PTE Exam Eligibility 2025: Check Age Limit, Academic Criteria & Minimum Score

The exam conducting body, Pearson PLC Group, specified no specific educational qualifications to register for the PTE exam. The PTE exam is suitable for students, professionals, and migration applicants and open to all Indian applicants (above the age of 16).  

There is no passing marks for the PTE exam. According to the Pearson PLC Group, PTE test takers should aim to score a minimum of CEFR B2 level, which equals to a PTE Academic score range of 59-75. With that level of English proficiency, the students become eligible to apply for most of the universities abroad.

These scores imply that the student can follow academic-level instructions and participate in academic education both coursework and student life. This level of English is also considered eligible for professional registration, employment and applying for Australian skilled migration visas. 

Yes, one can get an Australian PR by the medium of taking the PTE Academic test. The PTE Academic test is accepted for kinds of visa applications in Australia and New Zealand. The minimum PTE score required for Australia PR is 65.

You can book a PTE test 6 months in advance. There is no extra fee to do that. However, you an reschedule your PTE test to another available test date, if required. The cost you pay for rescheduling the PTE test depends on how many days are left for your booked slot, here's an expansion of the same:

 Remember, you can reschedule a single test slot for a maximum of 6 times.  

The full form of the PTE exam is Pearson Test of English. It is a computer based test that determines your academic level English writing, reading, speaking and listening skills. The test is designed for non-native speakers of the language who want to study or work abroad.

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.

Pearson has determined no eligibility criteria for the PTE exam based on the nationality, background, or education level of the test takers. Therefore, anyone aiming to demonstrate their English proficiency for studying abroad, immigration, or professional certification need not to abide by any set of certain eligibility criteria. 

Yes, Indian students are eligible to take the PTE exam wthin one's own country. To take the PTE exam in India, they are required to book a PTE exam slot by paying INR 18,000 exam fee. 

 
The PTE Academic Listening section contains 8 types of exercises: Summarise spoken text, Multiple-choice, multiple answers, Fill in the blanks, Highlight correct summary, Multiple choice, single answer, Select missing word, Highlight incorrect words, and Write from dictation. In total, there are approximately 18-22 tasks in PTE Listening.

Often useful in Speaking tasks and the tasks that you require you to enter your response by using the microphone, the 3 second rule in PTE states that you must start speaking within 3 seconds of hearing the prompt.

If the test taker delays more than 3 seconds in recording their task, then the recording will stop and be marked as complete within its due time whether you answered it completely or not. The test takers cannot re-attempt these tasks, hence, responses should be recorded carefully. 

The PTE Academic test comprises of three main sections:

1. Part 1 - Speaking & Writing
2. Part 2- Reading
3. Part 3 - Listening

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

Yes, PTE exams are accepted for PR in most countries, as:

• Canada: To get a PR in Canada, PTE Core is the only accepted form of the PTE exam. This exam is accepted since late 2023.
• Australia and New Zealand: For PR and all other visa types, including the student visa, PTE Academic is the accepted form of PTE exam. 
• UK: In the UK, PTE Academic UKVI is accepted for certain work and settlement (ILR) visa categories.

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

The PTE exam is a completely computerised English proficiency test that is separated into 3 different sections namely the Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. The exam assesses the proficiency of non-native English speakers for the purpose of university admissions and visa applications. 

Here is the detailed pattern of the PTE exam:

The toughest section in the PTE Academic exam would depend on the candidates' expertise. Students are advised to a holistic approach towards preparing for the PTE Academic exam, concentrating both on tough as well as easy sections. However, as per some sources, the PTE Speaking and Writing is considered to be the most complex part of the test as it involves assessment of two skills. 

There is no set minimum or maximum number of questions in the PTE exam. The total number of questions is within a range and subject to change.

However, from 07 August 2025, there will be a total of 22 different question types (excluding the personal introduction) which will contribute to a total of 52-64+ questions in the PTE exam. 

The total PTE Repeat Sentence questions that may be asked in the Speaking & Writing section of the test range from 10-12. The total time dedicated to PTE Repeat Sentence questions range from 3.5 to 4.2 minutes. Candidates must be attentive while listening to the recorded audio note as the same will not be replayed and repeat the sentence with the same stress, intonation, rate of speech and rhythm with the most important aspect of scoring being the repetition of exactly the same words or phrases in the correct sequence. 

Scoring 70+ in PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) means you're aiming for a high level of English proficiency — roughly equivalent to an IELTS 7.5–8 band. It's a great target for skilled migration, professional registration (e.g., nursing or teaching), and admission to top universities abroad. To score a 70 on the PTE exam, you need to prepare consistently for all sections of the PTE exam, i.e. Speaking & Writing, Raeding and Listening. 

Now, check out the following strategies to score 70 marks in your PTE exam.

1. Identify your current level of English proficiency by taking PTE mock tests. Identify your the weakest sections in the PTE exam and make a time table around it. 
2. Master the Speaking section as it has the highest scoring scope. 
3. Boost your writing skills. This may come handy while taking notes for certain tasks such as "Summarise Written Text" and "Write Essay". 

In all, you are recommended to take free mock tests oftenly to recognise if there are repeated mistakes in your answers. While analysing your score report from the PTE mock tests, stick the official scoring pattern and try framing your answers as per the requirement of your question.  

Candidates who have prepared well for their PTE Academic exam may be able to attempt the tasks with ease. However, due to its integrated skills testing, short durationa and completely computer-based format can feel a bit chalenging to some students.  

The PTE test dates are available all year round. However, a student can appear for the PTE exam for a maximum of 12 times within a period of 12 months.  

PTE exam fee in India is INR 18,000, including the base fee of INR 15,254.00 and an additional 18% tax of INR 2,745.72.
PTE test takers must note that the PTE registration fee is valid for a single PTE test. Candidates who are looking to appear for a second PTE Academic test would be required to register for the PTE test again and pay the PTE exam fee again. Hence, candidates are always advised to book their PTE exam slot only after having prepared for the PTE Academic test.

Yes, the English test scores are required to apply for an Australian student visa if you come from a non-English-speaking country. PTE Academic is widely accepted by the Department of Home Affairs in Australia for all types of study, work and immigration purposes. Hence, yes, the PTE scores are required for the Australian student visa.

Candidates should note that PTE Academic is an English proficiency test that would be required by your university as part of their admission requirements/procedure. The Australian Student Visa would be based on your admission letter. 

Yes. The PTE Academic exam is primarily an online exam. Candidates have to perform all the tasks on a computer screen present at the seat allocated to themduring the exam. Candidates have to speak into and listen from the headphone provided to them and perform all four reading, writing, speaking and listening tasks.  

Candidates should understand that there is no such thing as failing or passing the PTE Academic test. Your preferred university would require a certain PTE score and you will have to achieve that or higher to be considered for admission.

Funny you should ask. However, candidates should refrain from using any unfair means in any test leave along with PTE Academic exam. Using unfair means could lead to your test being cancelled and your registration money would be forfeited.