the second page of your scorecard
Grammar
Correct sentence structure across writing and speaking.
Oral fluency
Smooth, natural rhythm — no long pauses or repeated restarts.
Pronunciation
Each word produced so a regular listener understands easily.
Spelling
Consistent UK or US spelling — don't mix the two.
Vocabulary
Range and accuracy of word choice — academic > basic.
Written discourse
Logical structure, paragraphs, linkers — your ideas flow.
The PTE secret no other test has — Integrated scoring
One answer. Two skill scores. Zero extra study.
Unlike IELTS, where each skill is graded in isolation, 8 of PTE Academic's 22 tasks contribute to TWO skills at the same time. Master one task and you lift two scores together — that's why our students hit visa thresholds faster.
8
of 22 tasks
score 2 skills
In PTE Academic, your Speaking answer can lift your Listening score. Your Listening answer can lift your Writing score. Your Reading answer can lift your Writing score.
That's why PTE students often hit the visa thresholds in every skill faster than IELTS students — even when they only practise one section properly.
Live exampleRepeat Sentence → 2 skills, 1 answer
Task
Repeat Sentence
AI scoring
Speaking16%
Listening17%
One spoken answer → graded by AI → contributes 16% of your Speaking score AND 17% of your Listening score. Drill it twice and you're moving two columns of your score report.
The 8 dual-yield tasks
Every pill below = a real % of your skill score
These percentages are how much of each skill score the task contributes (Pearson's official weighting). The two pills show you exactly which skills you're building — at the same time.
Repeat Sentence
+33% combinedSpeaking16%+Listening17%You hear it, you repeat it word-for-word. Pearson scores BOTH the listening accuracy and the spoken delivery — one effort, two scores.
Summarize Group Discussion
+39% combinedSpeaking19%+Listening20%Understanding 3 speakers tests your Listening; delivering a 60-sec spoken summary tests your Speaking. The single biggest dual-yield task.
Re-tell Lecture
+26% combinedSpeaking13%+Listening13%Capture the lecturer's main ideas (Listening) and re-deliver them in your own words (Speaking). Both skills graded together.
Summarize Written Text
+51% combinedWriting28%+Reading23%Comprehending the passage feeds Reading; your one-sentence summary feeds Writing. The HIGHEST single contribution to your Writing score.
Summarize Spoken Text
+36% combinedListening18%+Writing18%Take notes from a 60–90 sec lecture, then write a 50–70 word summary. Your one answer is graded twice — Listening AND Writing.
Write from Dictation
+36% combinedListening13%+Writing23%Every correctly typed word counts under both Listening AND Writing. Just 3–4 of these can swing your overall score by 5+ points.
Highlight Incorrect Words
+22% combinedListening9%+Reading13%You read the transcript while the audio plays — every mismatched word you click counts in BOTH Listening and Reading.
Highlight Correct Summary
+4% combinedListening2%+Reading2%Hear a recording, then pick the summary that matches. Audio comprehension + reading 4 paragraphs — both skills graded.
Target-score roadmap
How you actually build 88 / 85 / 70 / 69 across the 22 tasks
Each column shows the smallest set of tasks that builds the bulk of your target score for that skill. Notice the orange/green/blue chips — those tasks also lift another skill at the same time. That's how PTE students hit Superior thresholds (S88 / W85 / R70 / L69) in weeks, not months.
Target
88 in Speaking
Master these tasks first — together they build the bulk of your Speaking score:
- Summarize Group Discussion+List19%
- Repeat Sentence+List16%
- Describe Image15%
- Re-tell Lecture+List13%
- Respond to a Situation13%
- Read Aloud9%
Target
85 in Writing
Master these tasks first — together they build the bulk of your Writing score:
- Write Essay56%
- Summarize Written Text+Read28%
- Write from Dictation+List23%
- Summarize Spoken Text+List18%
Target
70 in Reading
Master these tasks first — together they build the bulk of your Reading score:
- Reading FIB (Drop-Down)25%
- Summarize Written Text+Writ23%
- Reading FIB (Drag & Drop)20%
- Highlight Incorrect Words+List13%
- Re-order Paragraphs9%
- MCQ Multiple (Reading)5%
Target
69 in Listening
Master these tasks first — together they build the bulk of your Listening score:
- Summarize Group Discussion+Spea20%
- Summarize Spoken Text+Writ18%
- Repeat Sentence+Spea17%
- Re-tell Lecture+Spea13%
- Write from Dictation+Writ13%
- Highlight Incorrect Words+Read9%
- Fill in the Blanks (List.)8%
The PTE School strategy
Stuck on Listening? Don't grind more Listening drills — drill Repeat Sentence, Summarize Group Discussion and Write from Dictation instead. They're scored as Speaking/Writing tasks but they lift your Listening score automatically. This is the #1 reason students who switch from IELTS hit their visa target in 2–3 weeks with us — and why our 88+ Superior scorers spend most of their practice time on the 8 tasks above.
Chapter 5 of 10
On exam day
What the test centre actually feels like
No examiner sitting opposite you. Just a computer, headphones, a mic and a quiet booth.
- You'll arrive 30 minutes early for ID check and microphone calibration.
- Bring your passport — it's the only ID accepted. No phones, watches or notes inside.
- You sit in a soundproof booth. Other candidates may start at different times.
- An optional 10-minute break is offered after the Reading section.
- Erasable note-board and marker are provided for every task.
- You'll see a live timer for every section — manage your time, the exam won't pause.
Chapter 6 of 10
PTE vs IELTS
If you've taken IELTS before, here's what changes
A side-by-side comparison so you know exactly what to expect.
AspectPTE AcademicIELTS
Format100% computer-based, single sitting (~2 hours)Reading/Listening/Writing on paper or computer; Speaking with a human examiner
SpeakingRecorded, marked by AI + human reviewFace-to-face interview with a human examiner
WritingMarked by AI + human reviewMarked by a human examiner only
Score scale10 – 90 (1-point increments)0 – 9 (0.5 increments)
Result turnaroundTypically within 2 working days3 – 5 days (CD) / 13 days (paper)
BookingSlots usually within a few daysOften booked weeks in advance
Re-takeAnytime — no waiting periodAnytime — no waiting period
Accepted byAll Australian, UK, NZ, Canada universities + Australian visasWorldwide universities + most visas
Australian visa English-level equivalence — per-skill scores
Effective 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs grades each PTE skill separately. You must meet every skill minimum below to claim that level — no skill can fall short.
Superior English
IELTS 8.0 · old PTE 79
Speak
88
Write
85
Read
70
Listen
69
+20 PR points · Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
Proficient English
IELTS 7.0 · old PTE 65
Speak
76
Write
69
Read
59
Listen
58
+10 PR points · Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
Competent English
IELTS 6.0 · old PTE 50
Speak
54
Write
51
Read
48
Listen
47
Most skilled & student visas
Vocational English
IELTS 5.0 · old PTE 36
Speak
24
Write
29
Read
36
Listen
33
Subclass 482 (TSS) — short-term stream
Functional English
IELTS 4.5 · old PTE 30
Speak
—
Write
—
Read
—
Listen
—
Overall 24 only · Partner & secondary applicants
Source: Department of Home Affairs, English-language requirements for skilled visas (effective 7 August 2025). Functional English uses an overall score of 24 only — no per-skill minimums.
Chapter 7 of 10
Switching from IELTS
The 6 worries we hear most — answered with evidence
Real questions from students who took IELTS first. Honest answers backed by stats, situations and examples.
The reality
Average typing speed (25–30 wpm) is more than enough for every PTE task.
- Write Essay = 200–300 words in 20 minutes. At just 20 wpm you can finish in 15 minutes and still have 5 minutes to proofread.
- Summarize Written Text = ONE sentence (5–75 words) in 10 minutes. Typing speed is never the bottleneck — content is.
- Write from Dictation sentences are 8–12 words long. You hear the audio, then type — accuracy matters far more than speed.
- Most of our students who start at 15–20 wpm reach a comfortable 30 wpm in 2 weeks of daily 10-minute practice.
Pro tip from your trainer
Spend 10 minutes a day on free typing tools like keybr.com or typing.com — your typing fluency will be exam-ready in a fortnight.
Why a 65, 79 or 90 is more reachable in PTE
IELTS plateau? PTE rewards measurable skills, not subjective polish.
IELTS 6.0 each
→ Competent (S 54 · W 51 · R 48 · L 47)
Typical 2–3 week jump — meets most student & skilled visas
IELTS 7.0 each
→ Proficient (S 76 · W 69 · R 59 · L 58)
Most common 3–4 week target — +10 PR points
IELTS 8.0 each
→ Superior (S 88 · W 85 · R 70 · L 69)
Reachable in 4–6 weeks — +20 PR points
Indicative ranges based on 10+ years of PTE School student outcomes. Individual results vary with starting level and weekly practice hours. Equivalence aligned to the Australian Department of Home Affairs PTE↔IELTS table.
Chapter 8 of 10
What to do · what NOT to do
The dos and don'ts that separate 50 from 79+
Three habits to keep and three to break — for every one of the four skills. Plus the five most expensive mistakes we see every week.
Speaking
✓ Do
- Speak at a natural pace — clarity beats speed.
- Stress content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) and pause at commas.
- Keep talking even if you stumble — fluency is worth more than perfection.
✗ Don't
- Never restart a sentence — restarts are penalised heavily.
- Don't whisper or shout — keep the mic 3–4 fingers from your mouth.
- Don't translate from your first language in your head — think in English.
Writing
✓ Do
- Stay inside the word limit — 200–300 for essays, 5–75 for summaries.
- Use one paragraph per idea with linkers (however, therefore, in addition).
- Leave 1–2 minutes to proof-read for spelling and tense.
✗ Don't
- Don't memorise template essays — Pearson detects them and scores them low.
- Don't mix UK and US spelling within one response.
- Don't copy chunks from the source text in Summarize Written Text.
Reading
✓ Do
- Skim first for the main idea, then scan for keywords.
- In FIB tasks, read the whole sentence before choosing a word.
- Watch the section timer — don't burn it all on Re-order Paragraphs.
✗ Don't
- Don't translate every unknown word — guess from context.
- Don't leave any question blank — there's no negative marking on most items.
- Don't change a confident first answer based on doubt alone.
Listening
✓ Do
- Take quick notes with abbreviations — capture keywords, not full sentences.
- Read the question stem before the audio plays whenever you can.
- For Write From Dictation, repeat the sentence silently to lock it in.
✗ Don't
- Don't waste seconds adjusting headphones — do it at the practice screen.
- Don't stop typing when you miss a word — keep going and patch later.
- Don't second-guess Highlight Incorrect Words — first instinct is usually right.
Top 5 mistakes that cost the most points
Fix these first — they're worth 10–20 points combined
- 1
Mic too far from your mouth
Cost: Loses 8–12 pronunciation points
Fix: Keep mic 3–4 fingers from lips — same distance every task.
- 2
Restarting a sentence
Cost: Halves your oral fluency score
Fix: If you stumble, push through — never go back.
- 3
Writing more than 75 words in SWT
Cost: Auto-zero on Form
Fix: Aim for 35–55 words in ONE sentence.
- 4
Ignoring the word limit in essays
Cost: Heavy penalty under 200 or over 300
Fix: Plan 220–270 words — short intro, 2 body paras, short conclusion.
- 5
Panicking on Repeat Sentence
Cost: Bombs Speaking AND Listening
Fix: Don't write — just listen and chunk into 3–4 word groups.
Chapter 9 of 10
Sample answers & strategies
What a 79+ response actually looks like
One strategy + one model answer for the highest-stakes task in each skill. Tap a tab to switch skills.
Speaking
Describe Image (bar chart)
Strategy: Use a 5-step template: intro → highest → lowest → trend → conclusion.
Model answer
The bar chart illustrates the number of international students enrolled in three Australian universities between 2018 and 2023. Overall, all three institutions experienced significant growth, with the University of Melbourne consistently leading. In 2018, enrolments stood at around fifteen thousand, rising sharply to nearly twenty-five thousand by 2023. Monash showed steady growth, while RMIT had the smallest increase. In conclusion, international student numbers grew across all three universities over the period.
Speaking
Re-tell Lecture
Strategy: Capture 3 keywords during the audio, then build sentences around them.
Model answer
The speaker discussed the impact of social media on adolescent mental health. They began by explaining that screen time has tripled since 2015. They went on to mention that comparison and sleep loss are the two biggest drivers of anxiety. They also pointed out that a one-hour daily limit improved well-being by 30 percent in their study. In conclusion, the speaker emphasised the need for school-level digital literacy programs.
Knowledge check · question by question
Test yourself on every task — Part 1, then Part 2, then Part 3
Two quick questions per task type. Move through Speaking & Writing, then Reading, then Listening — with live progress for every part.
Task-by-task quiz journey
0 / 46 answered · 0 correct
Part 1
0/20
Part 2
0/10
Part 3
0/16
Part 1 — Speaking & Writing · Task 1 of 23
Personal Introduction
Question 1 of 2
Speaking
Personal Introduction — how much prep time and how long do you record?
Pick an answer to continue.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions every student asks us
Detailed answers with real numbers, situations and pro tips — everything you need before booking the test.
Yes — PTE Academic is accepted everywhere IELTS is, plus it's the fastest test for Australian visas.
In detail
- 100% of Australian, New Zealand and Irish universities accept PTE Academic.
- Accepted for all UK Tier 4 / Skilled Worker visa applications.
- Recognised by 3,000+ universities in the US and Canada (including all Ivy League schools).
- Approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for skilled, student, partner and visitor visas.
- Accepted by professional bodies like the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and Engineers Australia.
Key takeaway
If your university or visa accepts IELTS, it almost certainly accepts PTE Academic too.
Chapter 10 of 10
How PTE School helps you go 0 → 79+Reach your target in 4–6 weeks with PTE School
Since 2015 we've helped students from 49+ countries hit 65, 79 and 90. Six tools, one fastest path from "What is PTE?" to "I got my desired score."
Live & recorded classes
Daily live sessions + a full library of recorded lessons covering every task type.
Explore1-on-1 mentoring
Weekly private sessions with a 79+ trainer who knows the test inside out.
ExploreMock tests
Full-length scored mocks that mirror the real Pearson exam experience.
ExplorePersonalised feedback
Detailed written + audio feedback on every speaking and writing submission.
ExplorePractice application
AI-scored practice on 10,000+ real exam questions, available 24/7.
ExplorePersonalised study plan
A 4–6 week roadmap built around your weakest tasks and target score.
Explore