• PTE

PTE Score Chart 2024: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Aug 17,2024 05:22 PM IST

The PTE scoring system is transparent and logical. By understanding the point distribution within each skill and the overall calculation method, students can develop targeted study plans. This blog goes beyond the mechanics of scoring, equipping students with the knowledge to assess their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their preparation for each PTE section.

PTE score chart 2024.webp

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While several English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests exist, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) offers a distinct advantage to international students. 

Unlike traditional pen-and-paper tests, the PTE test offers a digital, immersive experience to the test takers that mirrors real-world scenarios. Speaking to a virtual audience, responding to lectures, and writing essays on current topics closely resemble the academic and social demands students face abroad. This modern approach, coupled with its transparent scoring system and fast results, makes PTE one of the most preferred English language proficiency exams for many ambitious aspirants.

What is PTE? 

Pearson Test of English (PTE), is a computer-based language proficiency test designed to assess a candidate’s command of 'International English.' The test has a duration of 2 hours and is conducted in a single session at a designated exam centre.

While achieving a desired score is essential, the PTE Score Chart offers valuable insights beyond mere numbers. It reveals the specific language skills assessed in each section, allowing students to tailor their preparation accordingly.

Types of PTE test

PTE is widely accepted for academic purposes like university admissions and professional purposes like immigration applications. Below is a table summarizing the key differences between the General and Academic PTE test.

FeaturePTE AcademicPTE General
FocusAcademic EnglishEveryday English
PurposeUniversity admissions, professional licensesImmigration applications
ContentAcademic topics, lectures, essaysSocial situations, conversations, emails
ScoringAligned with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levelsAligned with IELTS General Training bands

What is a PTE Score Report? 

The PTE score report summarizes the candidate’s performance on the Pearson Test of English (PTE). Students receive their PTE score report within 48 hours of taking the test. 

InfoG-PTE score chart 2024.webp


The PTE academic score report includes two types of scoring; 

Overall ScoreIt provides the overall score, ranging between 10-90 points, reflecting the individual’s overall English proficiency across the test. 
Communicative skills scoresThese are the scores that the candidates get individually on the four key areas, speaking, writing, reading, and listening, along with a detailed overview of a student’s language capabilities. 

In a PTE Academic Score Report, the English language proficiency of the test takers is evaluated based on their skills in all four aspects of a language such as speaking, writing, reading and listening. Below are the evaluation details associated with all four aspects.

SkillEvaluation
SpeakingThis section assesses an individual’s fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary in spoken English. The report also provides additional details like fluency and pronunciation range.
WritingThis section evaluates the grammar, accuracy, vocabulary, and coherence in written English. Individuals receive a score and feedback on specific areas like grammar and sentence framing. 
ReadingThis section measures the comprehension of various text types, including academic articles and everyday materials. The student’s score is accompanied by information about their ability to handle complex texts and infer meaning.
ListeningThis section tests the ability to understand spoken English in different contexts, like lectures and conversations. Students receive their score and details about their comprehension of various accents and speaking styles.

PTE Score Chart 2024: What does your PTE score mean?

Below is a PTE score chart that provides a general framework for understanding PTE scores and their corresponding Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels.

PTE ScoreCEFR LevelEnglish Proficiency Level
85-90C2Expert 
76-84C1Advanced
59-75B2Upper-Intermediate
43-58B1Intermediate
30-42A2Elementary
10-29A1Beginner

PTE provides detailed feedback on the student’s performance in each skill area, guiding them for future preparation. PTE scores are valid for two years and students can retake the PTE as often as needed to achieve the desired scores.

Understanding PTE Score Comparison with IELTS and TOEFL 

Several English language proficiency tests are accessible for students, including options like IELTS and TOEFL. In the tables below, test takers can find how their PTE 2024 exam scores relate to two other popular English Proficiency tests, IELTS and TOEFL.

PTE Academics and IELTS Band Comparison

The table below offers a general comparison of PTE academic scores with IELTS band scores for students who opted for the PTE test but wish to understand how their scores align with the IELTS standards. 

PTE AcademicIELTS
23-284.5
29-355.0
36-455.5
46-556.0
56-656.5
66-757.0
76-837.5
84-888.0
89-908.5
N/A9.0

PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT Comparison

This table compares PTE Academic scores with TOEFL iBT scores, offering insight into how the candidate’s PTE performance translates to the familiar TOEFL scale.

PTE AcademicTOEFL iBT
3840-44
4254-56
4665-66
5074-75
5379-80
5987-88
6494
6899-100
72105
78113
84120

What is the PTE scoring system? 

The PTE scoring system is based on automated scoring technologies where some of the answers are rated only on the basis of their correctness and incorrectness, while others are based on formal aspects (e.g. word limit of the task) and the quality of response (e.g. fluency and pronunciation).  To ensure a comprehensive and impartial evaluation of the candidate’s English language skills, the PTE scoring system has adopted two scoring methods: 

Correct or Incorrect ScoringThis method objectively assesses tasks with definitive correct or incorrect answers, such as multiple-choice questions or fill-in-the-blanks. 
Partial Credit ScoringThis method offers a detailed assessment of tasks requiring more elaborate responses or subjective evaluation, such as essay writing, speaking tasks, or summarizing written texts.

FeaturesCorrect or Incorrect ScoringPartial Credit Scoring
Applied toTasks that have objectively correct or incorrect answers, such as:

• Multiple Choice Questions
• Fill-in-the-blanks
• Re-ordering paragraphs
• Selecting missing words
Tasks that require more elaborate responses or involve subjective evaluation, such as:

• Repeating Sentences
• Summarizing Written Text
• Describing Images
• Writing Essays
• Responding to Essay Prompts
Scoring• Candidates receive 1 point for each correct answer
• There's no negative marking for incorrect answers

Candidates receive partial credit based on several factors, including:

• Accuracy of content
• Fluency and pronunciation
• Grammar and vocabulary
• Organization and coherence
• Task fulfilment


Here is a detailed breakdown of the marks individuals receive in the reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections to help you better understand the PTE scoring system.

PTE Reading Score Chart

The PTE reading test is 29-30 minutes long and includes 5 different question types designed to assess the candidate’s overall comprehension and writing skills. 

Task TypeScoring MethodPrompt LengthCommunicative Skills Scored
Multiple Choice - Single Correct AnswerCorrect/IncorrectUp to 300 words• Reading Comprehension
Multiple Choice - Multiple Correct AnswersCorrect/IncorrectUp to 300 words• Reading Comprehension
• Scanning
Reading and Writing Fill in the BlanksPartial Credit Up to 300 words• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
Fill in the BlanksPartial Credit Up to 80 words• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
Re-order ParagraphsPartial Credit Up to 150 words• Reading Comprehension
• Text Organization
• Logic

PTE Listening Score Chart

The PTE Listening test is a 30-43 minute section made up of 8 different question types. The questions are based on audio or video clips that play on the screen, students get to hear these audio/video clips only once before proceeding to answer. 

Task TypeScoring MethodPrompt LengthCommunicative Skills 
Multiple Choice-Single Correct AnswerCorrect/Incorrect30-90 seconds • Listening Comprehension
Multiple Choice-Multiple Correct AnswersCorrect/Incorrect40-90 seconds• Listening Comprehension
• Detail Identification
Fill in the BlanksPartial Credit30-60 seconds • Listening Comprehension
• Spelling
• Vocabulary
Highlight Correct SummaryCorrect/Incorrect30-90 seconds • Listening Comprehension
• Summarization
Write from DictationPartial Credit3-5 Seconds • Listening Comprehension
• Spelling
• Grammar
Select Missing WordCorrect/Incorrect20-70 seconds • Listening Comprehension
• Vocabulary
Highlight Incorrect WordCorrect/Incorrect15-50 seconds • Listening Comprehension
• Reading
Summarize Spoken TextPartial Credit30-90 seconds • Listening Comprehension
• Summarization
• Conciseness

PTE Speaking & Writing Score Chart 

Speaking and Writing is the longest section of PTE, lasting anywhere between 54-67 minutes; the section is made up of seven different question types, designed to evaluate the student’s ability to communicate effectively in an academic environment. The section also contains a short PTE personal introduction round aimed towards familiarising the students with the test technology; this round does not affect the student’s score and is only for practice. 

Task TypeScoringPrompt LengthCommunicative Skills Scored
Read AloudPartial CreditUp to 60 words• Pronunciation
• Fluency
• Reading
Describe ImagePartial CreditN/A• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Cohesion
• Relevance
Repeat SentencePartial Credit3-9 Seconds• Pronunciation
• Listening
• Speaking
Answer Short QuestionPartial Credit3-9 Seconds• Spoken Expression
• Vocabulary
• Listening
Re-tell LecturePartial CreditUp to 90 Seconds• Speaking Skills
• Listening
• Retention
Summarize Written TextPartial CreditUp to 300 words• Reading Comprehension
• Summarization
• Conciseness
EssayPartial Credit2-3 Sentences• Writing

Which Countries Accept PTE Scores? 

The Pearson Test of English is accepted by many institutions around the world. Below is a list of some leading countries that accept PTE as a valid English language proficiency proof for admissions. 

AustraliaUSASouth KoreaSouth Africa
New zealandEstoniaSingaporeTaiwan
ChinaVietnamIrelandEgypt
AustriaSpainSri LankaThailand
CanadaGermanyTurkeyGreece
BulgariaUAESwedenOman
Hong KongJordanBangladeshNepal

How PTE Score is Calculated? 

The PTE algorithm takes into account various factors beyond specific answers, utilizing a blend of automated scoring and human validation to provide a comprehensive and reliable assessment of the student's English language proficiency. Here is a breakdown of the process:

PTE has four main skill areas:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

Each skill area consists of various task types, such as multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, essays, summaries, and spoken responses.

Different tasks use different scoring methods:

Correct/IncorrectObjective tasks with definitive answers receive full credit for correct responses and no penalty for incorrect answers.
Partial CreditMore complex tasks involving subjective evaluation earn partial credit based on various factors like accuracy, fluency, vocabulary, and task fulfilment.
Automated Scoring• For most tasks, initial scoring is done by sophisticated algorithms analysing the candidate’s responses objectively.
• These algorithms assess various criteria based on the specific task type and scoring method.
• The algorithms generate an initial score for each task within each skill area.
Human Validation

• To ensure accuracy and consistency, trained human experts review responses, particularly those involving subjective evaluation like essays and spoken responses.
• The experts may adjust the initial score based on their assessment and ensure it aligns with the scoring criteria.
• This human expertise acts as a quality control to the automated scoring process, ensuring accuracy and fairness.

Overall Score• Individual scores for each task within each skill area are combined to calculate the student’s overall score for that skill.
• The overall scores for all four skills are then averaged to generate the candidate’s final PTE score.
• This ensures a balanced representation of the candidate’s proficiency across all communication skills.

Breakdown of PTE Score Ranges 

The table below gives a detailed breakdown of each score range as per the 2024 PTE score chart. Candidates can frame an average PTE band score chart concept respectively:

PTE ScoreCEFR LevelFocus on Skill Assessment
85-90C2• Advanced influence
• Outstanding command of all communication skills
• Exceptional Understanding and expression
76-84C1• High level of fluency
• Strong command of all communication skills
• Consistent accuracy and complexity in the use of language
59-75B2• Very good fluency
• Proficient in all communication skills
• Confident and effective communication in academic and professional contexts
43-58B1• Good fluency
• Solid command of all communication skills
• Capable of handling academic and professional situations with some occasional challenge
30-42A2• Moderate fluency
• Developing command of communication skills
• May face occasional difficulties in complex academic or professional contexts
10-29A1• Low fluency
• Basic understanding of English
• Requires significant improvement in all communication skills

How to Check PTE Results?

PTE test takers can access their exam results and scores via online accounts created while registering for the exam. They receive emails as soon as the scores are available. Candidates can log into their Pearson VUE account (myPTE) and check their scores.

Steps to Access PTE Scores

1. Visit the official PTE website
2. Login with the registered ID (myPTE)
3. Click on Activity and find the appointment connected with your PTE score

PTE Score Reporting: How to Send PTE Score

Since universities do not accept paper or PDF versions of PTE scores, candidates can send their reports via an online secure portal set up by PTE. The facility of sending PTE scores to universities is free and comes with no added cost.

Steps to sending PTE Score Report

• Log in to ‘my PTE account’
• Click on the 'View Score Reports' section.
• Click on 'Send Scores'
• Type the name of the chosen institution and select the institution.
• Type the name of the chosen course and select the preferred course of study.
• Review the details then scroll down the page and click 'Next' to confirm.
• Repeat for each institution.

It is important for students to remember that a high PTE score doesn't only hinge on memorizing grammar rules or vocabulary lists. It's about developing fluency, confidence, and ability to communicate effectively in a variety of academic and real-world situations. Focus on the learning process, experiment with different techniques, and utilize the vast resources available at Canamprep With dedication, strategic planning, and consistent practice, students can master the Parsons English Test and achieve their desired score.  

FAQ

PTE scores are valid for a time period of two years from the date of the exam. Upon completion of these two years, the expired scores are automatically removed from the candidate’s account.

The PTE exam does not have any minimum passing score. However, a score of 50-60 out of the total range of 10-90 is considered appropriate for any candidate.

A score of 60 can be considered a competent score, but for better admission prospects, students should strive to get scores ranging between 65 and 75 or above.

Yes, PTE is one of the accepted language proficiency tests in Canada, apart from IELTS, if a candidate plans to study.

The acceptable PTE score varies from institute to institute in Canada. However, the minimum acceptable PTE score ranges between 58 and 73.

Both PTE and IELTS are popular English language proficiency tests taken by candidates across the world. While both tests are equally good, IELTS is a better choice for candidates preferring fixed-marks tests, and PTE is easier if the candidate wishes to be tested and rewarded for their understanding of the language.

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