PTE Academic Exam Pattern 2026| Complete Test Format & Structure

The PTE academic exam pattern is a fully computer-based English test designed to assess real-world academic English skills. The exam lasts around 2 hours and uses AI-based scoring, ensuring fast and unbiased results, usually within 48 hours. What makes the PTE academic test pattern different is its integrated skills approach. Instead of testing speaking, Writing, reading, and listening separately, many question types assess multiple skills together. 

The current format has remained stable since 2021, making preparation predictable and reliable. Understanding the Pearson Test of English (PTE) academic exam pattern helps candidates plan strategically, focus on high-impact question types, and improve overall scores for study abroad, work, or immigration purposes.

Complete PTE Academic Exam Structure 2026

The PTE Academic exam consists of three main sections with a total test duration of approximately 2 hours. Here's the complete structure:

Overall Test Duration: ~2 Hours

Question-Wise Breakdown: Complete PTE Exam Pattern 2026

Speaking & Writing Section Question Count

Reading Section Question Count

Listening Section Question Count

Total Question Count Summary

Approximate Total Items: 50-70 questions across all sections

Speaking & Writing: ~30-35 items Reading: ~13-18 items Listening: ~12-20 items

Note: Exact numbers vary between test forms to maintain test security and comparability.

Detailed Overview: PTE Academic Syllabus

Part 1: Speaking & Writing Section (54-67 minutes)

The Speaking & Writing section is the longest part of the PTE Academic exam, combining oral and written communication skills in a single section.

Section Overview

Duration: 54-67 minutes

Question Types: 7

Total Items: Varies (approximately 30-35 questions)

Personal Introduction (1 minute - NOT scored)

Purpose: Allows you to introduce yourself to institutions receiving your scores

Format:

• 25 seconds preparation time
• 30-second recording time
• Not included in your score
• Optional (can be skipped)
• Used by institutions to know you better

Content: State your name, interests, study plans, and career goals

1. Read Aloud (6-7 items)

Time: 30-40 seconds per item

Scoring: Reading & Speaking

Format:

• Text appears on screen (up to 60 words)
• Preparation time: 30-40 seconds (depending on text length)
• Recording time: varies based on text length
• Tone sounds when the recording begins
• The progress bar shows recording time

Skills Assessed:

• Oral fluency
• Pronunciation
• Content delivery
• Reading comprehension

Example: "Artificial intelligence has transformed numerous industries throughout the 2020s, from healthcare diagnostics to autonomous vehicles, fundamentally altering how humans interact with technology and raising important ethical questions about automation, privacy, and the future of work."

Key Strategy:

• Read the text silently during preparation
• Identify difficult words
• Maintain a steady pace
• Pronounce clearly
• Don't rush or pause unnecessarily

2. Repeat Sentence (10-12 items)

Time: 15 seconds per item

Scoring: Listening & Speaking

Format:

• Audio plays automatically (3-9 seconds)
• Played only once
• 3 seconds of silence after audio
• Recording begins automatically
• Repeat exactly what you heard
• 15-second recording time

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Oral fluency
• Pronunciation
• Short-term memory

Example Audio: "The university library's digital resources have expanded significantly to support remote learning initiatives."

Key Strategy:

• Concentrate fully on the audio
• Try to remember exact words
• Repeat with correct intonation
• Don't add or omit words
• Speak clearly and fluently

3. DImagebe Image (3-4 items)

Time: 25 seconds preparation, 40 seconds response

Scoring: Speaking

Format:

• Image appears (graph, chart, map, diagram, picture, process)
• 25 seconds to the image
• Tone sounds
• 40 seconds to describe the image
• The progress bar shows the time remaining

Skills Assessed:

• Oral fluency
• Pronunciation
• Content delivery

Image Types:

• Bar graphs
• Line graphs
• Pie charts
• Tables
• Maps
• Processes/diagrams
• Pictures/photographs

Key Strategy:

• Use preparation time to identify key information
• Follow structure: Introduction → Main trends → Conclusion
• Use appropriate vocabulary for describing data
• Speak continuously for 40 seconds
• Include specific numbers/percentages when visible

Example Response Structure: "This bar graph illustrates... The horizontal axis represents... while the vertical axis depicts... The highest value is observed in... at approximately..., whereas the lowest is... In conclusion, the data reveals..."

4. Retell Lecture (1-2 items)

Time: Lecture 30-90 seconds, 40 seconds response

Scoring: Listening & Speaking

Format:

• Audio or video lecture plays (30-90 seconds)
• May include images
• A lecture plays only once
• 10 seconds to prepare
• Tone sounds
• 40 seconds to retell the Lecture
• The progress bar shows time

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Oral fluency
• Pronunciation
• Content delivery

Key Strategy:

• Take notes during the Lecture
• Note main ideas and supporting points
• Use note-taking symbols/abbreviations
• Structure response logically
• Include key points from the Lecture.
• Speak fluently for a full 40 seconds.

Note-Taking Tips:

• Main topic at top
• Key points with bullet points
• Use abbreviations (tech = technology)
• Note the examples mentioned

5. Answer Short Question (5-6 items)

Time: 3-9 seconds audio, 10 seconds response

Scoring: Listening & Speaking

Format:

• Question audio plays automatically
• Played only once
• 3 seconds of silence
• Recording begins automatically
• Answer in one or a few words
• 10-second recording time

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Quick thinking

PTE Exam Questions Pattern:

• "What do you call a person who designs buildings?" → Architect
• "If something costs very little money, what is it?" → Cheap/Inexpensive
• "What is the opposite of ancient?" → Modern
• "Where would you conduct a scientific experiment?" → Laboratory

Key Strategy:

• Listen carefully to the complete question
• Give concise, direct answers
• One to three words are usually sufficient
• Don't elaborate unnecessarily
• Answer immediately during the silence period

6. Summarise Written Text (1-2 items)

Time: 10 minutes per item

Scoring: Reading & Writing

Format:

• Text appears on screen (up to 300 words)
• Read and summarise in one sentence
• The timer shows the time remaining
• Word count displayed (5-75 words required)
• Submit before the time expires

Skills Assessed:

• Reading comprehension
• Writing
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Written discourse

Scoring Criteria:

• Content (main points included)
• Form (one sentence, 5-75 words)
• Grammar
• Vocabulary

Key Strategy:

• Read the text carefully
• Identify the main idea and key supporting points
• Write one complex sentence
• Use appropriate connectors (and, but, although, while)
• Stay within word limit (5-75 words)
• Check grammar and spelling
• Aim for 35-45 words (optimal range)

Example: The original text discusses the potential impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity.

Summary: "Quantum computing, while offering unprecedented computational power for solving complex problems and advancing scientific research, poses significant threats to current encryption methods and cybersecurity infrastructure, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic systems to protect sensitive data in the post-Essayum era." (42 words)

7. Write Essay (1-2 items)

Time: 20 minutes per item

Scoring: Writing

Format:

• Essay prompt appears (2-3 sentences)
• Write 200-300 words
• The timer shows the time remaining
• Word count displayed
• Standard keyboard shortcuts work (cut, copy, paste)
• Submit before the time expires

Skills Assessed:

• Writing
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Written discourse
• Development of ideas

Scoring Criteria:

• Content (addresses prompt, relevant ideas)
• Form (200-300 words)
• Development, structure & coherence
• Grammar
• General linguistic range
• Vocabulary range
• Spelling

Essay Types:

• Argumentative (agree/disagree)
• Advantages/disadvantages
• Problem-solution
• Opinion
• Discussion of both views

Key Strategy:

• Spend 2-3 minutes planning
• Create a clear structure: Introduction → Body (2-3 paragraphs) → Conclusion
• Write 200-300 words (275-290 is ideal)
• Use academic language
• Include examples and explanations
• Vary sentence structures
• Check spelling and grammar
• Leave 1-2 minutes for review

Example Structure:

• Introduction (30-40 words): Paraphrase topic + Thesis statement
• Body Paragraph 1 (70-90 words): Main point + Explanation + Example
• Body Paragraph 2 (70-90 words): Second point + Explanation + Example
• Conclusion (30-40 words): Summarise main points + Final thought

Optional Break (10 minutes)

After completing the Speaking & Writing section, you have the option to take a 10-minute break.

Break Details:

• Optional (you can skip and continue)
• 10 minutes duration
• Timer displays remaining time
• Can leave the testing room
• Can use the restroom, drink water
• Cannot access phone or study materials
• Must return before the timer expires

Recommendation:

• Take a break if feeling fatigued
• Use the restroom if needed
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid heavy snacks
• Don't overthink previous sections
• Prepare mentally for the Reading section

Part 2: Reading Section (29-30 minutes)

The Reading section assesses your ability to understand written academic English in university contexts.

Section Overview

Duration: 29-30 minutes (for entire Section) 

Question Types: 5

Total Items: Varies (approximately 13-18 questions)

Important: The timer applies to the entire Reading section, not individual questions. You must manage your time across all reading tasks.

1. Multiple Choice (Single Answer) (2-3 items)

Scoring: Reading

Format:

• Text appears (up to 300 words)
• Question with 3-5 options
• Select one correct answer
• Click to select, click again to deselect

Skills Assessed:

• Reading comprehension
• Identifying main ideas
• Inference

Time Management: 1.5-2 minutes per item

Key Strategy:

• Read the question first
• Skim text for relevant information
• Eliminate obviously wrong options
• Choose the best answer based on the text
• Don't rely on general knowledge

2. Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) (2-3 items)

Scoring: Reading (Partial credit possible)

Format:

• Text appears (up to 300 words)
• Question with 5-7 options
• Select all correct answers
• Multiple selections allowed
• Click to select/deselect

Skills Assessed:

• Reading comprehension
• Identifying supporting details
• Analysis

Scoring:

• +1 point for each correct selection
• -1 point for each incorrect selection
• Minimum score 0

Time Management: 2-2.5 minutes per item

Key Strategy:

• Read carefully
• Each option may be correct or incorrect independently
• Look for specific information in the text
• Only select options you're confident about
• Wrong answers reduce your score

3. Re-order Paragraphs (2-3 items)

Scoring: Reading

Format:

• Text divided into 4-5 paragraphs
• Paragraphs appear in random order
• Drag and drop into the correct sequence
• Left panel: source boxes
• Right panel: target boxes

Skills Assessed:

• Logical sequencing of target boxes
• Identifying organizational patterns
• Understanding coherence and cohesion

Scoring:

• 1 point for each correctly ordered adjacent pair
• Example with 4 paragraphs: Maximum 3 points

Time Management: 2.5-3 minutes per item

Key Strategy:

• Look for the topic sentence (usually first)
• Identify pronouns and their references
• Look for linking words (however, moreover, therefore)
• Find logical progression of ideas
• Check time indicators (first, then, finally)

4. Fill in the Blanks (Reading) (4-5 items)

Scoring: Reading

Format:

• Text with several blanks (4-5 blanks per item)
• Drag words from the box below the text
• Drop words into the appropriate blanks
• One word per blank
• More options than blanks

Skills Assessed:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Collocation

Scoring:

• 1 point per correctly placed word
• Partial credit possible

Time Management: 2-3 minutes per item

Key Strategy:

• Read the complete text first
• Understand context
• Consider grammar (noun/verb/adjective)
• Look for collocations
• Eliminate options that don't fit grammatically
• Use the process of elimination

5. Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing) (5-6 items)

Scoring: Reading & Writing

Format:

• Text with blanks
• Dropdown menu for each blank
• 4-5 options per blank
• Select an appropriate word for each blank

Skills Assessed:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Spelling

Scoring:

• 1 point per correct answer
• Contributes to both Reading and Writing scores

Time Management: 1.5-2 minutes per item

Key Strategy:

• Read the sentence with a blank
• Consider meaning and grammar
• Look at word forms (verb tense, noun/adjective)
• Choose a word that fits the context
• Re-read the selected word to verify the word

Part 3: Listening Section (30-43 minutes)

The Listening section assesses your ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts.

Section Overview

Duration: 30-43 minutes (for entire Section)

Question Types: 8

Total Items: Varies (approximately 12-20 questions)

Audio Features:

• Variety of accents (British, American, Australian, etc.)
• Academic lectures, conversations, presentations
• Most audio plays only once (except Summarise Spoken Text)
• Volume adjustable

1. Summarise Spoken Text (1-2 items)

Time: Audio 60-90 seconds, 10 minutes to write

Scoring: Listening & Writing

Format:

• Audio plays automatically
• Can adjust volume
• Take notes while listening (erasable notepad provided)
• After audio: 10 minutes to write a summary
• Write 50-70 words
• Word count shown
• Timer displays remaining time

Skill Assessment

• Listening comprehension
• Writing
• Note-taking
• Summarization

Scoring Criteria:

• Content (main points included)
• Form (50-70 words)
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Spelling

Key Strategy:

• Take notes during audio
• Note the main idea and key supporting points
• Use abbreviations while note-taking
• Write 50-70 words (60-65 is optimal)
• Use your own words
• Include only key information
• Check word count, grammar, and spelling

2. Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers) (2-3 items)

Time: Audio 40-90 seconds

Scoring: Listening (Partial credit possible)

Format:

• Prompt appears
• Audio plays automatically
• Select all correct answers from the options
• 5-7 options typically

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Identifying details
• Inference

Scoring:

• +1 for each correct selection
• -1 for each incorrect selection
• Minimum score 0

Key Strategy:

• Read options before audio plays (if possible)
• Take notes during audio
• Select only confident answers
• Wrong answers reduce the score

4. Fill in the Blanks (Reading) (4-5 items)

Time: Audio 30-60 seconds

Scoring: Listening & Writing

Format:

• Transcript appears with blanks (3-5 blanks)
• Audio plays automatically
• Type missing words while listening
• Audio plays only once

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Spelling
• Typing speed
• Note-taking

Scoring:

• 1 point per correctly spelt word
• Contributes to Listening and Writing scores

Key Strategy:

• Read the text before the audio starts
• Type words while listening
• Spell correctly (exact spelling required)
• If you miss a word, move to the next blank
• Don't panic if you miss one blank

4. Highlight Correct Summary (2-3 items)

Time: Audio 30-90 seconds

Scoring: Listening & Reading

Format:

• Audio plays automatically
• 3-5 summary options appear
• Select the option that best summarises the audio
• Single selection only

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Reading comprehension
• Identifying main ideas

Key Strategy:

• Take notes during audio
• Note the main idea and key points
• Read all options
• Eliminate summaries with incorrect information
• Choose the most comprehensive and accurate summary

5. Multiple Choice (Single Answer) (2-3 items)

Time: Audio 30-60 seconds

Scoring: Listening

Format:

• Prompt appears
• Audio plays automatically
• 3-5 options
• Select one correct answer

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Identifying specific information
• Inference

Key Strategy:

• Read the question and options if time permits
• Take notes during audio
• Choose the best answer based on the audio content
• Don't rely on assumptions

6. Select Missing Word (2-3 items)

Time: Audio 20-70 seconds

Scoring: Listening

Format:

• Audio plays, last word/group of words replaced by beep
• 3-5 options appear
• Select word(s) that complete the audio

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Predicting
• Context understanding

Key Strategy:

• Listen carefully to the context before the beep
• Predict what word makes sense
• Select the option that logically completes the sentence
• Consider grammar and meaning

7. Highlight Incorrect Words (2-3 items)

Time: Audio 15-50 seconds

Scoring: Listening & Reading

Format:

• Transcript appears on screen
• Audio plays automatically
• Some words in the transcript differ from the audio
• Click on words that differ (5-7 incorrect words typically)

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Reading
• Attention to detail

Scoring:

• +1 for each correctly identified error
• -1 for each incorrect selection
• Minimum score 0

Key Strategy:

• Follow the transcript while listening
• Click words that differ immediately
• Be careful with similar-sounding words
• Don't click too many words (penalties apply)

8. Write from Dictation (3-4 items)

Time: Audio 3-5 seconds

Scoring: Listening & Writing

Format:

• Audio sentence plays (one sentence, 3-5 seconds)
• Played only once
• Type exactly what you hear
• Standard spelling and punctuation required

Skills Assessed:

• Listening comprehension
• Spelling
• Memory
• Typing

Scoring:

• 1 point per correctly spelt word
• Partial credit given
• Contributes heavily to both Listening and Writing

Key Strategy:

• Concentrate fully on the audio
• Type immediately after the audio
• Spell correctly (use standard spelling)
• Include punctuation and capitalisation
• Verify spelling if time permits
• This is a high-value question (don't skip)

What is PTE Academic? Overview and Purpose

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a computer-based English language test designed to assess the reading, Writing, listening, and speaking skills of non-native English speakers who wish to study abroad or immigrate to English-speaking countries.

Key Characteristics

Computer-Based Testing:

• Entirely administered on a computer
• No human examiner interaction
• AI-powered automated scoring
• Consistent and unbiased evaluation
• Fast results delivery (within 48 hours)

Academic Focus:

• Designed for higher education contexts
• Tests academic English proficiency
• Assesses university-level language skills
• Evaluates the ability to understand lectures, academic texts, and seminars

GlobalRecognizedon:

• Accepted by 3,300+ universities worldwide
• Recognised by governments for visa applications (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada)
• Approved for professional registration in various countries
• Valid for 2 years from the test date

Scoring System:

• Scored on a 10-90 scale
• Overall score plus individual skill scores
• Enabling skills scores provided
• Detailed score report with performance analysis

Test Format Overview

Total Question Types: 20 different question formats across all sections

Scoring Sections:

1. Speaking (10-90 scale)
2. Writing (10-90 scale)
3. Reading (10-90 scale)
4. Listening (10-90 scale)
5. Overall Score10-90 scale)

Additional Scores:

• Grammar
• Oral Fluency
• Pronunciation
• Spelling
• Vocabulary
• Written Discourse

Need Help with PTE Booking? Check - PTE Academic Exam Booking

PTE Academic vs PTE Core – Exam Pattern Comparison

Must Check PTE Guides:

• PTE Academic Exam Fee
• PTE Academic Test Dates

Key Features of the PTE Academic Pattern

Integrated Skills Assessment:

• Some question types test multiple skills simultaneously
• "Read Aloud" contributes to Reading and Speaking scores
• "Summarise Written Text" evaluates Reading and Writing
• Cross-skill questions impact multiple section scores

Time-Sensitive Sections:

• Speaking & Writing: Timed at the question level
• Reading: Timed for intersection (Section dividers)
• Listening: Timed for entire Section

Adaptive Difficulty:

• Questions may vary in difficulty based on performance
• Each test form is calibrated for consistency

No Choice:

• All questions must be attempted
• No option to skip question types
• Sequential progression through the test

PTE Academic Scoring Guide

Here is what you can expect after understanding the PTE exam format and marks, and how the actual scoring criteria work.

Score Range: 10–90

Overall Score: Average of Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening

Skills Scored:

• Communicative Skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening (10–90 each)
• Enabling Skills: Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, Written Discourse

Result Time: Usually within 24–48 hours

Score Validity: 2 years

Score Sending: Unlimited institutions, free of cost

Key Advantages of the PTE Academic Pattern

1. Fast Results:

• 48-hour result delivery
• Plan applications efficiently
• Re-take quickly if needed

2. Flexible Scheduling:

• Tests are available almost daily
• Book up to 24 hours in advance
• 360+ test centres worldwide

3. Objective Scoring:

• AI eliminates human bias
• Consistent scoring standards
• No subjective examiner judgment

4. Integrated Skills:

• Real-world language use
• Multiple skills in a single question
• Academic context throughout

5. Unlimited Score Sending:

• Send scores to unlimited institutions
• No additional fees for score reports
• Easy online system

Current PTE Exam Pattern: Five Years of Stability

PTE Academic Exam Pattern Evolution (2021–2026)

If you are preparing for the PTE core, you should check our guide on the PTE Core Test Format.

PTE Academic vs. Other English Tests: Pattern Comparison

PTE Academic Time Management – Only Essentials

Speaking & Writing (54–67 min)

• Timing is auto-controlled
• Use the full 20 min for the essay
• Use the full 10 min to summarise the written text
• Don't rush speaking tasks; focus on clarity

Reading (29–30 min)

• Self-managed time
• Don't overspend on one question
• Prioritise fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)
• If stuck, guess and move on

Listening (30–43 min)

• Audio plays once only
• Focus fully, take quick notes
• Answer:  Write from Dictation immediately
• Don't dwell on missed answers

Key Rule: Manage Reading time strictly; other sections are mostly time-controlled.

Related Useful PTE Resources for You:

• How are PTE Scores Calculated? 
• PTE Writing Section Tips
• PTE Reading Section Tips
• PTE Listening Section Tips

Conclusion: Mastering the PTE Academic Exam Pattern 2026

Understanding the PTE Academic exam pattern is fundamental to achieving your target score in 2026. The 2-hour computer-based test's unique structure, which integrates speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills through 20 distinct question types, requires strategic preparation that goes beyond general English. By familiarising yourself with each Section's test formats, scoring criteria, and AI-pmaximise assessment methodology, you position yourself to perform best on test day.