Understand Our English Test Scoring System

Accurate, objective, relevant results

PTE Academic delivers accurate, objective and relevant English test results.

Note: This score alignment is recommended by PTE Academic.

In December 2020, we released some research showing updated concordance between PTE Academic and IELTS Academic. PTE scores and scoring have not changed. View the full report here.

Automated scoring

Our automated scoring system is based on complex algorithms that were trained by testing a data sample of over 10,000 students with over 120 native languages.

We fed thousands of human marks into our system and now find that the standard error measurement between our system and a human rater is less than between one human rater to another. Hear our experts talk about automated scoring via YouTube or view our whitepaper.

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Global Scale Of English

Our test is scored against the Global Scale of English, giving you an accurate snapshot of test-taker performance on a scale of 10 – 90.

If you would like guidance on setting your score requirement for foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate study, contact us or find out more about the Global Scale of English.

Detailed score report

With PTE Academic, students receive an overall English score, as well as scores for individual English sub-skills and enabling skills.

With PTE Academic you can see:

Overall score
Speaking score
Listening score
Reading score
Writing score
Grammar score
Spelling score
Oral Fluency score
Vocabulary score
Written Discourse score

For more information on PTE Academic score reports, view the PTE Academic score guide.

Download Score Guide

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Security

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Buy Vouchers

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Start Accepting PTE Academic

Let students apply to your institution

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Online Score Verification

Check applicant scores securely online

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Keep in touch

Join our growing PTE community.
Hear about our latest updates directly from us!

Testimonials

PTE Academic made it easy for me to achieve my dream of registering as a nurse. The format of the test, though challenging, is very achievable if one does a lot of practice. I will encourage anyone to take PTE Academic. I also think that the tasks are straightforward and easy to understand.

Faith

I'm going to take my postgraduate studies in Australia and I'm very happy because PTE Academic is recognized by all Australian universities. The scored practice test in the Pearson website was extremely helpful during my review. During the day of my exam, the examiners were very professional and strict with the rules. I received my test results after 24 hours. PTE Academic exam is indeed the "fast and fair English test."

Raymond Angelo

Since the exam is done on a computer, the test taker has the ability to use his skills effectively.

Damith

Good ? Number one

Rajesh Kumar

I would recommend PTE Academic as it is more convenient in choosing an exam date and getting the results is also easy.

Govinda

The thing that I liked the most about this test was the kindness of the people in the venue. Very friendly staff who helped me to feel more relaxed. I didn't feel the stress of being in a test and that for me that was crucial.

Lina

Fast booking and very quick release of results! Very highly recommended than any other English test :)

Eillen

Preparation and dedication to get the desired result is the key factor in getting the score you want.

Nila

PTE Academic is a good test of English. The preparation improved my English language.

George

What I love about the test is the speed of reporting scores and the objective scoring approach.

Ngoc

PTE is more practical and less stressful than many other English language tests. It helped me confirm my scholarship and gained admission to my dream University. Without PTE, I would have forfeit these life opportunities. It is really an updated test.

Iya

PTE Academic accurately reflects an individual's ability to communicate in standard English. I would prefer this exam to other available tests as it removes the elements of human bias in scoring. Unlike other English proficiency exams, PTE Academic is less time-consuming when it comes to exam preparation and score card report fulfillment.

Selva Mariappan

I love the fact that there is not a person behind the score marking. It eliminates any chance of a biased score.

Pietro

The Pearson Test of English Academic is a great exam for English proficiency! The test purely consists of all the necessary basic components of the English language and you are tested in-depth. What’s more, you get your results within a few days of taking the exam!

Maxximillian Ray

The best thing about PTE Academic is giving the test on computers. Its format is fairly easy to understand and lots of materials are available online to help you.

Jagrut Gajraj

PTE Academic is really a fair test of English language skills and people can rely on it.

Prudencia

Pearson is the most objective and most efficient way to test my English language skills. The exam is fair and accurate, plus I got my results in 24 hours! 100% would recommend.

Jan Michelle

I have known Pearson for a couple of years already and I'll say that my experience taking PTE Academic was a great one. The Offline Test had shown enough information for me to understand what was needed and the test is pretty fair. Thanks for the professionalism, Pearson!

Wellington

PTE Academic test format makes it possible to improve scores in all the sections with practice. There is a positive correlation between hours spent on practice material and the score. I found the option to take scored practice tests highly valuable.

Teena Sehgal

Sailed through the assessment experience without a glitch. Every step right from online test enrollment to on-spot registration at the test center is easy and fast. Test center logistics and arrangements are pretty convenient too and the best part is the rapid availability of test score. The preparation materials available on the official website are very effective too.

Rajeswari

PTE Academic reoriented me to write correct English every day. I loved the test and even more after achieving my desired score.

Shallu

The study material was user-friendly. Testing on the day went smoothly. Very professionally done!! Very happy!!!

Amanda Smith

No human interactions, no waiting for the speaking test. You will just get the marks according to your quality.

Shafayet Ullah

I consider PTE Academic as the most objective, efficient, convenient, and effective English test available for professionals. I will definitely recommend PTE Academic with my friends aiming to study overseas.

Ruth Camille Avena

It is a well designed test which actually measures the English language ability of candidates. I thought that the test was brilliantly designed, was interactive and a true reflection of one's language ability.

Usman Ashraf

PTE Academic gives you accurate and quick results. I already took 2 English exams before and I can't get my desired scores in writing. Thanks to PTE Academic!

Katrina Sarmiento

The best thing about PTE Academic is that it is computer-based with quick results which not only reduces anxiety of results but also save a lot of time.

Rohit Makhija

Fabulous way of sitting an academic English test. Friendly staff and relaxed environment. Felt no pressure whatsoever while sitting the exam. I had privacy and I felt like I was just at home studying.

Emina Music

The advantages of PTE Academic are many. 1. The test takes place at one go. No need to come back for different sections as other tests. 2. The results are available in 5 days. 3. The format of the test easy to pick with 2-3 mock tests. 4. The study material for the test easily available online. 5. The website itself is very interactive and all the information is available.

Suhaib Ahmed Kawish

The test is well designed, and with no human intervention, it's a fair assessment of the language skills. The exam covers a variety of questions that test language skills accurately.

Nauzer Ahmed Peer