PTE Academic Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
PTE scores each section 10–90 and reports an Overall score plus Enabling Skills (Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, Written Discourse). Australian skilled visas require Overall 65 (Competent English) or 79 (Proficient).
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 30 min | 90 |
| Writing | 60 min | 90 |
| Listening | 50 min | 90 |
| Speaking | 40 min | 90 |
Section Breakdown
speaking writing
Speaking and Writing — first section (~77–93 minutes).
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-tell LectureAnswer Short QuestionSummarize Written TextWrite Essay
reading
Reading — second section (~32–41 minutes).
Multiple-choice single/multiple answerRe-order paragraphsFill in the blanks (reading/writing)Fill in the blanks (reading)
listening
Listening — third section (~45–57 minutes).
Summarize spoken textMultiple-choice MCQFill in the blanksHighlight correct summarySelect missing wordHighlight incorrect wordsWrite from dictation
Key Facts
- Duration
- ~2 hours
- Score scale
- 10–90
- Cost
- ~$210 USD
- Results
- Within 5 business days (often 24–48h)
- Valid
- 2 years
- Accepted by
- 3,000+ universities + Australian/NZ/UK immigration
Study Tips
- 1.PTE is AI-scored — speaking tone, pace, and pronunciation matter more than accent.
- 2.Repeat Sentence is high-impact: practice immediately repeating sentences from podcasts.
- 3.Describe Image: practice with a template — 'The [chart type] illustrates [subject] [time period]...'
- 4.Write From Dictation contributes to both Reading and Listening scores — highest ROI practice.
- 5.Use E2Language or Pearson's official PTE Practice App for scored practice tests.
- 6.Focus on Enabling Skills where you're weakest — spelling and vocabulary impact multiple question types.