PTE Exam Pattern - Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

Britannica Team Updated on - Sep 26, 2025

PTE Exam Pattern - Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

PTE Exam Pattern: Complete Structure & Information

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam pattern is designed to evaluate an individual's English language proficiency comprehensively. This computer-based test consists of four main language skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. It is known for its unbiased and automated scoring, making it a popular choice for academic admissions, visa applications, and employment purposes.

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Table of Content

PTE Exam Test Format
PTE Academic Exam Pattern:

The PTE exam pattern includes various task types, such as essays, multiple-choice questions, and speaking tasks, to assess a candidate's ability to understand and convey ideas effectively in real-life scenarios. The computerized format offers flexibility in scheduling, and results are typically available within a short timeframe, allowing test-takers to plan their academic or professional endeavors with ease.

PTE Exam Test Format

PTE Academic exam pattern presented in tabular form:

Aspect	Details
Test Format	Computer-based, conducted at authorized Pearson test centers.
Test Duration	Approximately 3 hours, divided into three sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Test Sections	- Speaking & Writing: 77-93 minutes - Reading: 32-41 minutes - Listening: 45-57 minutes.
Skills Assessed	- Speaking - Writing - Reading, Listening
Question Types	A variety of task types, including multiple-choice, essays, summarizing, and more, assessing real-life language skills.
Scoring Scale	Scores range from 10 to 90, with 1-point increments. Overall score is a sum of individual scores in four skills.
Scoring Method	Automated scoring, with some responses reviewed by human raters.
Sub-scores	Enabling Skills sub-scores include: grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse.
Result Turnaround	Typically, scores are available within 5 business days, providing rapid feedback to test-takers.
Retake Policy	Candidates can retake the exam as often as they wish, with a 5-day gap between attempts.
Test Centers	Administered at authorized test centers worldwide, making it accessible for candidates globally.
Test Preparation	Official PTE preparation materials and practice tests are available for test-takers to prepare effectively.

PTE Academic Exam Pattern:

Test Format: The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based test conducted on a computer at an authorized Pearson test center.

Test Duration: The entire PTE Academic test takes approximately 3 hours and is divided into three main parts: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening.

Section Breakdown: PTE Test Format as below in table form:

Sections	Assignments	Duration
Speaking	Personal Introduction Read Aloud Repeat Sentence Describe Image Re-Tell Lecture Answer Short Questions Summarize Written Text Write Essay	77-93 minutes
Writing	Personal Introduction Read Aloud Repeat Sentence Describe Image Re-Tell Lecture Answer Short Questions Summarize Written Text Write Essay	77-93 minutes
Reading	Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers Re-Order Paragraphs Reading: Fill in the Blanks Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks	32-41 minutes
Listening	Summarize Spoken Text Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers Fill in the Blanks Highlight Correct Summary Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer Select Missing Word Highlight Incorrect Words Write From Dictation	45-57 minutes

Scoring: PTE Academic uses a scoring scale that ranges from 10 to 90, with increments of 1 point. The overall score is a sum of the individual scores for each of the skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The PTE score report also includes sub-scores for Enabling Skills (grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse).
Computer-Based Scoring: PTE Academic uses an automated scoring system for most questions, but some responses are evaluated by human raters when needed. The automated scoring system checks for correctness, fluency, pronunciation, and other language elements.
Results: PTE Academic scores are typically available within five business days, allowing test-takers to receive quick feedback on their language proficiency.
Retake Policy: Test-takers are allowed to retake the PTE Academic exam as many times as they wish, with a 5-day gap between attempts.