To take the PTE Academic test, you must go to a secure Pearson testing centre. To listen to, read, and respond to questions, you'll utilize a computer and a headphone.
There are three main parts to the three-hour test session: speaking and writing (together), listening, and reading. Between the reading and listening sections, there is an optional 10-minute break. There are twenty various question forms on the test, ranging from multiple choice to essay writing and information interpretation.
PTE Academic evaluates academic English in the real world, so you'll hear lecture excerpts and see graphs and charts. In the test, you'll hear a variety of accents, from British and American to non-native speakers, so you'll be exposed to the kind of accents you'll hear in real life.
PTE Academic Structure
Section |
Time Allotted |
Number of Segments |
Skills Assessed |
Score Range |
The Reading Section |
32-41 minutes |
5 segments |
English Comprehension |
10-90 points |
The Listening Section |
45-57 minutes |
8 segments |
Listening from Pre-recorded Audios |
10-90 points |
The Speaking & Writing Section |
77-91 minutes |
6 segments |
English Writing & Speaking Fluency |
10-90 points |