The PTE Academic exam is a globally accepted standardized language exam which is designed to to evaluate the level of proficiency of non-native speakers. It is offered in over 50 countries, including Singapore.
The exam is hosted by the Pearson PLC group This is an internationally recognized and multi faceted educational organization. The Pearson Language Test Department focuses primarily on preparing and conducting language proficiency tests that accurately reflect the capabilities and skills of second language learners
The exam is fully computer based. Candidates can take the exam on a computer at any registered Pearson PTE test center and even the grading of candidates is undertaken by an artificial intelligence program. This ensures that your results are fair and unbiased.
This exam is conducted 365 days a year and each test lasts for about 3 hours.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about PTE Academic test results.
Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect to find:
When Are PTE Results Available?
PTE Academic exam results are usually available after 5 working days of a candidates initial test date. When your results are ready, you will receive an email notification. To access your scores, you will need to login to the Pearson PTE website using the login credentials (your username and password) you set up when you registered for the exam.
Once you have logged in, you need to click the link that says ‘view score reports’ in order to view your scores.
What Results Does Your Score Report Show?
All PTE Test results all display the following information:
Here is an example of what you will see on your score report:
What Do PTE Scores Mean?
The overall PTE Academic score is an accurate reflection of your overall English language capability. The score takes into account your performance based on all items in the exam. The overall score ranges from 10-90 points.
Your score report will also display two other types of scores, communicative skills and enabling skills.
The scores for communicative skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) are based on your performance on tasks that assess these particulars skills. The questions in the PTE exam often assess more than one skill at a time.
Scores for enabling skills (grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and written discourse) are also are based on your performance on tasks that assess these particulars skills.
Enabling skills include:
Lets take a closer look at how these scores are calculated.
Firstly, its important to note that there is no negative marking for the PTE exam. However, there are different types of scores such as:
How Long Are PTE Academic Results Valid For?
PTE scores are only valid for 2 years. Although the PTE test provides an accurate record of a test taker’s English language proficiency, Pearson recommends a two-year validity period for PTE test results based upon the fact that a candidate’s language skills will naturally diminish over time if they are not used regularly.
Our personal or professional environment can change our English proficiency level for the better or the worst. After a period two years, you will have either been using your and therefore enhancing English skills, or you might have been in an environment where English is barely used, meaning you English language skills might be a bit rusty, to say the least! You might still be good with the language, but you will definitely not be as fluent as you used to be.
The two-year validity also accounts for changes that might occur within the test format or content.
It is also important to note that you can take the PTE Academic test multiple times. The validity of your previous scores is not overridden. This is especially important if you happen to have a higher score in your previous result than your latest test score.
What Happens If Your PTE Results Are Delayed?
If you have not received your PTE academic results after around 5 business days, your results might be delayed. Some of the common reasons behind such a delay are:
What Can You Do To Ensure That Your Results Are Not Delayed?
Delayed PTE results can seriously hamper your schedule in terms of admission and visa application deadlines. Follow the steps mentioned below to minimize the risk of having your results delayed.
The best course of action if your results have been delayed or withheld is to contact Pearson's Customer Services and ask them the reason behind it.
What Can I Do With My Results After I Obtain Them?
PTE Academic scores can be used to apply for study in English speaking countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. You can use your electronic PTE test results to apply for admission to any one of the 6000 higher learning institutes that accept PTE scores, which include the likes of Harvard, INSEAD and Yale.
If you are unsure about whether the university or organization you are applying to accepts PTE, then you can easily check this on the official Pearson PTE website. The site includes a full list of institutions that accept PTE Academic scores. Keep in mind that the minimum score required varies from institution to institution. Make sure that you are well aware of these conditions before you send out your scores.
It's also important to printout a pdf version of your results to send along with your visa application to either the Australian or New Zealand immigration authorities. You should take note, that a minimum overall PTE score of 65 is needed for such immigration purposes.
Remember that the initial 30 second introduction segment of your PTE test, will also be sent to any institutions you choose to send your score reports to. Therefore, its important to prepare an engaging introduction that showcases your language skills and good personality traits.
How Can I Send My Results to Different Organizations?
The PTE Exam allows candidates to send their score reports to as many institutions as they want to, for no extra cost. The procedure for doing so is very simple.
Once you have viewed your results, you can click on the ‘Send Scores’ link. This option allows you to search for and select the name of the institutions you wish to send your results to.
Make sure that all the details that appear on your score report are correct and then click the ‘send’ button to confirm and share your results.
Can You Get Your Results Rechecked?
If you are not satisfied with the scores you have received, you can request a rescore or recheck of your test. The reading and listening module questions all have fixed and specific answers. It is highly unlikely that the computer algorithm used to check these components would have made an error when checking this part of the exam. For this reason only the speaking and writing module can be sent for rechecking.
Rechecking can be done for a small additional fee. You only need to make a request to the Pearson Customer service, within 14 days of obtaining your score.
What Happens If I Have Not Received My Desired Score?
Fortunately, test takers are allowed to take the PTE Academic exam as many times as they wish in order to achieve their desired scores. In this case, you should use this retest as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Try to improve your preparation for the next time you take the test, especially in the test section you scored most poorly in.
Take a good and honest look at your previous preparation methods and schedule to determine how you can improve upon these areas. Make sure that you give yourself sufficient time to really well prepare and improve your English language skills and abilities. Continuously gauge your progress by taking authentic PTE practice tests.
The smart thing to do is to take the money you would use on taking the test multiple times and spend it on a course that will provide you with the strategies and skills that will guarantee you a better score next time. I believe the easiest and stress-free way to do this is to find an PTE teacher, who can help you identify your weaknesses and help you to improve in these areas. Often students have gaps in the understanding of particular types of questions and are completely unaware of it until these issues are pointed out by a professional.