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A computer-based English test for study, work and migration. You sit it at a Pearson test centre, on a computer with a headset. It is not offered at home.
Answers are marked by an automated system, with some responses checked by human markers. You receive an overall score and a separate score for listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Three timed parts, one after the other. Two speaking tasks were added when the test changed in August 2025.
Times shown are per task where Pearson publishes one. Pearson does not publish the number of items of each type.
The Department of Home Affairs sets a required level for each visa. These are the PTE Academic scores for a test taken on or after 7 August 2025. You need the minimum in every skill.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | overall 24 | |||
| Vocational | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| Competent | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
A test taken before 7 August 2025 is assessed on a different table: 30 overall for Functional, then 36, 50, 65 and 79 in each skill. A result must come from the three years before the visa application. Which level a visa needs, and the current figures, are on the Home Affairs website.
More than 4,000 institutions in over 70 countries, and the immigration authorities of the four main English-speaking destinations.
of universities. Accepted by Home Affairs for all work and migration visas.
of universities. Accepted by Immigration New Zealand.
of colleges and universities. Accepted by IRCC for permanent residency and citizenship.
of universities and colleges. Accepted by the Home Office for work and settlement visas.
Test centres operate in more than 115 countries. In the United States the result is accepted by state Boards of Nursing and by HRSA.
Pearson's July 2025 concordance for the current test. Use it to translate a requirement written in IELTS bands.
| PTE Academic | 24 | 31 | 39 | 47 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 79 | 86 | 90 |
| IELTS Academic | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
On the CEFR scale: A2 is 30–42, B1 is 36–58, B2 is 50–75, C1 is 59–82 and C2 is 76–90.
What to know before you pay.
The figures on this page were taken on 23 September 2026 from pearsonpte.com and the Department of Home Affairs. Requirements change. Confirm them at the source before you book or apply. PTE and PTE Academic are trademarks of Pearson. PTE Passport is an independent preparation service and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Pearson.