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PTE Academic and PTE Core: Format, Scoring and Who Uses Them

PTE is a computer-based English test from Pearson. PTE Academic is used for study abroad and for visas such as Australia's. PTE Core is used for general and work purposes, and according to IRCC it is an approved English test for Canada's Express Entry. Both are scored automatically on a 10–90 scale, with results typically within a few days.

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Owner

Pearson

Versions

PTE Academic (study abroad, Australia and other visas) · PTE Core (Canada Express Entry, general and work purposes)

Delivery

On computer, at a test centre

Scoring

Automated scoring with human oversight; 10–90 scale

Sections

Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening

Results

Typically within a few days

Should you take PTE Academic or PTE Core?

Take the version your university, employer or immigration program names. They are different tests, and one is not a substitute for the other.

If you are applying for Canada PR, read what IRCC asks for in English and French. For Australia, see the English test options for Australian skilled visas.

What is the PTE format?

PTE has three parts: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Everything is done on a computer, including speaking into a microphone. The test is taken in one sitting.

• Speaking & Writing: short tasks such as reading a text aloud, repeating sentences, describing an image, retelling a lecture and answering short questions, plus written tasks such as summarising a text and writing an essay (Academic) or email (Core).
• Reading: multiple-choice items, re-ordering paragraphs and filling in blanks. Some reading tasks also test writing-style skills like grammar and word choice.
• Listening: summarising spoken text, multiple choice, filling blanks, highlighting incorrect words and writing from dictation.

Task lists and timings can change. Check the current format on pearsonpte.com before you practise, so your mocks match the real test.

How is PTE scored?

PTE uses automated scoring with human oversight. You get an overall score and skill scores on a 10–90 scale.

Many tasks are integrated. For example, repeating a sentence you hear can count towards both Listening and Speaking. This is why small habits matter: a long pause or a restart in a speaking task can affect more than one score.

The scoring engine responds to measurable features such as fluency, pronunciation, content and form. Speaking smoothly at a natural pace usually helps more than trying to sound "advanced".

How should you prepare for each PTE skill?

Learn each task type, practise it under the real timer, then take full mock tests. Most lost marks come from not knowing what a task rewards.

Speaking

• Aim for steady fluency. Avoid long silences, fillers and restarting sentences.
• Record yourself and listen for clear word endings and stress.
• Use a simple, repeatable structure for describing images and retelling lectures.

Writing

• Follow word limits exactly in summary tasks.
• Use a clear essay or email structure and check spelling and grammar.

Reading

• Build collocation knowledge for fill-in-the-blank tasks.
• For re-order paragraphs, look for topic sentences and linking words.

Listening

• Practise note-taking for summaries.
• Train spelling for dictation — it often decides the score on that task.

Frequently asked questions