The Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) is an English language proficiency test that is similar to IELTS and TOEFL. Similar to these tests, the PTE is used to evaluate the communication skill of a non-native speaker in English and can help universities determine whether a student can understand the course material if it is taught entirely in English. The PTE is also accepted as a benchmark for English proficiency by countries as a part of their immigration program.

Features of PTE

1.The PTE is generally taken by people whose first language is not English in order to study in or immigrate to English speaking countries.
2.The scores of the PTE exam are accepted as criteria for admission to many universities across the world.
3.Many of the top ranked universities such as Harvard, Yale, and INSEAD accept PTE scores as criteria for granting admissions.
4.Candidates should be at least 16 years old in order to attempt the PTE
5.Candidates less than 18 years of age need to provide proof of parent’s consent

Versions of PTE test

The PTE has two versions – the PTE academic and PTE general
1.The PTE academic is specially designed for students who plan to study in an under graduation or post-graduation program where the medium of instruction will be in English
2.PTE general gauges an immigrant’s ability to communicate easily in English and assimilate in an English speaking society.

Sections For PTE Academic

1.PTE academic is of three-hour duration.
2.It tests the candidates for their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills
3.The candidates are required to listen to questions or read them from a printout and answer them accordingly
4.The PTE academic test is comprised of 20 different questions which are spread among the three major sections.
5.The questions can be in the form of analytical interpretation, multiple choice questions or essay prompts

Sections For PTE General

1.The PTE general test is typically comprised of two sections, writing and speaking.
2.The written test is used to gauge the listening, reading and writing skills of the candidate
3.The speaking test is used to assess the proficiency of the candidate in speaking English.