What is PTE? PTE Exam Structure And Related Things
PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a computer-based English test, used to evaluate the 4 skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing of international students or those intending to settle abroad. Currently, PTE includes 3 main types of tests: PTE Young Learners (for elementary school children), PTE General (combined PTE: for high school students) and PTE Academic (PTE academic). Among them, PTE Academic is the most popular test type for those who intend to study abroad or settle in countries where the main language is English such as the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, etc. Although it is not as popular as IELTS or TOEFL, the PTE Academic test is also considered by many international students.
It includes 3 main parts: Speaking and Writing, Reading, Listening. The exam lasts 3 hours, specifically as follows:
Main part 1: Speaking and Writing, including 6 small parts with a duration of 77 - 93 minutes.
• Section 1: Introduce yourself (1 minute)
• Section 2: Read aloud - Repeat sentences - Describe images - Retell the lecture - Answer short questions (30 – 35 minutes)
• Section 3 & 4: Summary of the article (20 minutes)
• Section 5: Summarize the article or write an essay (10 or 20 minutes)
• Section 6: Writing an essay (20 minutes).
This one includes the parts Choose the only answer, Rearrange grammar in a paragraph, and Fill in the blanks.
• Section 1: Summary of the listening passage (20 or 30 minutes)
• Section 2: Choose the only answer, Fill in the blanks, Underline the correct summary, Choose the missing word, Underline incorrect words, Spelling (23 – 28 minutes).
In Vietnam, Pearson - the managing unit of the PTE exam, authorized two units: EMG Education and Duc Anh, to organize the exam in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.
PTE Exam Fees
According to Pearson's announcement, the PTE exam fee has changed compared to 2023. Specifically, it has increased from 180 USD (nearly 4,200,000 VND) to 185 USD (nearly 4,600,000 VND).
PTE certificates are usually valid for 2 years, but for those who take the PTE test for immigration purposes and to assess vocational skills in Australia, the issued certificate will be valid for 3 years. Therefore, before taking the exam, candidates must consider choosing an exam format that is appropriate to their plans and time to study abroad.
PTE certificate is for those who plan to study abroad at high schools, colleges, universities, etc. or settle or work in countries that use English as the main language. Especially, the time to register and take the PTE certification exam is quick, so it is very suitable for those who are preparing to study abroad in a short time.
The age to participate in the test is that candidates must be 16 years old. For those aged 16 - 18 years old, parental consent is required (consent form from the PTE organization), while those over 18 years old can register for the exam themselves.
PTE certification is widely recognized globally such as Australia, New Zealand, Department of Immigration, Department of Immigration and Australian Border Protection, Universities and Colleges in the UK, the UK Admissions System, the UK Border Agency, universities and colleges in the US and Canada such as Harvard, Yale, universities in Finland, International TESOL Association, business training schools in countries such as INSEAD, HEC Paris in France, IESE, IE Business School & ESADE in Spain. Therefore, everyone can absolutely choose the PTE Academic exam when considering visa applications to study, settle and work abroad.
Advantages: Widely recognized around the world, high security and fairness, cheaper exam fees, quick test score sending, unlimited number without additional fees.
Disadvantages: PTE certificate is less popular and cannot be used for the SDS program (study abroad program in Canada without proof of finances).
Factors |
PTE |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
Score system |
10 – 90 |
0 – 9.0 |
0 - 120 |
Exam Fees |
4,2 – 4,6 million VND |
4,5 – 5,2 million VND |
3,9 – 4,6 million VND |
Exam Forms |
Based – on computer |
2 forms:
ELTS Academic
IELTS General Training
|
2 forms:
TOEFL iBT (Test on computer with network connection) and
TOEFL PBT (for offline areas)
|
The Exam Format |
3 parts with 4 skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing |
4 skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing |
4 skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing |
Exam Duration |
3 hours |
3 hours |
4 hours |
PTE Academic |
IELTS |
TOEFL iBT |
30 |
4.5 |
|
36 |
5.0 |
|
38 |
|
40 - 44 |
42 |
5.5 |
54 - 56 |
46 |
|
65 - 66 |
50 |
6.0 |
74 - 75 |
53 |
|
79 - 80 |
58 |
6.5 |
|
59 |
|
87 - 88 |
64 |
|
94 |
65 |
7.0 |
|
68 |
|
99 - 100 |
72 |
|
105 |
73 |
7.5 |
|
78 |
|
113 |
79 |
8.0 |
|
83 |
8.5 |
|
84 |
|
120 |
86 |
9.0 |
|