PTE Exam: What To Study, How to Prepare and so on

Do you want to move to an English-speaking country but don’t know where to start? Having proof of proficiency in English is one of the first steps to achieving your dreams and moving abroad. For students and job seekers who come from countries that do not have English as their first language, such language proficiency tests are mandatory. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is one such test that is undertaken by aspirants wishing to move abroad to an English-speaking country. 

What is The PTE Test?

The Pearson Test for English, better known as the PTE exam, is a computer-based test demonstrating your English language skills. It is accepted by over 3500 educational institutions around the world and is valid for jobs as well. PTE is most commonly accepted in the United States, Australia,  New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It is conducted by the Pearson PLC Group. 

PTE is an almost 3-hour test. It examines your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. It is designed in such a manner that every question tests at least two of these skills at once. This test is administered at a designated test center which will be allocated to you based on your location, once your registration is complete. 

Terratern Offering For PTE

 

Who is Eligible for The PTE Test?

The eligibility criteria for the PTE test are defined as follows. 

• The candidate should have a valid passport

• The candidate should be over 16 years of age 

• There is no upper age limit set for taking the test 

• The candidate should submit a parental consent form if their age falls between the 16-18 age bracket 

• The candidate should carry a valid ID proof while registering and administration of the test (Aadhar, voter ID, driver's license, etc) 

• No specific educational qualifications are necessary, individuals from all educational backgrounds can take this test 

Thus, this test is easily accessible by most people and can be taken by anyone above the age of 16. 

Which Countries Accept the PTE Exam?

The PTE test, organized by the Pearson group, is accepted by over 3500 educational institutions around the world and is valid for jobs as well. It is currently accepted by 74 countries around the world. The following are the most popular countries that accept the PTE exam:

• United States of America

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Ireland 

• Netherlands

• France

PTE Exam Pattern 

The PTE exam tests four segments of your proficiency in English - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Speaking and writing are clubbed into one section. Listening and reading are two individual sections. Thus there are a total of three segments that you are tested on. 

The three sections are organized in the following manner:

 

Types of PTE

The PTE exam is of three types - PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online, and PTE General. 

1. PTE Academic

The PTE Academic is curated for individuals who wish to move to an English-speaking country. It is primarily used for students who wish to study in an English-speaking country but can be taken by people moving to such countries for job purposes as well. The PTE test is often used as a supplement in the process of acquiring a work permit for Australia or New Zealand. 

2. PTE UK Visa Tests

The PTE UK Visa test is a valid measure of proficiency while applying for visas to live and work in the United Kingdom. It is accessible easily and the results can be generated in as soon as two days. This test has a few sub-types; depending on what type of visa you are aiming for, you can choose a test. For a family visa, the PTE Home A1 is needed. If you are applying for citizenship in the UK or just settlement, the PTE Home B1 is needed. Furthermore, if you are applying for study in the UK for education before higher education, that is, before degree level, you must take the PTE Academic UKVI, which also falls under UK visa testing and is different from PTE Academic tests. 

3. PTE Core General 

The PTE Core is the English proficiency test that is used as proof of your proficiency in the language while moving to a non-English speaking European country. This is a general test that can also be taken by individuals who wish to take a proficiency test in English for travel or work purposes. It is a valid measure of proficiency for immigrants wishing to obtain permanent residency in Canada too. The PTE Core test checks six levels of proficiency which are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). 

 

The differences between the Academic and General versions of the test are summed up below.

 

PTE Scoring

The PTE is scored between a range of 10 to 90 points. The scores are graded in comparison to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The grading is done as follows:

 

PTE Score Validity

The PTE Academic score is valid for 2 years. Upon the completion of 2 years since you took the test, the results expire and are no longer considered valid. You will have to retake the test. 

The PTE Core score is valid for 2 years as well.

How To Register For The PTE Exam

Registering for the PTE Test is a very simple process! You can register for this exam in 5 simple steps. 

Step 1: Determine which type of test suits you best- PTE Academic, General, or Academic online. 

Step 2: Register for the test on the website. For the academic test, you can register directly on the website. For the general test, you may have to register through the website of the center, depending on your location. 

Step 3: Select your type of test. Select your location and date. 

Step 4: Complete the application form and upload all the necessary documents. 

Step 5: Proceed to pay the application fees. 

How Can You Prepare For The PTE Test?

Here is a simple study plan that you can consistently follow to clear this exam. 

Step 1: Understand The Exam 

Learn about the official details of the exam - the exam pattern, scoring, and the minimum requirements for your country or institution. 

Step 2: Create A Study Timetable 

Set aside time every day to study for the test. Practice diligently for it every day. 

Step 3: Gather Resource Material 

Collect practice textbooks, solved questions, etc for your reference. 

Step 4: Keep Practicing and Get Feedback

Keep taking tests to practice your writing and listening and practicing your speech for your speaking tests. 

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2. Comprehensive Visa and Immigration Documentation Assistance

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5. Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, PTE, and more

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