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Types of PTE Exam - PTE Academic & PTE General Training

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By: Canamprep

Updated On: Dec 30,2023 , 01:26 PM IST

Exam Types of PTE

PTE tests are classified into three types: PTE Academic, PTE General, and PTE Academic Online. In these versions, the PTE exam pattern is broken down into parts that assess a person's essential English language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam used to measure an individual's level of English proficiency. The PTE exam pattern is accepted as proof of English fluency in over 3000 educational institutions in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and others. The PTE is well-known for its outstanding syllabus and quick results.

PTE Academic

The PTE exam time duration is approximately 2 hours, and the pattern consists of three sections:

  • Speaking and Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening

You should note that there is no particular number of questions for any section.

PTE General

The General version is divided into two sections: Writing and Speaking, which is designed to assess your reading, listening, writing, and speaking abilities in English. When it comes to the PTE General exam, it is critical to understand the six levels of proficiency assessed. These levels are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) (CEFR).

Levels in PTE General Test

Level of proficiency Grade Duration
A1 Foundation 1 hour 15 minutes
1 Elementary 1 hour 30 minutes
2 Intermediate 1 hour 35 minutes
3 Upper-Intermediate 2 hours
4 Advanced  (Operational Proficiency) 2 hours 30 minutes
5 Proficient (Mastery) 2 hours 55 minutes

If you plan to study in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you should take the PTE Academic test. New Zealand and Australia recognize the results of this test for work and immigration visas.

Online PTE Academic

PTE Academic Online allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your own home or any other location. The PTE exam pattern is the same as for the Academic version, but the PTE Academic Online result is not yet approved for visa applications.

Those who desire to take the 'PTE at Home' can book their PTE Academic test online beginning November 16, 2021. The total duration of PTE Test have also been cut by one hour (PTE revised pattern) beginning November 16, 2021. Make sure to check with the university about its acceptance.

Difference between PTE Academic and General

  PTE General PTE Academic
Purposes Work and study mostly in non-English speaking European regions. Work, immigration, and study in English-speaking countries.
Validity Forever 2 years
Test Dates February, May, June, October, November, and December Every month; depending on the test centre
Registration Via the test centres Online via the Pearson official website
Format
  • Spoken interview
  • Written section, evaluating listening, reading, and writing
  1. Speaking section
  2. Writing section
  3. Reading section
  4. Listening section
Duration 1.5 to 3 hours 3 hours

Please keep in mind that the assessment systems for these tests differ. So, during the PTE General, you prepare a paper and have a human interview. The Algorithm, on the other hand, scores the PTE Academic version of the test.

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