The Pearson Test of English Academic
PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
Questions often test 2 skills together, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking. The whole test is done in a single session, lasting 3 hours and is taken sitting at a computer in a secure test environment. The speaking part of the exam is done at the computer. Your voice is recorded and sent for marking.
One advantage of this test is that you get your results very quickly; in about 5 da
PTE Academic Reading
The Pearson Test of English Academic
PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
Questions sometimes test 2 skills together, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking.
Reading question types
Multiple-choice, choose single answer
After reading a text, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text by selecting one response
Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers
After reading a text, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text by selecting more than one response
Re-order paragraphs
Several text boxes appear on screen in a random order. Put the text boxes in the correct order
Fill in the blanks
A text appears on screen with several gaps. Select the appropriate answer choice for each blank.
Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks
A text appears on screen with several gaps. Fill in each gap from a drop-down list of response options
PTE Academic Listening
The Pearson Test of English Academic
The Listening section consists of questions that are based on audio or video clips which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip only once. You are allowed to take notes.
Listening question types
Highlight correct summary
After listening to a recording, select the paragraph that best summarizes the recording
Multiple choice, choose single answer
After listening to a recording, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by selecting one response
Select missing word
After listening to a recording, select the missing word that completes the recording from a list of options
Highlight incorrect words
The transcript of a recording appears on screen. While listening to the recording, identify the words in the transcript that differ from what is said
Write from dictation
After listening to a recording of a sentence, type the sentence
PTE Academic Writing
PTE Writing questions
Write essay
For this item type you need to write a 200-300 word argumentative essay in response to a prompt. You have 20 minutes to write your essay.
Summarize text
You need to write a summary of the text in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to write your summary. Make sure to include the main points of the reading passage in a full, single sentence of no more than 75 words.
PTE Academic Speaking
PTE Speaking questions
Read aloud
A text appears on screen. Read the text aloud. reading and speaking text up to 60 words
Repeat sentence
After listening to a recording of a sentence, repeat the sentence
Describe chart
An chart appears on screen. Describe the chart in detail.
Re-tell lecture
After listening to or watching a lecture, re-tell the lecture in your own words.
Answer short question
After listening to a question, answer with a single word or a few words
Test your Level of English
What is your level of English? Which exam should you study for?
Check your level with these two level tests:
Grammar & vocabulary level test
At the end of each test your level will be assessed at a CEF level (A2 to C2). You can choose to have the results sent to your email address.
Questions get easier or harder according to how well you do. If your English is very good you will answer more difficult questions than someone whose English is not as good.
You will not be able to see the correct answers to the questions.
You should complete the grammar / vocabulary test in about 10 minutes.
You should complete the listening test in about 10 minutes.