Pearson Tests of English (PTE) is just quite different from IELTS. It’s question patterns are similar to IELTS. PTE is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. Notice! It is done online.
Test Description
PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
Questions often test 2 skills together, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking. The whole test is done in a single session, lasting 3 hours and is taken sitting at a computer in a secure test environment. The speaking part of the exam is done at the computer. Your voice is recorded and sent for marking.
One advantage of this test is that you get your results very quickly; in about 5 days.
The cost varies by country but is in the range of $150-$210.
PTE Academic is a multi-level test, like IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC.
Click here to see a comparison table.
Resources from the Official Guide to PTE Academic are reproduced with permission from Pearson Education Asia Limited.
Why Do PTE?
PTE Academic has been used to prove English proficiency for student visas in Australia for the past five years. However, the Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) now accepts PTE Academic for temporary graduate, skilled, work and holiday, and former resident visa programmes as well.
Is PTE applicable for Student’s visa?
Since the Australian government accepted PTE Academic for student visas in 2009, the test has been rapidly adopted across the country. PTE Academic is accepted by every Australian university as well as professional associations.
Applying through PTE
To use PTE Academic to apply for an Australian visa, test takers simply need to indicate that they are using the test for Australian visa purposes when they are asked at the question at registration. For any test takers who have not done so, you can also assign your score to the Department of Home Affairs (formerly the DIBP) using the score report website.
To find out who accepts PTE Academic in Australia or where to book a test, visit PTE Academic in Australia.
The Difference Between PTE, IELTS And TOFEL
In 2017, there are three major English language proficiency exams that MBA and other programs use to test an applicant’s ability to speak in English. In the past, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) were the most common.
In 2009, Pearson–one of the most prominent educational companies and publishing houses in the US–launched its own Proficiency Exam: the Pearson Test of English, Academic (PTE Academic).
These three tests claim to deliver equatable results (see chart below); yet, not every MBA program, for example, accepts all three exams. In general, the IELTS is more accepted in Europe and Australia while the TOEFL is much more commonly accepted by MBA programs in the US. The PTE Academic, though the newest of the three, is making good headway into being accepted by MBA programs all over the world.
It is recommended that you check with the schools you are applying to in order to see which test they accept. Generally, the IELTS is more readily accepted in universities within the Commonwealth although many US universities are starting to accept it too. The US tends to prefer the TOEFL with over 8,000 universities that accept it. Ultimately you will need to take the corresponding exam to that which your schools require, although many now accept both.
Because not every MBA program accepts all three tests, be sure you take the necessary exam for each program you apply to. This might mean you have to take two of these tests: The IELTS for one program and the TOEFL for another. Since the PTE Academic is the newest of the exams, most schools that accept it also accept one of the other two exams.