How PTE Academic works

PTE Academic is taken on a computer in a secure and friendly test center environment. It tests your skills in speaking and writing, reading, and listening.

  • Taken in a test center
  • Computer-based with headset
  • Two hours long
  • Assesses real-life English
  • 20 question types
  • Single test session

The three parts of the test

There are 20 different question types in the test, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing. Make sure you review the different question formats ahead of your test, as each part has different types of questions.

  • Part 1: Speaking & Writing
  • 54–67 minutes

This part of the test contains seven different question types. You will be tested on both your speaking and writing skills, and will use English you might hear in an academic environment.

  • Part 2: Reading
  • 29–30 minutes

This part of the test contains five different question types, and tests your ability to read academic English. One item type assesses both writing and reading skills.

  • Part 3: Listening
  • 30–43 minutes

This part of the test contains eight question types and tests your listening skills, through a series of audio and video clips.