Best PTE Preparation Books & Study Material

PTE

Priya Garg
Updated on Oct 10, 2025 15:08 IST

By Priya Garg, Study Abroad Expert

Best Books for PTE Exam Preparation 2025: Pearson Test of English - Academic is one of the fastest-growing and most widely recognised English tests across leading universities abroad. Universities abroad require applicants to provide standardised English language test scores as part of the admission process. PTE test-takers are required to achieve scores equal to or higher than the lowest desired PTE score to be eligible for admissions and also qualify for any scholarship to study abroad. In this article, we are going to mainly focus on PTE study material, including the best books for PTE Exam preparation.

Best Books for PTE Preparation
Q:   Which are the best books for PTE exam?
A: 

The best books to prepare for the PTE exam are given here below:

  1. The Official Guide to PTE Academic: This book is a guide to understand the pattern, format question types, scoring and other aspects of the PTE exam. 
  2. PTE Academic Practice Test Plus (Volume 1 and 2): The practice tests in these books closely simulate the PTE exam. The book presents the pictorial representations of the questions as they are asked in real time on the exam day.   
Q:   How can I prepare for PTE at home?
A: 

Preparing for your PTE exam from the comfort of your home is completely possible and effective and you may not need to attend coaching classes if you use the right preparation materials and strategies. Here are some key points or strategies that you may adapt to for preparing for the PTE exam at your home:

  1. Understand the PTE exam pattern thoroughly. Learn about the task types and which types of questions are asked in each part of the PTE exam. This will help you when you will be sitting the main exam as you may not need to go through the questions' intructions and that may save you some extra time to analyse your main task.
  2. Once you understand the PTE exam format, gather the right books and preparation materials. 
  3. Set a daly routine and make a realistic weekly target. 
  4. Assess yourself regularly - this can be weekly and monthly, based on when you are planning to take the exam. 
Q:   Which is the best website for PTE preparation?
A: 

Candidates are advised to rely on the official website of the PTE Academic Exam for their preparation. The official PTE website would contain the latest information and developments regarding the PTE test. 

Table of content
  • Top 5 PTE Exam Books
  • Section-wise Best Books for PTE Exam Preparation 2025
  • How to choose the best books for PTE?
  • How to prepare for your desired PTE scores?
  • PTE Exam Books FAQs
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Top 5 PTE Exam Books

To prepare well for the PTE exam, candidates must prepare from the official coursebooks of the PTE exam. These books come with the complete details that the test takers need to autodidact themselves with, such as the PTE test pattern, format, and question type, along with sample questions and answers. Some of these books also come with digital resources that may help the test takers to take a model PTE test and check their preparedness for the exam.

In this section, we are going to be talking about the top 5 books for PTE exam preparation along with each PTE book's price for candidates looking to prepare for the PTE exam. 

Best Books for PTE Preparation 2025
PTE Books PTE Book Price at Amazon

The Official Guide to PTE Academic by Pearson PTE Academic

(eBook + Digital resources + Online Practice)

$39.99
PTE Practice Test Plus with Key, Vol 1 and 2 (with CD ROM) ₹1,691.00 (Combo)
Aspire C1 Practice Tests with Key ₹762.00
Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2 ₹895.00 + ₹799.00
PTE Academic Official Vocabulary 2020-2022 ₹780.00

Apart from preparing from the best PTE books, candidates can also use the official PTE Academic preparation app (bonus) about which we will learn in detail in the sections below. The app contains short activities and you can also get expert guidance for your preparation of the PTE exam. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the passing marks for the PTE exam?
A: 

There is no designated passing score given by Pearson to the test takers. However, there is "minimum score requirements" or "PTE score cut-off" set by the abroad universities and visa offices. The basic criteria considered here is that you must have CEFR-B2 level of English profeciency to undertake a course abroad.

The PTE scores equivalent to the CEFR-B2 level range from 59-75. Hence, any PTE score within this range generally qualifies you to get admitted to universities abroad.  

Q:   How many times can a candidate appear for the PTE exam?
A: 

A candidate can take the PTE exam 12 times within a period of 12 months. An extra number of attempt(s) can be granted only if your reason for requesting an extended number of attempts aligns with the Pearson PTE test's retake policy. However, candidates cannot sit for another PTE exam until the following conditions are met - 

  1. They have received the results of their last PTE exam. Until you receive the result of your last PTE test, you will not be able to register for a new one on the official PTE website. 
  2. They have not already booked another PTE exam date. If you have booked a PTE test date, you will not be able to book another one. This is done to ensure that all the PTE test seats are taken by test takers at all times.  

One can book another PTE test at the next convenient date after they have received the results of the previous test. In the light of above points, candidates can take their next PTE exam within a gap of 4-5 days, and this is the only criteria set by the board. They only need to wait to receive their scores before they can book their next test. Candidates should note that PTE Test Scores are made available to test takers within 2 days.

Q:   How many questions are there in each section of the PTE exam?
A: 

The total questions in the PTE-A exam are distributed among Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3, as given below.

Question Distribution as per the Latest PTE-A Exam Format 2025-26
PartsNumber of Questions
Part 1: Speaking and Writing35-43
Part 2: Reading15-20
Part 3: Listening15-22
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Section-wise Best Books for PTE Exam Preparation 2025

PTE preparation books: The following best books for PTE and course material have been authenticated by Pearson PTE Academic for students wanting to prepare for their PTE Exam. These are available in India through leading e-commerce portals like Amazon.

Best Book for PTE: The Official Guide to PTE Academic by Pearson PTE Academic

The Official Guide to PTE Academic provides comprehensive information about the test, over 200 practice tasks on CD-ROM, analysis of sample answers, test-taking tips, and more. The first and only official guide for PTE Academic written by the developers of the test itself, the book includes everything you need to know about the test.

Book Highlights:

  • Understand how to register and what to expect in the exam
  • Learn how to do each task
  • Practice with authentic test questions and 200 additional questions in the CD
  • Assess your performance with samples and model answers
  • Improves your test-taking strategies

Best Book for PTE: PTE Practice Tests Plus with Key, Vol 1 and 2

Test yourself to see if you are ready for PTE Academic. Practice Tests Plus offers authentic practice, comprehensive guidance, and strategies for dealing with every task in the test.

Book Highlights:

  • Four complete new tests along with a detailed test format
  • Audio CD for listening and Speaking tasks
  • Sample answers with explanations, tips, and strategies
  • Comprehensive study tips
  • Registration code for unique user access

Best Book for PTE: Aspire C1 Practice Tests with Key

Book Highlights:

  • Fur complete tests
  • Tips and strategies
  • Sample answers
  • Answer keys

Best Book for PTE: Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2

The Expert series is a great way to prepare for PTE Academic if you have more time to study. This follows a preparation course structure and takes you through lessons designed to prepare you for PTE Academic. Choose from level B1 or B2, depending on your language level. PTE Academic Expert contains access to MyEnglishLabs – a digital practice for all students.

Quick links:

PTE Cut Off

PTE Exam Pattern

PTE Syllabus

PTE Practice/Sample Test

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I prepare for PTE Academic on my own?
A: 

Absolutely. Candidates wanting to appear for their PTE Academic test on their own can achieve qualifying scores or higher by simply being devoted to their cause to the end and taking information from verified sources such as the official PTE website or our preparatory guide.

Q:   Which topic is the hardest in PTE exam?
A: 

Although the kevel of difficulty is different for each candidate taking the test, some questions are usually considered difficult to attempt than any other questions asked on the PTE Test. The same is the case with the questions on the Reading section of the PTE Academic Exam.

The Fill in the Blanks question in the PTE Reading section is often considered difficult by most test takers. This is because there are two kinds of this question. In one fill in the blanks question, test takers are required to select the correct choice from the list present on the dropdown button present next to each blank. And in another fill in the blanks question, the test takers are required the correct choice from a box containing more words than the number of blank spaces present in the written text prompt. 

Students often struggle in defining the collocations and figuring out the vocabulary to guess the correct match for each blank space.   

Q:   Which are the top 10 best PTE books for preparation?
A: 

The top 10 best books for PTE exam are listed below:

  1. Official Guide to PTE Academic by Pearson PTE Academic
  2. Aspire C1 Practice Tests with Key
  3. PTE Practice Test Plus with Key, Vol 1 and 2
  4. Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2
  5. PTE Academic Question Bank
  6. PTE Academic Preparation Book
  7. PTE Academic Vocabulary Practice Book with Exercises and Answers
  8. PTE Academic Official Preparation App (bonus)
  9. Pearson Test of English Academic Practice Tests Plus 
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How to choose the best books for PTE?

Often, candidates are overwhelmed with the vast amount of information available on the internet for PTE prep. So how should candidates go about selecting the best PTE prep books and the best PTE preparation material for themselves? Candidates are required to follow some easy steps mentioned below to successfully have access to the best PTE prep material.

  1. Always start early: Starting early is the key to all successful preparation strategies.
  2. Use only trusted sources: A lot of times, a good amount of time and resources are spent on dubious websites. Candidates should only rely on authentic PTE study material.
  3. Candidates are advised to refer to the PTE official website as the bible for their PTE prep.
  4. PTE prep strategies are unique and you should have your own PTE prep plan. Blindly following PTE planners may not be the best route to self-study.
  5. Practice Practice and Practice!

Students often start preparing by either joining a coaching centre or by signing up for free practice tests. What students forget is that like any exam, even English proficiency exams have to be dealt with a methodology. It is, however, important to note that no amount of tips, tricks, or tools can outwit the dedication and efficiency of the practice. 
Remember, the PTE exam assesses your daily level English and it does not require you to be a subject matter expert. This test is required to ensure that you understand the international official language. Your result and score in this test assure that you will be able to study abroad with this language as the medium of studying with English-speaking professors among people from international backgrounds.

Also check- PTE Academic Exam Tips for beginners

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I download PTE exam books PDF?
A: 

To download the PTE exam books in PDF form, go to the official Pearson PTE website and explore their Smart Prep portal. The Smart Prep provides a range of both free and paid PTE study resources, including the "Official Guide to PTE Academic" book, which is available as an eBook.

Q:   How can I self-study for PTE?
A: 

Candidates are advised to build a PTE study plan that would equally focus on the candidate's strengths and weaknesses to start with. Candidates should also leave enough room for weak topics and above all practice as many PTE Mock Tests as possible. Practising PTE Mock Test papers that are available on the official website is extremely important to achieve your desired score on the PTE test.

Q:   How to choose the best books for PTE exam preparation?
A: 

To choose the best PTE Academic preparation books, you must get yourself the books that match your skill level and help you to gradually enhance your English proficiency. You can also look for the look for the official PTE prep guides, practice tests, and resources that match your skill level. Enhance your preparation with practice test books such as "PTE Academic Practice Tests Plus" and coursebooks like "Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2" to enhance your skills.

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How to prepare for your desired PTE scores?

It must be noted that your study plan must be tailored to your target score. While you can generate your PTE test fundamentals from books like PTE Academic by Pearson, PTE Academic Practice Test Plus by Pearson, and Expert PTE Academic Coursebook, scoring those extra numbers beyond 65 may require you to prepare from other highly recommended resources like Wiley's PTE Advantage, and PTE Academic 79 Plus.

  • The resources for someone aiming for a PTE score 50 cannot be the same as someone aiming for an 80.
  • List out certain books that are good for different aspects of the PTE test such as the PTE Academic Practice Test Plus give you previous year's and other practice test questions that may help you get a clear idea of what to expect in the exam.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I crack PTE exam in 7 days?
A: 

The answer to this question is - yes! According to some sources, cracking the PTE exam can be easy and one can crack it even by preparing for 2 to 7 days before the exam. However, candidates are not recommended to take the exam with this kind of last-minute preapartion. Students who speak, talk, study regularly in English can be ready to take the exam in no time. But those students who are not fluent in English are recommended to immerse themsellves in the language by reading books, listening to podcasts and documentaries in English and start speaking and talking in English on a dauily basis followed by solving some PTE mock tests after completng their preparations.   

Q:   Are official PTE practice materials from Pearson sufficient, or do I need other books?
A: 

The official PTE preparation resources explain the exact pattern of the exam, including the types of questions, time involved and ways to answer them. In contrast, additional books offer more in-depth strategies, and extra practice questions that are usually absent from official materials.

Q:   How do I choose the "best" PTE resources for my specific needs and target score?
A: 

The answer is to focus on your current English proficiency, your target PTE score, and the sections you struggle with most. Look for resources that specifically address those areas and cater to your learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, hands-on practice).

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PTE Exam Books FAQs

Check out the PTE exam books FAQs below.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I cheat in the PTE exam?
A: 

Candidates are strictly advised against using unfair means during the PTE exam. As this would lead to the conducting body severely penalising the candidate which could also include banning the candidate from taking the PTE exam for life.

Q:   How can I prepare for PTE at home?
A: 

Preparing for your PTE exam from the comfort of your home is completely possible and effective and you may not need to attend coaching classes if you use the right preparation materials and strategies. Here are some key points or strategies that you may adapt to for preparing for the PTE exam at your home:

  1. Understand the PTE exam pattern thoroughly. Learn about the task types and which types of questions are asked in each part of the PTE exam. This will help you when you will be sitting the main exam as you may not need to go through the questions' intructions and that may save you some extra time to analyse your main task.
  2. Once you understand the PTE exam format, gather the right books and preparation materials. 
  3. Set a daly routine and make a realistic weekly target. 
  4. Assess yourself regularly - this can be weekly and monthly, based on when you are planning to take the exam. 
Q:   How can I find PTE exam preparation course providers (both online and offline)?
A: 

Candidates can refer to the official Pearson PTE Academic website for a list of places that provide coaching classes for PTE preparation. These coaching centres provide face-to-face classes as well as online classes for the benefit of students.

Pearson PTE Academic has also tied up with online partners to provide PTE online coaching classes for students. The details for the same can be found on the official website. Candidates would be required to register on the website to be able to use the benefits of the services.

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Comments

(202)

Is PTE accepted in Australia? As i am migrating from Zimbabwe to Australia as a skilled worker.

Reply to ngonidzashe murungu

P

11 months ago

Hi Ngonidzashe! Yes, the PTE Academic Test is widely accepted for work or migration visas in Australia and New Zealand.

D

Divya

a year ago

Is PTE accepted all over in Australia from international students?

Reply to Divya

P

a year ago

Hello Divya, PTE is widely accepted throughout Australia for international students. Both universities and the Australian government itself accept PTE for: - University applications: All universities in Australia recognize PTE scores for admissions. - Student visa applications: The Department of Hom

...Read more

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Rehan Nazir Dar

a year ago

Is PTE Exam is accepted Ireland?

Reply to Rehan Nazir Dar

P

a year ago

Hi Rehan, good to know that you are interested in taking the PTE exam. The PTE Academic exam is accepted across 30 institutions in Ireland.

S

Shiv Kumar

a year ago

Which date Sutable for home pte in india?

Reply to Shiv Kumar

M

Megha Rao

2 years ago

any test center near Jamshedpur

Reply to Megha Rao