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English test · Score guide

PTE Academic score guide.

PTE Academic is scored by computer and results usually arrive within a few days, which helps when deadlines are close. It is accepted by many universities, though not as universally as IELTS.

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At a glance

Score scale
10–90
Length
About 2 hours
Format
Computer-based at a test center.
Score validity
Two years

What it covers

How the PTE Academic is built.

  1. 01

    Speaking & Writing

    Combined section: read aloud, repeat sentences, describe images, summarize and write an essay.

  2. 02

    Reading

    Fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice and re-order paragraph tasks.

  3. 03

    Listening

    Summaries, multiple choice and dictation-style tasks.

Scores

What score do you need?

A rough guide to what universities typically ask for. Your target programs set the real number.

  • Undergraduate

    50–58

  • Postgraduate

    58–65

  • Competitive programs

    65–75+

These are rough guides for orientation. Every university and program publishes its own requirement, and that always wins. Check it on the program page before you book.

See what your destination asks for: compare study destinations.

Preparing

How to prepare, step by step.

  1. 01

    Learn how the computer scores you

    Pronunciation, fluency and content are scored automatically. Practice speaking clearly at a steady pace rather than fast.

  2. 02

    Practice the task types

    Repeat Sentence and Summarize Spoken Text have their own techniques. Learn them early.

  3. 03

    Use the mock tests

    Official scored practice tests show how the automated marking treats your answers.

  4. 04

    Check your university accepts PTE

    Confirm acceptance for your exact program and visa route before you book.

How we help

Guidance, not guesswork.

We help you choose the right test, set a realistic target and find the best study resources. We don’t sell test classes.

Common questions.

How quickly do PTE results arrive?

Usually within a few days, which makes it useful for late applications.

Is PTE accepted for visas?

Acceptance depends on the country and visa route. Check the official immigration page for your destination.

Last reviewed November 2026. Test formats and score rules change, so confirm details on the Pearson PTE before you book.

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