PTE Academic Online: Candidates who have been waiting for Pearson to introduce the 'PTE at Home' version of the PTE Exam are in for a pleasant surprise. Starting October 25, 2021, candidates wanting to take the ‘PTE at Home’ can book their PTE Academic online test which is starting from November 16, 2021. Candidates would also be glad to know that the current PTE Exam would be shortened by one hour also starting November 16, 2021. Know more about the changes being introduced by Pearson PLC Group, as you read along.
PTE Exam gets shorter - to be a 2-hr exam starting November 2021
As per the latest announcement from PTE Pearson PLC Group, Academic PTE Test Duration, PTE Score Reports and PTE Preparation Resources are going to have a whole new look, come November 16, 2021. Let us check out the changes that are being introduced by Pearson.
Academic PTE Test Duration
As we are all aware that the current Academic PTE Test Duration is for three hours, this has been shortened to two hours. Candidates must be curious to know the direct implication it would have on the PTE exam pattern. This can be found below. Candidates should note that these changes are only effective for PTE Exams being held from November 16, 2021, onwards.
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PTE Exam Pattern Changes
The table below shows us the current PTE exam pattern and the newly introduced PTE exam pattern to be effective starting November 16, 2021.
| PTE Exam Format |
PTE Test Duration Current Format (previous) |
PTE Test Duration (starting November 16, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Introduction |
1 minute |
No Change |
| PTE Speaking and Writing Section |
77 – 93 minutes |
54 – 67 minutes |
| PTE Reading Section |
32 – 41 minutes |
29 – 30 minutes |
| Optional Scheduled Break |
10 minutes |
Removed |
| PTE Listening Section |
45 – 57 minutes |
30 – 43 minutes |
It is pretty obvious, that due to the shortening of the PTE test, there would also be changes in the number of questions being asked for every section. Check out how the shortening of the PTE Academic test is altering the number of questions being asked per topic of a PTE exam section, below.
PTE Speaking and Writing Section - Changes
The table below shows us the current and new PTE Speaking and Writing Section Question Topics and the number of questions per topic that would be tested during the PTE exam.
| PTE Speaking and Writing Section Question Topics |
PTE Question Format (previous) |
PTE Question Format (starting November 16, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal introduction |
1 |
1 |
| Read Aloud |
6 - 7 |
6 - 7 |
| Repeat sentence |
10 - 12 |
10 - 12 |
| Describe image |
6 - 7 |
3 - 4 |
| Retell lecture |
3 - 4 |
1 - 2 |
| Answer short question |
10 - 12 |
5 - 6 |
| Summarize written text |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Write Essay |
1 - 2 |
1 - 2 |
| Total Questions |
39 - 48 |
28 - 36 |
| Time Allocation |
77 - 93 minutes |
54 - 67 minutes |
PTE Reading Section – Changes
The table below shows us the current and new PTE Reading Section Question Topics and the number of questions per topic that would be tested during the PTE exam.
| PTE Reading Section Question Topics |
PTE Question Format (previous) |
PTE Question Format (starting November 16, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Fill in the blanks –reading & writing |
5 - 6 |
5 - 6 |
| Multiple choice, multiple answers |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Re-order paragraph |
2 - 3 |
2 - 3 |
| Fill in the blanks –reading |
4 - 5 |
4 - 5 |
| Multiple-choice, single answer |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Total Questions |
15 - 20 |
13 - 18 |
| Time Allocation |
32 - 41 minutes |
29 - 30 minutes |
PTE Listening Section – Changes
The table below shows us the current and new PTE Listening Section Question Topics and the number of questions per topic that would be tested during the PTE exam.
| PTE Listening Section Question Topics |
PTE Question Format (previous) |
PTE Question Format (starting November 16, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Summarize spoken text |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Multiple choice, multiple answers |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Fill in the blanks |
2 - 3 |
2 - 3 |
| Highlight correct summary |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Multiple-choice, single answer |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Select missing word |
2 - 3 |
1 - 2 |
| Highlight incorrect word |
2 - 3 |
2 - 3 |
| Write from Dictation |
3 - 4 |
3 - 4 |
| Total Questions |
15 - 22 |
12 - 20 |
| Time Allocation |
45 - 57 minutes |
30 - 43 minutes |
source: Pearson | PTE Academic
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PTE Score Report Changes
As mentioned earlier, PTE Score Reports being issued after November 16, 2021, would also undergo changes. The PTE Score reports would present the candidates' PTE scores in an uncluttered manner. The Enabling Skills score will no longer be available in the new format of the PTE test score. Kindly note that the score report being issued prior to November 16, 2021, would not have the changes on them. Below is a representation of the previous PTE score report and the new PTE score report only available from November 16, onwards.
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source: Pearson | PTE Academic
PTE Preparation Resources
Candidates should note that there are no changes in the PTE preparation but only upgrades have been introduced for the benefit of the candidates wanting to take the PTE exam. Let us get familiar with the tools that have been introduced to make the PTE test more accessible for candidates wanting to take the exam.
- Official PTE Academic App: Test takers can download the official PTE Academic App that prioritizes key practice activities and includes a study planner to help them get organized.
- PTE Question Bank: We cannot stress enough the importance of solving PTE academic question papers candidates can get access to over 300 authentic PTE Academic questions with answers and sample responses to strengthen their PTE exam performance.
- PTE Course Book: The PTE coursebook would include everything learners need to know to become familiar with task types and guidance on managing computer-based tests and preparation strategies.
- PTE Courses: Candidates can opt for free online courses that provide guided learning, advice and practice to help learners learn new skills and strategies. Candidates can also get feedback on their performance from a teacher.
Read: The Future of IELTS, PTE, GRE & TOEFL exams in the face of COVID-19
PTE to launch PTE at Home test starting November 16, 2021
PTE Home Testing: With the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, exams have been shifted from the test centre to the safety of the home. Locally imposed lockdowns and safety protocols have only furthered exams to be held in the safety of the test takers' homes. In sync with the current environment, Pearson VLC Group, the conducting body of the PTE exam has also launched the PTE Academic online - a convenient reliable testing solution from the safety of your home - in short, PTE Home Testing. The PTE at Home is the PTE Academic Online Test that will be conducted from the safety of the home. However, there are certain important factors that have to be kept in mind before registering for the PTE at Home test. Candidates can check out the PTE Home Testing guide to understand it in detail.
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PTE Exam Preparation
PTE Exam Preparation: Candidates looking to perform well in their PTE Academic Exam would be required to follow a solid PTE Preparation plan to achieve a good PTE score. Read on as we divulge in detail about PTE exam preparation, PTE preparation online, PTE preparation material, and PTE exam preparation at home among other important topics revolving around PTE preparation.
Similar to other exam prep, you can choose to study on your own or join a PTE coaching centre for your PTE preparation. The decision lies entirely to you, as you need to see whether you have enough time and resources to opt for both or select either. Newer methods of studying are gaining popularity, like PTE preparation online. It includes both self-studying and coaching class methods. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home. To choose the best method to prepare for the PTE test you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. Candidates can also check out PTE Sample Papers.
Related Reads
| PTE prep tips: Reading Section | |
| PTE Academic Writing Section Tips and Tricks | PTE Speaking Section - Tips and Tricks |
Top 10 PTE Exam Preparation Tips 2023
PTE Preparation: A lot of times PTE test takers are often confused about the direction of their PTE preparation plan. Fear no more. We have come up with a personalized top 10 PTE exam preparation guide for candidates looking to ace their PTE test. Check out the top 10 PTE exam preparation tools provided below:
- Plan ahead
- Know what you're getting into
- Take lots of practice tests
- Start studying vocabulary
- Focus on your subject
- Don't ignore the other subject
- Use good materials
- Know question types
- Keep an error log
- Plan on taking the exam twice
We would love to hear from you. Do write your views in the comments section below.
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