If you are looking for education or employment opportunities in Canada, taking an English language proficiency exam, like the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, may help you. This test evaluates one’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English via computer-based assessments.
- PTE Academic is accepted for various study routes, including the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
- It is recognized by 96% of Canadian Designated Learning Institutes.
- PTE is the faster and simpler way to obtain your Letter of Acceptance.
- PTE Academic is a fully computerized test, unlike the traditional IELTS exam, which relies on human examiners.
This ensures an objective and error-free evaluation process and makes it more efficient, giving you a clear advantage in your Canada Study Visa journey. This online English test evaluates your overall speaking, writing, reading, and listening abilities within a single examination, making it a comprehensive and reliable choice for your Canada Study permit application. Explore the PTE Academic for Canada Study Visa– the ultimate guide for a detailed understanding of test formats, requirements and other information.
What is the PTE Core Test Format?
Part 1: Speaking & Writing
The PTE Academic speaking and writing tests are designed to evaluate your English language verbal fluency and writing skills. This approximately 54-67 minutes long test, the longest of the three parts, consists of seven question types that cover a wide range of language skills. From reading aloud to writing an email, this test format is comprehensive and ensures a thorough assessment of your English proficiency.
Part 2: Reading
The PTE Academic reading test assesses your ability to understand written English in various contexts. The test takes approximately 30 minutes and consists of five questions, including reading and writing fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice questions, multiple answers, reorder paragraphs, fill-in-the-blanks, and multiple-choice single-answer.
Part 3: Listening
This part evaluates your English listening skills and understanding of spoken text. The test is 30 minutes long and contains seven questions. The questions are based on audio and video formats, and these clips are played only once. The seven question types are summarising spoken text, multiple choice, multiple answers, fill in the blanks, multiple choice, single answer, select missing word, highlighting incorrect words, and writing from dictation.
How to Prepare For PTE Academic?
- Understand the test format: Take your time to acquaint yourself with the format of the PTE Academic exam, including the question types, time constraints, and scoring system. In-depth details about the test structure can be found on the official PTE Academic website.
- Register with PTE Academic: Go to the PTE Academic official website and register for the test. You must create an account, fill out some information, schedule a preferred test date and location, and pay the registration fee.
- Prepare for the test: Utilize PTE Academic resources like textbooks, study aides, and practice exams to assist in your test preparation. Additionally, consider enrolling in virtual classes and collaborating with tutors to enhance your English proficiency.
- Practice Test Strategies: By practising PTE Academic test strategies like managing time, maintaining a good pace, and approaching questions strategically, you can improve your test-taking skills. Engaging in practice tests allows you to recognize both your strengths and weaknesses, helping you craft efficient strategies for the actual exam.
- Test Day Preparation: Be sure to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes early on the examination day with all necessary identification documents. It is crucial to meticulously follow the instructions and utilize time wisely to tackle all test segments.
- Receive your scores: After finishing the PTE Academic test, your scores will be accessible online within 48 hours. You can forward your scores to relevant institutions or employers according to your requirements.
- Applying Your Results: Use your PTE Academic scores for university or college admissions or to showcase your English language skills to potential employers. Your scores remain valid for a maximum of two years.
PTE Academic vs. IELTS Comparison
Let’s compare PTE Academic and IELTS to understand their differences and similarities:
Test Format
- PTE Academic: Conducted entirely on a computer.
- IELTS: It is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats. Additionally, if needed, IELTS offers the option of retaking individual skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking).
Scoring System
- PTE Academic: Uses AI to assess English proficiency. Scores are reported on the Global Scale of English (GSE).
- IELTS: Scores are reported on a band scale from 0 to 9.0, with half-band increments.
Difficulty Level
- PTE Academic: Perceived as comparatively easier than IELTS. Focuses on practical aspects of communicative English.
- IELTS: Considered more challenging, requiring a deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Recognition
- Both tests are recognized globally, but you must check specific requirements for the country or institution you’re applying to.
| PTE Academic Score | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| N/A | 9.0 |
| 89–90 | 8.5 |
| 84–88 | 8.0 |
| 76–83 | 7.5 |
| 66–75 | 7.0 |
| 56–65 | 6.5 |
| 46–55 | 6.0 |
| 36–45 | 5.5 |
| 29–35 | 5.0 |
| 23–28 | 4.5 |
| 10–22 | No data |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who accepts PTE Academic scores?
PTE Academic scores are accepted by over 3,500 universities and colleges worldwide. IRCC also accepts these scores for Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs.
What is the test duration of the PTE exam?
The PTE exam is concluded in 2 hours. The time allotted for the sub-sections is as follows:
- Reading: 29-30 mins
- Listening: 30-43 mins
- Speaking & Writing: 54-67 mins
When will I get the results?
Most students get the result in less than 48 hours.
What is the fee for the PTE exam?
The PTE Academic exam fee is $330 CAD
What is the validity period of the PTE exam?
The PTE score is valid for two years from the date of the test taken.
What is the 3-second rule in PTE?
In the PTE exam, the “3-second rule” mandates that examinees must start speaking within 3 seconds after the prompt is played to ensure their entire response is recorded. Going beyond this time limit will automatically mark the item as “completed,” ending the recording session. It is important to note that there will not be an opportunity to redo the recording, so proceed cautiously.
What is the passing score of the PTE exam?
There is no specified passing score for the PTE test. A good score between 65 and 75 indicates eligibility for admission to top-tier universities.
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