PTE, short for “Pearson Test of English”, is a computer-based exam for testing proficiency in English language. It has two types of tests, known as PTE General Test and PTE Academic Test.

It has been particularly developed for people whose native language is not English. The PTE Academic score is helpful for people seeking admission in educational institutions/universities in English speaking countries of Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Some of prominent universities where PTE Academic score is considered for admission include Ivy League institutions too.  It is even accepted by the government of Australia during the processing of visa applications.

On the other hand, PTE General is a test to prove an individual’s proficiency in English before she/he enters an English-speaking country. Apart from being recognised by a number of universities around the world, even ministries of education and employers accept it as proof of English language proficiency.

Certified by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority), PTE Academic and PTE General tests are conducted in partnership with Edexcel Limited, a UK-based body, which conducts academic and vocational tests for schools, colleges, employers, others. Besides conducting exams, it also offers qualifications to people.

To be eligible for PTE tests, a candidate should not be aged less than 16. Students aged below 18 are required to provide certificates, saying that their parents have given their consent to them to take this test.

For PTE tests, there are no fixed dates. Candidates should register themselves on the PTE Website to find out when a test may be held.  PTE tests are conducted depending on the availability of a local test centre.

The PTE Academic and PTE General exams have different formats.

A three-hour long exam, PTE Academic tests listening, writing, reading and speaking skills of candidates. The candidate must take this online test with the aid of a headset. Comprising three parts: writing and speaking (one test), reading and listening, it has twenty modes of questing students. Included in them are multiple-choice questions, filling the blanks, describing images, easy writing, re-ordering paragraphs, selecting missing words, and highlighting incorrect words, among others.

The PTE General test comprises two parts. One is a written exam and the other a spoken test. Evaluated in the written test are skills in reading, listening and writing.  External examiners do marking for these tests in the UK. On the other hand, local examiners are entrusted with the task of evaluating the spoken test, following which it is sent to Britain, where it is moderated. This test consists of six levels, all of which are linked to the CEF, aka the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.