PTE General (formerly known as the London Test of English) or Pearson English International Certificate (as of December 2020) is an international English language examination for speakers of English as a foreign language (EFL). It is developed by Pearson Language Tests and administered by Edexcel, the exams are accredited by QCA, the Qualification and Curriculum Authority. The Pearson Test of English Academic is an English language test designed to assess the readiness of non-native English speakers to participate in a university-level English language instruction program. Pearson created PTE Academic in response to demand from institutions, government and other organizations for a more accurate way of testing non – native English language students who enter the English-speaking academia world. The range for the overall score is 10-90 points. Scores for communicative skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) are based on all test items that assess these skills, either as a single skill or together with other skills. The range for each communicative skill score is 10-90 points.
PTE Academic is the first entirely computer-based English language test for international study and immigration that is accepted across the world. Powered by AI technology, PTE Academic provides a fast and convenient testing solution without human bias. The test assesses the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It lasts approximately 3 hours and provides a score based on the GSE (Global Scale of English). PTE Academic scores are accepted by thousands of institutions and approved for all UK, Australian, and New Zealand visa and immigration categories. Test sessions can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance, 365 days a year.
PTE exam as been divided into three parts. That is Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. In part 1 you will be tested on your speaking and writing skills. The time given to this section is 77-93 minutes. In Part 2 you will be tested on your reading skills. The time given to this section is 32-40 minutes. Part 3 consists of questions that are based on audio or video clips which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip only once so listen carefully. You are allowed to take notes. The time given to this section is 45-57 minutes.
There is no specific eligibility criteria for PTE Academic defined by Pearson VUE- the conducting body of the test. However, the test takers or the applicants will be required to provide information like age, grades, parental consent if the candidate is below 18 years of age.
