May 30, 2025
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The PTE scoring chart is essential for understanding point distribution across each skill, helping students create focused study plans. This blog not only talks about scoring mechanics but also empowers students to evaluate their strengths, pinpoint weaknesses, and fine-tune their preparation for every PTE section as well as understand how each section is scored in PTE.
Individuals looking to migrate abroad often have to show a proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests like PTE a must. While there are several tests like IELTS, TOFEL, the PTE exam offers a distinct advantage to international students.
The PTE exam is an online two hour test that consists of speaking, writing, reading & listening. Unlike traditional pen & paper tests, the tests is fully automated with the score cards being presented within 24-48 hours. Its modern approach, transparent scoring system, and quick results make PTE a top choice for ambitious test-takers.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam that evaluates your proficiency in ‘International English.’ Lasting 2 hours, it’s conducted in a single session at an exam center.
Achieving a desired score is crucial, but the PTE Score Chart offers more than just numbers. It highlights the specific language skills evaluated in each section, enabling students to customize their preparation effectively.
PTE is accepted for both academic and professional purposes. For university admissions or immigration applications, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the General and Academic PTE tests. Below is a table that highlights the key distinctions between these two tests.
Feature | PTE Academic | PTE General |
Purpose | For students and professionals seeking admission to English-speaking universities or for work purposes. | Intended for individuals who want to measure their English language proficiency for personal or professional reasons. |
Format | Computer-based, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a single session. | Consists of two parts: a written paper (reading, listening, and writing) and a separate spoken interview. |
Scoring | Scored by computer algorithms, with results ranging from 10 to 90. | Scored based on performance in the written paper and interview. |
Score Validity | Typically valid for two years. | Generally have a lifetime validity. |
Target Audience | Students seeking admission to universities, professionals seeking jobs in English-speaking countries. | Individuals looking to improve their English for personal or professional reasons, such as travel or immigration.
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The PTE Score report gives a comprehensive assessment of your speaking, writing, reading & listening skills. Test takers usually receive their report card with 48 hours of taking the test.
In a PTE Academic Score Report, test takers’ English proficiency is assessed across four key skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Below are the evaluation criteria for each skill.
SKILL | EVALUATION |
Speaking | Speaking section evaluates a person’s fluency, pronunciation, and understanding of spoken English. |
Writing | The writing section primarily evaluates grammar and spelling. It also considers coherence in written English. |
Reading | The Reading section evaluates tests takers comprehension of complex texts. It also evaluates the grammar and vocabulary level of students. |
Listening | The Listening section assesses the ability to understand spoken English and interpret meanings effectively when answering. |
Here is a PTE score chart that outlines PTE scores and their corresponding Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. Here is a breakdown of PTE score ranges as per 2024 PTE score chart.
PTE SCORE | ENGLISH PROFICIENCY LEVEL | CEFR LEVEL |
85-90 | Expert level; suitable for academic and professional contexts. | C2 |
76-84 | Advanced proficiency; often required for professional purposes. | C1 |
59-75 | Upper-intermediate; generally required for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. | B2 |
43-58 | Intermediate; suitable for undergraduate-level study and familiar topics. | B1 |
30-42 | Elementary; too low for academic coursework but may be suitable for Foundation Year courses. | A2 |
10-29 | Beginner level; not suitable for academic coursework or Foundation Year courses. | A1 |
PTE scores are valid for two years, and students can take the exam up to 12 times to reach their desired score.
There are seven key English language tests: PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English qualifications, CELPIP, EF SET, and TOEIC. Among these, PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL are the most popular. In the below tables, test takers how their PTE test score relate to two other popular English langauage tests.
This given table compares PTE Academic scores with IELTS band scores, helping students who took the PTE test understand how their results align with IELTS standards.
PTE ACADEMIC | IELTS |
23-28 | 4.5 |
29-35 | 5.0 |
36-45 | 5.5 |
46-55 | 6.0 |
56-65 | 6.5 |
66-75 | 7.0 |
76-83 | 7.5 |
84-88 | 8.0 |
89-90 | 8.5 |
This given table compares PTE Academic scores with TOEFL IBT scores, helping students who took the PTE test understand how their results align with TOEFL IBT standards or vice versa.
PTE ACADEMIC | TOEFL IBT |
38 | 40-44 |
42 | 54-56 |
46 | 65-66 |
50 | 74-75 |
53 | 79-80 |
59 | 87-88 |
64 | 94 |
68 | 99-100 |
72 | 105 |
78 | 113 |
84 | 120 |
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) scoring system is designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in English through a structured and comprehensive approach. To ensure a robust and effective evaluation of test taker’s English language skills, the PTE scoring system is fundamentally based on three scoring methods. Here’s an overview of how the scoring system works:
Here is a table that outlines which scoring methods are used for each task type in the PTE Academic exam:
Task Type | Correct/Incorrect Scoring | Partial Credit Scoring | Trait Scoring |
Multiple-choice, choose single answer | ✓ | ||
Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers | ✓ | ||
Fill in the blanks | ✓ | ||
Highlight incorrect words | ✓ | ||
Select missing word | ✓ | ||
Write from dictation | ✓ | ||
Read aloud | ✓ | ✓ | |
Repeat sentence | ✓ | ✓ | |
Describe image | ✓ | ✓ | |
Re-tell lecture | ✓ | ✓ | |
Answer short question | ✓ | ✓ | |
Summarize written text | ✓ | ✓ | |
Write essay | ✓ | ✓ | |
Re-order paragraphs | ✓ | ||
Fill in the blanks | ✓ | ||
Reading and writing: Fill in the blanks | ✓ | ||
Summarize spoken text | ✓ | ✓ | |
Highlight correct summary | ✓ | ||
Multiple-choice, choose single answer (Listening) | ✓ |
As shown in the table, objective tasks with definitive answers like multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blanks use correct/incorrect scoring. More complex tasks involving subjective evaluation, such as speaking and writing tasks, employ partial credit scoring based on accuracy, fluency, vocabulary, and task fulfillment. Trait scoring is used for some tasks to assess specific language traits like pronunciation, oral fluency, and written discourse.
Now lets dive into a detailed breakdown of the scores test takers receive in speaking, writing, reading & listening sections in their PTE Exam.
PTE Speaking is made up of five task types with each task being scored on the basis of oral fluency, pronunciation and content. Almost each task type of PTE Speaking leaving Describe Image has cross section contribution. Here’s a table that summarizes the task types in the Speaking section of the PTE Academic exam, including their scoring methods, time duration, communication skills scored, and the section to which they contribute marks:
Task Type | Scoring Method | Time Duration | Communication Skills Scored | Section Contribution |
Read Aloud | Partial Credit, Trait | 30-40 seconds | Pronunciation, Oral Fluency | Speaking & Reading |
Repeat Sentence | Partial Credit, Trait | 10-12 seconds | Pronunciation, Oral Fluency | Speaking & Listening |
Describe Image | Partial Credit | 40 seconds | Content, Fluency, Vocabulary | Speaking |
Re-tell Lecture | Partial Credit | 60-90 seconds | Content, Fluency, Vocabulary | Speaking & Listening |
Answer Short Question | Partial Credit | 10 seconds | Content, Fluency | Speaking & Listening |
PTE Writing section is the lengthiest task type in terms of time allotted to each question and shortest in terms of number of questions. This section evaluates your grammar, spelling, cohesion & written discourse. Here’s a table that summarizes the task types in the writing section of the PTE Academic exam, including their scoring methods, time duration, communication skills scored, and the section to which they contribute marks:
Task Type | Scoring | Time Duration | Communication Skills Scored | Section Contribution |
Summarize Written Text | Partial Credit | 10 minutes | Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Coherence | Writing & Reading |
Write Essay | Partial Credit | 20 minutes | Writing | Writing |
The PTE reading test lasts 29-30 minutes and features 5 question types to assess overall reading and writing skills. Here’s a summary table of the PTE Academic reading section tasks, including their scoring methods, time duration, communication skills assessed, and the section contributing to the marks:
Task Type | Scoring | Time Duration | Communication Skills Scored | Section Contribution |
Multiple-choice, Choose Single Answer | Correct/Incorrect | Varies by task | Reading Comprehension | Reading |
Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers | Correct/Incorrect | Varies by task | Reading Comprehension | Reading |
Re-order Paragraphs | Partial Credit | Varies by task | Reading Comprehension, Logic, Oragnization | Reading |
Fill in the Blanks | Partial Credit | Varies by task | Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary | Reading |
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Partial Credit | Varies by task | Reading, Grammar & Vocabulary | Reading & Writing |
The PTE Listening test lasts 30-43 minutes and consists of 8 different question types. Questions are based on audio clips that play once on the screen, requiring students to listen carefully before answering.
Task Type | Scoring | Time Duration | Communication Skills Scored | Section Contribution |
Summarize Spoken Text | Partial Credit | 60-90 seconds for audio; 10 minutes to write | Listening skills | Listening & Writing |
Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers | Correct/Incorrect | 40-90 seconds for audio | Listening skills | Listening |
Fill in the Blanks | Partial Credit | 30-60 seconds for audio | Listening skills, Spelling, Vocabulary | Listening |
Highlight Correct Summary | Correct/Incorrect | 30-90 seconds for audio | Listening skills, summarization | Listening |
Multiple-choice, Choose Single Answer | Correct/Incorrect | 30-60 seconds for audio | Listening skills | Listening |
Select Missing Word | Correct/Incorrect | 20-70 seconds for audio | Listening skills, vocabulary | Listening |
Highlight Incorrect Words | Correct/Incorrect | 15-50 seconds for audio | Listening, reading | Listening |
Write from Dictation | Partial Credit | 3-5 seconds for audio | Listening & Writing skills | Listening & Writing |
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is widely accepted across the globe. Below is a list of major countries where PTE scores are recognized as valid proof of English proficiency for admissions and other purposes.
Here is a table summarizing the key PTE-accepting countries, the minimum PTE scores required, and the purpose for which PTE scores are accepted:
Country | Minimum PTE Score | Purpose |
Australia | 50 | Study, Work, Migration |
Canada | 54 | Study, Immigration |
United States | 50-70 | Study |
United Kingdom | 51 | Study, Work, Migration |
New Zealand | 50 | Study, Work, Migration |
Ireland | 51 | Study, Work, Migration |
Germany | 60 | Study |
Singapore | 58 | Study |
Malaysia | 42 | Study |
India | 10 | Study, Work |
Saudi Arabia | 59 | Study |
UAE | 59 | Study |
South Africa | 51 | Study, Work |
Hong Kong | 59 | Study |
Japan | 46 | Study |
South Korea | 50 | Study |
Taiwan | 50 | Study |
Philippines | 42 | Study |
Brazil | 42 | Study |
Mexico | 42 | Study |
Argentina | 42 | Study |
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) score calculation is influenced by several factors that assess a candidate’s English language proficiency. Here’s a summary of the key factors that impact the PTE score calculation:
Table of Factors Influencing PTE Score Calculation
Factor | Description |
Task Response | Accuracy and relevance of answers to the tasks. |
Coherence and Cohesion | Logical flow and organization of ideas in responses. |
Grammar | Correct use of grammatical structures in speaking and writing. |
Spelling | Accuracy of spelling in written tasks. |
Form | Adherence to task-specific requirements (e.g., word limits). |
Content | Appropriateness and richness of information in responses. |
Vocabulary | Range and appropriateness of vocabulary used. |
Pronunciation | Clarity and accuracy of spoken language. |
Oral Fluency | Smoothness and natural pace of speech delivery. |
Enabling Skills | Assessment of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, oral fluency, spelling, and written discourse. |
These factors collectively contribute to the scoring of each section of the PTE exam, influencing both the communicative skills scores (speaking, writing, reading, listening) and the enabling skills scores. Understanding these factors can help candidates focus their preparation on areas that will enhance their overall performance in the exam.
To view your PTE exam results, log into your account on the PTE website. You will receive an email notification once your scores are available. Follow these steps to access your scores:
PTE scores must be sent through the PTE secure online portal, as institutions do not accept paper or PDF versions. Sending scores to universities is free of charge. Here’s how to send your score report:
PTE scores are typically valid for two years from the date of the test. This means that universities and immigration authorities will accept PTE scores that are less than two years old when you apply.
Yes, you can retake the PTE as many times as needed. You must wait for your score before rebooking.
Log in to your Pearson account, select your test, and send scores directly to institutions or immigration bodies free of charge.
Minimum PTE scores vary by university and course. Generally, scores range from 50 to 65 for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
Practice regularly, focus on weak sections, take mock tests, and consider expert guidance or PTE preparation courses for best results.
PTE is computer-based and often considered easier due to faster results, automated scoring, and no human interaction during speaking section.