PTE Exam: Format, Scores, Results and Which Version to Book
TL;DR: The PTE exam (PTE Academic) is a computer-based English test from Pearson that takes about two hours at a test centre and is scored from 10 to 90. Most results arrive within two business days. PTE Academic suits degree-level study in the UK and student visas for Australia and New Zealand, while PTE Academic UKVI covers UK courses below degree level.
Booking the wrong version of the PTE exam means paying twice. This guide shows which version each student visa needs, how the test runs and how to book it once. If you are still choosing a course or country, Check your eligibility with Prosper before you pay for a test date.
What is the PTE exam?
The PTE exam is the Pearson Test of English. For students, "PTE" means PTE Academic, the version built for university admission and student visas. It is a single computer-based test of about two hours, taken at an authorised test centre. Pearson states it cannot be taken at home.
Pearson says more than 4,000 universities and colleges accept it. Scores stay valid for two years, and you can send them to any number of institutions through myPTE at no extra charge.
Choosing between tests? See our PTE vs IELTS comparison.
PTE Academic format: sections and timing
The official PTE Academic test format has three parts, taken in one sitting:
- Part 1, Speaking and Writing (76 to 84 minutes). Tasks include Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, Respond to a Situation and Write Essay. The opening Personal Introduction is not scored.
- Part 2, Reading (23 to 30 minutes). Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice and Reorder Paragraph.
- Part 3, Listening (31 to 39 minutes). Tasks include Summarize Spoken Text, Highlight Incorrect Words and Write from Dictation.
You work in a booth with a computer, a QWERTY keyboard and a headset, so practise typing on a full keyboard.
How PTE is scored
According to Pearson's scoring page, you receive an overall score from 10 to 90, plus a score for listening, reading, speaking and writing, aligned to the Global Scale of English. Universities usually set an overall minimum and a minimum per skill, so check both.
PTE results time
Pearson says most results arrive within two business days, and some take up to five. You get an email when your score report is ready in myPTE. Plan around five days, not two.
PTE score for student visa: which version you need
| Destination | Test to book for a student visa | Who sets the score |
|---|---|---|
| UK, degree level or above at a university | PTE Academic, as your university asks | Your university, at or above CEFR B2 |
| UK, below degree level (foundation, pathway, pre-sessional on its own CAS) | PTE Academic UKVI, a Home Office approved SELT | UKVI rules, CEFR B1, plus your provider |
| Australia | PTE Academic | Department of Home Affairs minimums, plus your university |
| New Zealand | PTE Academic, if your provider asks for a test | Your education provider, in your offer of place |
| Any of the above | Not PTE Core | PTE Core is for Canadian immigration, not study |
For the UK, GOV.UK lets a university assess your English for degree-level courses. Below degree level you need an approved SELT such as PTE Academic UKVI, the same test with a Unique Reference Number added. See our PTE Academic UKVI guide.
For Australia, Pearson states the Department of Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic. Minimum scores are set in law and change, so see our Australia student visa English requirements.
For New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand relies on your provider to confirm your English in the offer of place. See our New Zealand English language requirements.
Other routes: the Duolingo English Test at UK universities and the IELTS One Skill Retake.
How to book the PTE exam
Pearson's booking guide sets out four steps:
- Choose PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI, then pick a centre, date and time at least 24 hours ahead.
- Create a myPTE account with your name exactly as on your passport, including middle names.
- Agree to the admission, reschedule and cancellation policies.
- Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.
Rescheduling carries no charge up to 14 days before the test. Cancelling 8 to 13 days ahead refunds 50 percent, and under 7 days refunds nothing. On test day, arrive 30 minutes early with your passport for a photograph, signature and palm scan.
Applying from Sri Lanka
PTE test centre Colombo. Pearson announced two approved PTE UKVI centres in Colombo when PTE UKVI launched in Sri Lanka in July 2021. Its current centre list loads only inside the booking search, so we could not confirm centre names on 25/10/2026. Search for Sri Lanka on Pearson's test centres and fees page to see what is open now. For UKVI, also check the GOV.UK approved SELT centre list.
PTE exam fee in Sri Lanka. Pearson shows the Sri Lanka price only in the booking flow, so we could not verify it on 25/10/2026. Check it there, and confirm your bank card allows online payments in foreign currency. Allow for Colombo traffic on test day.
FAQ
How long is the PTE exam?
PTE Academic takes about two hours in one sitting: Speaking and Writing 76 to 84 minutes, Reading 23 to 30 and Listening 31 to 39. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
How is PTE scored?
PTE Academic gives an overall score from 10 to 90, with 90 the highest. The report also scores listening, reading, speaking and writing separately.
How soon do PTE results come?
Pearson says most PTE Academic results arrive within two business days, and some take up to five. You get an email when the report is ready.
Is PTE accepted for a UK student visa?
Yes. For degree-level study, UK universities usually accept PTE Academic. Below degree level, the Home Office requires an approved SELT such as PTE Academic UKVI.
How much is the PTE exam in Sri Lanka?
Pearson shows the Sri Lanka fee only in its booking flow, so we could not confirm a figure on 25/10/2026. Search for Sri Lanka in myPTE to see the current price.
PS: A PTE score only helps if it matches your course, university and visa. Check your eligibility with Prosper and we will tell you which test and score your shortlist needs before you book.
References
- PTE Academic, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic (accessed 25/10/2026)
- PTE Academic test format (Speaking and Writing, Reading, Listening), Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic/test-format (accessed 25/10/2026)
- PTE Academic scoring, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic/scoring (accessed 25/10/2026)
- PTE Academic UKVI, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic-ukvi (accessed 25/10/2026)
- PTE Core, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-core/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- Which test is right for me?, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/which-test-is-right-for-me/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- PTE in Australia, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/destination-australia/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- How to book your PTE exam, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/articles/how-to-book-your-pte-exam/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- On test day, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/on-test-day/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- Test centers and fees, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/test-centers-and-fees/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- PTE UKVI launches in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pearson, https://www.pearsonpte.com/news/pte-ukvi-launches-in-pakistan-and-sri-lanka/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
- Student visa: knowledge of English, UK Visas and Immigration, https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english (accessed 25/10/2026)
- Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT), UK Visas and Immigration, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt (accessed 25/10/2026)
- Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/ (accessed 25/10/2026)
