Overview of the PTE Test

Start your PTE preparation with an overview of each part of the test: speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Table of contents

Speaking

Here are some key points about speaking in the PTE test:

  • Speaking is assessed in Part 1, together with writing.
  • You record your speaking responses using a microphone – there’s no human examiner present.
  • Some speaking question types also assess your reading and listening skills.

A variety of question types are used:

Writing

Here are some key points about writing in the PTE test:

  • Writing is assessed in Part 1, together with speaking.
  • One writing question type also assesses your reading skills.

A variety of question types are used:

  • Summarize written text
  • Write essay

Reading

Here are some key points about reading in the PTE test:

  • Reading is assessed in Part 2.
  • You have approximately 32–41 minutes to complete the reading tasks.
  • One reading question type also assesses your writing skills.

A variety of question types are used:

Listening

Here are some key points about listening in the PTE test:

  • Listening is assessed in Part 3.
  • You have approximately 45–57 minutes to complete the listening tasks.
  • You hear each listening passage once only.
  • The audio recordings are very authentic. They feature a variety of native and non-native accents, as well as characteristics of natural speech such as fillers, hesitations and false starts.
  • Some listening question types also assess your writing and reading skills.

A variety of question types are used: