The testing pattern for PTE Academic
Overall Duration: On an average a student ends up spending 3 hours for the PTE Academic test. This could vary depending on the speed of each individual. Students should understand that there are some who will race through a test. One such expert could be seated beside your testing cubicle. Do not pay attention to the speed of your neighbours. Always stay focussed on the timer on your screen to ensure that you don’t run short of time. This isn’t a race to the finish!
Optional Break: After the reading section of your exam you will be offered a break. An appropriate message will appear on your screen. If you wish to avail this break, follow instruction on the screen. Make sure that you return to your cubicle within 10 minutes. If you are later than the prescribed time, your time limit on the next section will be reduced accordingly. Remember that those 10 minutes will not be added to your listening section if you decline the break.
Reconsidering Answers: PTE Academic will not allow you to go back to an answer once you hit the ‘next’ button. Ensure the correctness of an answer to the best of your knowledge before attempting the next question.
Listening Section: To ensure that this test is in keeping with real world situations PTE listening will issue audio clips with different accents such as British, Australian and American. Make sure to adjust the volume for optimum comprehension because these clips cannot be replayed.
Speaking Section: Unlike IELTS, PTE Academic India will allow you to listen to a question and talk into a microphone. This reduces the anxiety of having a judgemental human in your presence. You will not be allowed to re-record your answers. Do not pause for too long until you have finished saying all you have to say because the recording device will stop recording after 3 seconds of silence.
Writing Section: You are given the liberty of typing text in keeping with the British or American spelling convention.
The PTE is the most lenient testing system in the language testing department. It is also well recognized by most universities abroad, including top schools such as Harvard, Yale and INSEAD. If you use this link (xxxxxx) to book your test, you will receive a 10% discount. You can also buy a PTE voucher from any AECC Global office to avail the same discount.