PTE tests are taken in highly secure test centers, so it’s very important that we verify the identity of all of our test takers.

When you arrive to take your test, you must provide an acceptable identification document (ID).In most cases, this ID will usually be your passport. If you do not have a passport, you may be able to use an alternative depending on your chosen PTE test. 

Please make sure that your ID will be valid on the date of your test, and that the name, date of birth, citizenship and gender match the details in your test booking. If your passport has expired, or if the details do not match our records, you will be turned away from the test centre. 

You will not get a refund if you are turned away from the test centre due to an invalid ID.

Most test takers get their score within 2 business days, but it can take up to 5 business days.

You will be able to access your score in a Score Report, in your myPTE account.

Your PTE Score Report is valid for two years from the test date.

The fast and fair English test

PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides the most unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for university, professional, and migration applications.

PTE Academic assesses listening, reading, speaking, and writing – all via a computer in a single two-hour test session. To complete the test, you will need to attend a secure Pearson Test Center. You will use a computer and a headset to listen to, read, and respond to questions.

PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, and institutions around the world, and approved for all Australian, New Zealand, and UK visa and migration applications.

What is the PTE Academic test format?

The test takes two hours and consists of two parts: speaking and writing (completed together), listening, and reading.

During the test, you will find 20 different question styles, from multiple choices to essay writing and interpreting information.

Introduction: Untimed (We ask you to introduce yourself. This section is not assessed.)

Part 1: Speaking and writing  (54 – 67 minutes)

Part 2: Reading (29 – 39 minutes)

Part 3: Listening  (30 – 43 minutes)

PTE Academic is accepted for student and migration applications across the world. In addition to its unbiased approach to testing, the test has many unique advantages.

Artificial intelligence
Did you know that artificial intelligence means that all test taker’s results are graded by an algorithm, not humans? Use of scoring technology means that it’s not simply a single human assessing your English language skills, but a very clever algorithm that mimics how expert human markers would score, based on many, many responses.

Unbiased scoring
When you take PTE Academic, what you say is computer-scored against thousands of previous responses. What this means is that you’re scored only on what you say, not your accent or anything else.

Flexible testing and fast results
Thanks to the use of market-leading technology, PTE Academic offers all test takers incredible flexibility. Test results are delivered in just 5 working days (and typically within 48 hours). PTE Academic offers global testing in more than 300 test centers in over 50 countries.

Send your score unlimited times for free
PTE Academic proudly gives all test takers the freedom to send your scores to as many organizations as you like, without an additional fee. This freedom gives you an even greater opportunity to achieve your dreams.

Unlimited acceptance for study and migration applications
PTE Academic is accepted for study applications by thousands of academic programs around the world. It is also approved for all Australian, New Zealand and UK student visa and migration applications

PTE Core is a general English test that is recognized by the Canadian Government for all work and migration visas, as well as for citizenship applications. It is appropriate for anyone who needs to apply for a work or migration visa for Canada, or who is applying for Canadian citizenship.

PTE Core can be taken by anyone aged 16 or over.

The difference between the two tests is that PTE Core focuses entirely on testing your English skills in everyday situations, whereas PTE Academic focuses on academic settings.

For example, in PTE Core you may be asked to read a magazine article or write an email. You will not be asked to consider lecture materials or academic articles. Otherwise, the two tests share many of the same features. Like PTE Academic, PTE Core is a two-hour test taken at a test center, and it covers the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

It is completely computer-based and computer-marked, and will give you your score within two days.

No. PTE Core will only be available to take in PTE test centers.

PTE Academic Online is a remote proctored version of PTE Academic that can be taken at home, in an office, or any other private, quiet location.

The test provides a flexible testing alternative for study applications, when you cannot attend a test center in person – due to lockdown restrictions, if you’re in a rural location, or if you have special requirements. 

PTE Academic Online uses Pearson’s state-of-the-art OnVUE technology, which allows you to take the test securely through a browser.  

To take PTE Academic Online you simply require:  

• a desktop or laptop computer with a good internet connection 
• a wired headset 
• a webcam 

You also need a private space with no distractions. Test takers will be monitored throughout their entire session by a human proctor. While taking the test you will not be able to access any other windows or leave the webcam view.  

The PTE Academic Online test format is identical to the version you take in a test center and it can be completed in just two hours. It contains the same question types and assesses the same four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

There are a few differences to be aware of:

• Taking handwritten notes is not permitted in the online version. Instead there is a Notes tool on the screen that you can use to take electronic notes if you wish.  
• The Online version has a slightly different visual design; you may notice small variations in colour and layout. You will also be able to set your zoom preference using your usual browser shortcuts (Ctrl and +/- on Windows or Command and +/- on Mac). This may be particularly useful for test takers with visual impairments.  
• Both PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online Score Reports are typically available within 48 hours and will show exactly the same score information. However, the Online report will show institutions that the test has been taken remotely. 

In order to take PTE Academic Online, you must have a valid government-issued ID. You will be asked to present this during your online check-in.  

You should also make sure you have the following equipment: 

• A Windows or Mac desktop or laptop computer 
• A working webcam 
• A wired headset with an overhead band and microphone 
• A stable internet connection for the entire duration of the test 
• A mobile phone for checking into the test 

When you arrive at the test center you will be greeted by a PTE Test Center Administrator.

They will guide you through the check-in process and make sure that you understand and are comfortable with all the rules and procedures.

To confirm your identity, they

• request to see your ID and check the details exactly match your booking
• take a digital photograph of you
• ask for your digital signature
• scan the palm of your hand

Once complete, the administrator will give you a safe place to store your personal items, and ensure you are ready for your test.

PTE Academic is accepted by 3,300+ institutions worldwide, including Oxford University, Harvard Business School, and Yale.

PTE tests are also accepted by the Australian, Canadian, UK, and New Zealand governments for visa applications.