Test Format and Structure

Why do I need to record a Personal Introduction at the beginning of test? What will that be used for?

Test takers are required to provide a Personal Introduction. They are not assessed on their performance for the Personal Introduction. This response may provide an additional biometric (a voice print) to allow institutions to compare an applicant’s voice with the voice recorded while taking the test. The Personal Introduction will be available as a digital sound file and will accompany score reports.

What is the test format?

The format of the test is:

Part	Content	Time allowed
Intro	Introduction	Not timed
Part 1	Speaking and writing	77–93 minutes
Part 2	Reading	32-41 minutes
Optional Scheduled Break		10 minutes
Part 3	Listening	45-57 minutes

The minimum and maximum timings of the sections do not add up to the total test time. This is because different versions of the test are balanced for total length.

How do I know how much time I have left during the test?

The test is three hours long. Each section is individually timed. You can refer to the timer in the upper right hand corner of the computer screen, 'Section Time Remaining,' which counts down the time remaining for each section.

What if I make a mistake in my answers and | want to correct them?

For multiple choice responses, to de-select, click on the response option or corresponding radio button or checkbox, then re-select the required response.
For typed responses, cut, copy and paste options are available.
For recorded responses, you cannot re-record any spoken responses so make sure you are prepared. In addition, if you remain silent for more than three seconds, the microphone will close automatically.

You should correct the mistakes before you navigate to the next item, as you will not be able to return to the previous item or review answers at the end.

What is the structure of PTE Academic?

PTE Academic incorporates 20 integrated and often innovative item types that use authentic, interactive task-based examples from academic settings to provide a realistic reflection of how language is used. Because many items set tasks that require candidates to make use of more than one language skill, there are no sections testing one skill only. However, the first section addresses mainly speaking and writing skills, the second section focuses on reading skills, and the last section concentrates on listening skills.

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