PTE Exam Guide 2025: Booking, Format, Fees, Preparation & More

The PTE exam is one of the fastest, most accepted, and AI-scored English tests trusted by thousands of universities and governments worldwide. With its quick 2-hour format, flexible booking (test centre or at home), and results often delivered within just 1–2 days, PTE has become a top choice over IELTS and TOEFL, especially for students and PR applicants who want accuracy, speed, and convenience.

In this complete PTE Exam Guide 2025, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know from booking and exam pattern to fees, preparation strategies, mock tests, score requirements, and more.

Which PTE Exam to Choose? 

Detailed Overview of PTE Exams

1. PTE Academic 

What it is:
Computer-based English proficiency test for study abroad and some visa applications.

Duration:
2 hours (single sitting)

Exam Pattern / Sections:

1. Speaking & Writing – 54 to 67 minutes
2. Reading – 29 to 30 minutes
3. Listening – 30 to 43 minutes

Scoring Method:
Score range: 10–90
AI-based scoring
Assesses communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing) and enabling skills (Grammar, Vocabulary, Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Written Discourse)
No pass/fail – each institution sets its own score requirement

High-weightage tasks: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, Summarise Spoken/Written tasks

Fees:
₹18,000 (MRP)
Discount available via EduVouchers (up to 11% off)

PTE academic exam fees

2. PTE Academic UKVI 

What it is:
Same test content as PTE Academic, but approved for UK student visas by UKVI.

Duration:
2 hours

Exam Pattern:
Same as PTE Academic (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening)

Scoring:
Same scoring system (10–90, AI-based)

Key Difference:
Includes additional identity verification to meet UK Home Office visa requirements

Fees :
₹18,000 – ₹19,000 (slightly higher due to extra security)
EduVouchers discount may apply.

3. PTE Core 

What it is:
A new test has been designed specifically for immigration and work visas and is officially accepted by IRCC (Canada).

Duration:
2 hours

Exam Pattern:
Similar in Structure to PTE Academic, but with a greater emphasis on real-life and workplace contexts.
Integrated tasks assessing listening, speaking, reading, and writing in practical contexts.

Scoring Method:
Score range: 10–90
Mapped to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)
CLB 7  PTE 60
CLB 9 PTE 78+

Fees :
₹18,000 – ₹19,000
Discounted Core vouchers available via EduVouchers

Best For:
Canada PR
Work permits
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

4. PTE Home (A1, A2, B1)

What it is:
Basic English test for UK family visas, spouse visas, and citizenship. Not used for study or PR.

Duration:
30 minutes

Exam Pattern:
Only Speaking and Listening
No Reading or Writing
Simple everyday communication tasks

Scoring:
Pass / Fail only
No score out of 90
If it fails, the candidate can retake

Fees :
₹12,000 – ₹13,000 (varies by A1, A2, B1)

How to Choose the Right PTE Exam

Choosing the correct PTE version is important because each test serves a different purpose. The wrong choice can result in the rejection of your application, wasted time, and additional fees. Use the following criteria to decide which PTE exam you need.

Step 1: What is your main purpose? 

Step 2: Are you applying to a university?

• For admission to universities or colleges → PTE Academic
• Some UK universities require PTE Academic UKVI specifically → check with the institution or choose the UKVI version for safety

Step 3: Are you applying for immigration or PR?

• For Canada PR, Express Entry, PNP or work immigration → PTE Core (PTE Academic is not accepted for PR)
• For other countries’ PR, check requirements (some may accept Academic, some require Core)

Are you applying for a UK family or spouse visa?

• Use PTE Home (A1, A2, or B1 depending on visa type)
• Not valid for study or PR

Step 5: Do you need visa compliance?

Step 6: Do you prefer academic or real-life language tasks?

• Academic English tasks (essays, academic reading, charts) → PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI
• Practical, everyday English (workplace, conversation) → PTE Core
• Very basic speaking/listening only → PTE Home

Step 7: Check acceptance with the institution or immigration authority

Even if the exam is similar in format, the acceptance rules may differ.
Always confirm on:

• University website
• Immigration portal (IRCC, UKVI, etc.)
• Official PTE Recognition Tool

Step 8: Consider long-term plans

Step 9: Still unsure?

If there is any doubt:

• Check with the institution or visa office
• Or choose the more visa-secure option (e.g., Academic UKVI instead of Academic)
• Or get guidance from EduVouchers support before purchasing a voucher

Final Recommendation:

PTE Exam Dates & Availability 2025

No fixed calendar, PTE runs on a rolling schedule year-round.
Candidates can book a test on any day of the year, subject to availability at their chosen test centre or online slot.

Key Points:

• Frequency: Multiple test sessions every day.
• Availability: 24/7 for PTE Academic Online, high frequency for major cities.
• Booking Window: You can book up to 24 hours before the test, but early booking is recommended.
• Peak Months: Jan–Mar and Aug–Oct (apply early to secure preferred slot).
• Results Time: Usually released within 1–2 days, often within hours.

Best Practice:

Book 2–4 weeks in advance to get your preferred date, time, and location.

Save Big on PTE: Use EduVouchers' PTE Test Vouchers to get up to 15% off the exam fee.

PTE Registration & Booking

• Visit pearsonpte.com and click “Book a Test”
• Create or log in to your myPTE account
• Select test type (Academic / UKVI / Core / Home)
• Choose country, city, and test centre OR Online
• Select date and time
• Enter personal and ID details (must match passport)
• Make payment (full fee)
• Receive confirmation email and test info

PTE Validity

PTE Academic scores remain valid for 2 years from the date of the test. If you're planning to apply for universities, jobs, or visa processes, ensure your scores fall within this validity period.

NOTE: Use a PTE voucher instead of paying the full fee during booking, and save extra money instantly with EduVouchers (up to 11% off).

Need Help with PTE Booking? Check - PTE Exam Booking

Common Booking Errors

Why PTE Academic Is the Main PTE Exam You Need to Know?

• PTE Academic is the main and most widely accepted version of the Pearson Test of English globally.
• It is required by universities and colleges for admission to Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and PhD programs.
• It is officially accepted for student visas in major countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, and many European nations.
• It has the full exam pattern with all four skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening, making it the most comprehensive version.
• It uses AI-based automated scoring, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and consistency.
• It offers fast results within 1–2 days, which is faster than many other English tests.
• It is the most taken PTE exam, and therefore the one on which most students need guidance.
• Other PTE versions (UKVI, Core, Home) are specialised for specific visa types, but PTE Academic remains the standard test for study and global recognition.

PTE Academic Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

The PTE Academic exam now takes only 2 hours (previously 3 hours), making it one of the shortest and most efficient English proficiency tests. The core syllabus (skills tested) has NOT changed, but Pearson has optimised the format, reduced repetitive questions, and made scoring faster and more accurate.

Detailed Task-by-Task Breakdown

Section 1: Speaking & Writing (54–67 mins)

Duration: 54–67 minutes
No. of Tasks: 7
Skills Assessed: Speaking, Writing, Listening (integrated), Reading (integrated)

Syllabus (Task Types)

1. Personal Introduction (not scored)
2. Read Aloud
3. Repeat Sentence
4. Describe Image
5. Retell Lecture
6. Answer Short Question
7. Summarise Written Text
8. Essay (200–300 words)

Test Time

This is the longest section of PTE, covering both speaking and writing in one block.

 Weightage / Marks

Highest-scoring section overall
Repeat Sentence, Read Aloud, and Write From Dictation (later) are the top scorers.
Speaking tasks also contribute to Reading & Listening scores (integrated scoring)

Scoring Criteria

• Content Accuracy
• Grammar & Vocabulary
• Pronunciation & Oral Fluency
• Spelling and Structure (for writing)
• Task Completion & Coherence (essay)

Tip: Poor performance in this area can affect multiple sections due to integrated scoring.

Section 2: Reading (29–30 mins)

Duration: 29–30 minutes
No. of Tasks: 5
Skills Assessed: Reading (+ writing for one integrated task)

Syllabus (Task Types)

1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks (integrated & high weightage)
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple AReorder-order Paragraphs
3. Reading: Fill in the Blanks
4. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Test Time

Short and intense time management is critical.

Weightage / Marks

Reading & Writing: FIB = Highest weigReorder-order paragraphs = medium
MCQ multiple answer = negative marking (be careful)

Scoring Criteria

• Reading comprehension
• Grammar & vocabulary usage
• Logical order of ideas
• Ability to identify correct phrases
• Accuracy over speed

Tip: Fill in the Blanks (both typereorder Paragraphs = 70% of your Reading score.

Section 3: Listening (30–43 mins)

Duration: 30–43 minutes
No. of Tasks: 8
Skills Assessed: Listening (+ writing & reading for some tasks)

Syllabus (Task Types)

1. Summarise Spoken Text (integrated, high weightage)
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
3. Fill in the Blanks
4. Highlight Correct Summary
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer
6. Select Missing Word
7. Highlight Incorrect Words
8. Write From Dictation (highest scorer!)

Test Time

Audio plays once, no replay!
Time builds gradually, ending with Write from Dictation.

Weightage / Marks

Write From Dictation = HIGHEST scoring task in the entire PTE
Summarise Spoken Text = high weightage.
MCQ multiple answer = negative marking

Scoring Criteria

• Listening accuracy
• Spelling & grammar (for writing tasks)
• Content & summary quality
• Word-for-word precision (for dictation tasks)

 Tip: The Listening section can boost both Listening AND Writing scores due to integrated scoring.

Strategies by Section

Speaking & Writing

• Use structured templates for Describe Image, Retell Lecture, and Essay
• Maintain natural pace and clear pronunciation
• Focus on content + oral fluency, not accent
• For writing, use correct grammar, linking words, and clear organisation
• Manage time carefully (do not overthink any single task)

Reading

• Start with high-scoring tasks (Fill in the BReordered Re-order Paragraphs)
• Attempt the Multiple-Choice Multiple Answer carefully because of negative marking
• Scan and skim for keywords to save time
• Practice identifying collocations and context-based vocabulary

Listening

• Take accurate notes during audio playback
• Pay full attention; the audio is played only once
• Focus on Summarise Spoken Text and Write From Dictation (highest weightage)
• Be cautious with tasks that include negative marking
• Attempt every question – most tasks have no penalty

General Strategy

• Master high-weightage tasks first
• Practice under timed conditions
• Learn from official score guides and mock test feedback
• Attempt all questions (no penalty in most tasks)

PTE Preparation Plan (4–6 Weeks Roadmap)

A structured study plan helps you cover all sections systematically and build confidence before test day. A 4–6-week PTE preparation strategy is ideal for most test-takers.

Week 1: Understand the Exam

• Learn the PTE format, section timing, and task types
• Review the official syllabus and scoring criteria
• Identify target score (for university or Visa)

Week 2: Build Core Skills

• Improve vocabulary, grammar, and typing speed
• Practice speaking fluency and pronunciation basics
• Read academic passages and listen to English audio daily

Week 3: Learn Task Strategies

• Study templates for speaking and writing tasks
• Practice high-weightage tasks like Repeat Sentence, Read Aloud, Write From Dictation.
• Begin timed practice with sample questions

Week 4: Intensive Practice

• Complete section-wise practice sets
• Work on time management and accuracy
• Analyse mistakes and refine strategies

Week 5: Full-Length Mock Tests

• Attempt official scored practice tests (V1, V2, V3)
• Identify weak areas using an AI-based score report
• Improve technique for low-scoring tasks

Week 6 (Optional but recommended): Final Boost

• Focus only on high-weightage tasks
• Take 2–3 more full-length scored mocks
• Build confidence and exam stamina

Also Read: PTE Accepting Countries and Universities

Test Day Checklist & ID Rules (What to Expect)

Before the exam, make sure you are fully prepared with the right documents and follow the test centre protocols.

ID Requirements:

• Valid passport (primary ID in most countries)
• Name must exactly match the name used during booking
• No photocopies or expired IDs allowed

Arrival Guidelines:

• Reach the test centre 30 minutes early
• You will go through identity verification and photo capture
• Late entry may result in denied access

Personal Items:

• Personal belongings are stored in lockers
• Only a passport and the necessary paperwork are allowed inside
• No phones, watches, stationery, or food

During the Test:

• You will use a computer with a headset and a microphone
• Adjust the volume and mic before starting
• There are no long breaks in the 2-hour exam
• Raise your hand in case of any technical issues

Comfort Tips:

• Wear light and comfortable clothing
• Practice with a headset before exam day
• Stay calm and focused throughout the test

Retake, Reschedule & Cancellation (What If Plans Change?)

Rescheduling

• Can be done through your myPTE account
• Free if done at least 14 days before the test
• Partial fee charged if done 7–13 days before
• Full fee charged if within 7 days of the test

Cancellation

• Full refund if cancelled 14+ days before test
• Partial refund if 7–13 days before
• No refund within 7 days

Retake Policy

• No fixed waiting period between attempts
• You can book the next test as soon as your result is released
• Candidates often retake the test to improve scores for university or immigration requirements

When Should You Retake?

• If your score is significantly below the target
• If only one section is weak, retake after targeted practice
• Use official scored mocks to check improvement before booking again

Decision Tip:
If you are close to your target score (e.g., missing 2–3 points), prepare for 2–3 weeks and retake the test.
If you are far from your target, revisit fundamentals and follow a structured plan.

PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL Comparison

Conclusion

The PTE exam has become one of the most preferred English proficiency tests for students and professionals because of its fast results, AI-based scoring, flexible booking options, and global acceptance. Compared to IELTS and TOEFL, it offers a shorter test duration, a fully computer-based format, and objective scoring, making it easier to prepare for and more convenient to attempt.

Other Comprehensive Guides for Similar Exam:

• TOEFL Exam
• Duolingo English Test
• GRE Exam