PTE Exam Guide: Know Detailed Format, Scoring System, and Duration by Section
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a renowned computer-based examination designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The
PTE exam format is meticulously structured into three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each section is tailored to evaluate distinct aspects of the English language, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's linguistic capabilities.
Within the Speaking & Writing section, candidates are tested on their ability to produce spoken and written English in various contexts. This includes tasks like personal introductions, reading aloud, and essay writing. The Reading section comprises multiple-choice questions, re-ordering paragraphs, and filling in blanks, focusing on the candidate's comprehension skills. Lastly, the Listening section challenges test-takers with summarizing spoken texts, multiple-choice questions, and dictation exercises, ensuring they can effectively understand spoken English in diverse scenarios.
PTE Exam Structure:
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Exam Format
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Details
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PTE Exam Pattern
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A language assessment in English is designed to evaluate candidates' Reading proficiency (29-30 min.), Speaking & Writing abilities (54-67 min.), and Listening capabilities (30-43 min.) for academic pursuits in English-speaking countries.
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PTE Exam Time
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2.10 Hour
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Medium of Exam
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Computer-based exam at the test center. A headset will be provided.
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Exam Mode
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Exam Centre / Home Edition
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Evaluation Type
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Evaluate authentic English language proficiency
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Nos. of Que.
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PTE Structure: Detailed Breakdown by Section
Speaking and Writing: 54-67 min
Que. Topics
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Task
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Duration
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Skills
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Personal introduction
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1
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55 Sec.: 25s prompt, 30s to record; one attempt allowed.
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-
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Read Aloud
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6 - 7
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30s-40s allotted for preparation and for reading a text passage of up to 60 words.
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Reading and Speaking
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Repeat Sentence
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10 - 12
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15 Sec.: Listen for 3-9s, then record within 15s.
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Listening and Speaking
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Describe Image
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3 - 4
| 40 seconds to view and respond to the image.
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Speaking
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Retell Lecture
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1 - 2
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Prompt duration: 90 seconds; Preparation time: 10 seconds; Response time: 40 seconds.
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Listening and Speaking
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Answer Short Question
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5 - 6
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20 seconds total: 3-9 seconds for the prompt, 10 seconds for response.
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Listening and Speaking
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Summarize Written Text
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1 - 2
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10 minutes to respond to a 300-word text prompt; summarize the main points of the reading in a single sentence of up to 75 words.
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Reading and Writing
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Write Essay
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1 - 2
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Respond to a 2-3 sentence text prompt within 20 minutes. Ensure your response is between 200 to 300 words.
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Writing
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Total Questions
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28 - 36
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Duration: 54-67 minutes.
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PTE Reading Section: 29-30 min
Que. Topics
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Task
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Duration
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Skills
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Fill in the blanks
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5 - 6
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Read a 300-word text, fill in blanks, and click 'Next'. No time limit
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Reading and Writing
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Multiple choice, multiple answers
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1 - 2
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Review a 300-word text, select all relevant responses, and click 'Next'. No time limit.
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Reading
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Re-order paragraph
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2 - 3
| Review a 150-word text and reorder paragraphs appropriately. Click 'Next' when ready; no time constraint applies.
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Reading
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Fill in the blanks
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4 - 5
| Read an 80-word text and complete the blanks. Click 'Next' when ready; no time constraint.
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Reading
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Multiple-choice, single answer
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1 - 2
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Read 300 words of text and proceed by clicking 'Next'—no time limit applies.
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Reading
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Total Questions
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13-18
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Duration: 29 - 30 minutes
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PTE Listening Section: 30 - 43 min
Que. Topics
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Task
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Duration
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Skills
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Summarize spoken text
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1 - 2
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Listen to a 60-90 second recording, then craft a 50-70 word summary within a 10-minute window. The audio starts automatically, and you have only one opportunity to listen to it.
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Listening and Writing
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Multiple choice, multiple answers
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1 - 2
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Respond to a 40-90 second prompt by selecting all options from a list. No time limit applies; click 'Next' to proceed.
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Listening
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Fill in the blanks
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2 - 3
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Prompt duration: 30–60 seconds. Fill in each gap by left-clicking and typing the missing word. Proceed by clicking 'Next'—no time limit applies.
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Listening and Writing
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Highlight correct summary
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1 - 2
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A 30-90 second prompt offers multiple response options, with only one being correct. Click 'Next' with no imposed time limit.
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Listening and Reading
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Multiple-choice, single answer
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1 - 2
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A 30-60 second prompt instructs you to choose the most suitable paragraph summarizing a recording. Click 'Next' with no time limit.
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Listening
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Select missing word
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1 - 2
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30-60 second and 20-70 second prompts require you to choose the best option to complete the recording, with a beep replacing the final word or phrase. Click 'Next' with no time limit.
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Listening
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Highlight incorrect word
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2 - 3
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A 15-50 second prompt will have some errors in the transcript. During the task, you should identify the words in the text that do not match the audio. Afterward, click 'Next'—there are no time limits.
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Listening and Reading
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Write from Dictation
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3 - 4
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A 3-5 second prompt entails listening to a brief sentence and then typing it into the response box. Afterward, click 'Next'—there's no imposed time limit.
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Listening and Reading
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Total Questions
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12-20
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Duration: 30 - 43 minutes
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Your score in tasks without specified time limits will be impacted by the pace at which you complete them.
Pearson does not impose any restrictions on the number of times a candidate can attempt the
PTE Test. Applicants are eligible to retake the exam after a 5-day interval, allowing for multiple attempts. The PTE Academic exam
, a test of English language proficiency, assesses three core language skills: reading, listening, and speaking and writing. You can find the complete
PTE Academic exam format details above.