English language · CHECKED 2026-09-22

PTE Academic — your starting guide

Provide a computer-delivered academic English result where accepted.

The exam at a glance

The current test has three parts. Use Pearson’s current section ranges rather than outdated fixed timings.

Speaking and writing

76–84 minutes

9 question types

Reading

23–30 minutes

5 question types

Listening

31–39 minutes

8 question types

The provider gives ranges for each section; the sum of their maximums is not the fixed appointment length. Follow the timing confirmed with your booking.

Full format and scoring →

Is this the test you need?

Students whose institution accepts PTE Academic and any relevant immigration authority accepts the exact test version.

Use PTE Academic for the academic route specified by your recipient.
PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Core and PTE Home serve different requirements; do not treat them as interchangeable.
Use current practice including Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation.

1. Understand the exam →

Sections, timing, current format and score-use caveats.

2. Plan your booking →

Enrolment steps, official dates, ID and fee references.

3. Choose your practice →

See what is available and how much of the exam it covers.

A sensible preparation route

Learn each current task type from Pearson’s format guide.
Practise recording clear, relevant answers and typing under time limits.
Use official scored practice only with its stated conditions; a third-party starter drill is not a PTE prediction.

Independent guidance from Via Glowbal. We are not this exam’s provider and do not guarantee admission or a particular score.

Official sources

Exam guide checked 2026-09-22; registration references checked 2026-09-29. Check the provider before booking; dates, formats and acceptance can change.

Report a changed reference