The PTE test is divided into three parts, where they assess your ability to speak, write, read, and listen the English language through a 10-90 scoring scale.
PTE scoring methods differ across test types which include PTE Academic, PTE Core, and PTE Home.
The PTE score system aligns with international CEFR language proficiency levels, ranging from basic communication ability to superior academic English proficiency required for Singapore’s most competitive university programs. Singapore universities set specific minimum score requirements that vary by program level, with foundation courses having the lowest thresholds and postgraduate degrees requiring the highest English proficiency standards.
PTE scores convert differently to IELTS (where PTE 89-90 equals IELTS 8.5), TOEFL (where PTE 84 equals TOEFL 120), and Canadian Language Benchmarks (where PTE 89-90 achieves CLB 10 in most skills), making it essential to check specific conversion requirements for your target institution or immigration program.
You can access your official PTE score report by logging into your MyPTE account, navigating to the result section, viewing the score breakdown, and downloading your score report.
How PTE Scores Work?
The PTE test is scored by using a 10-90 scoring scale, which differs from other English proficiency tests. It evaluates your ability to use the English language through four skills which include speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The examination is divided into three parts, with Speaking and Writing in Part 1, Reading in Part 2, and Listening in Part 3.
What are the Scoring Methods for PTE Tests?
PTE scoring methods vary depending on the type of test you will take like PTE Academic, PTE Core, and PTE Home. These differences are evident in the number of questions, question types, and content.
How is PTE Academic Scored?
The PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI have 20 question types to measure your mastery across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The scores are based on the complexity of the given questions, giving a grade between 10-90.
How is PTE Core Scored?
The PTE Core includes 19 question types to evaluate you in terms of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Similar to PTE Academic, the PTE Core is scored according to the difficulty of the questions.
How is PTE Home Scored?
The PTE Home assesses you based on speaking and listening skills only. You will either receive a pass or fail in your PTE test result, with no numerical data.
What Are PTE Score Equivalents?
To know which programs or universities accept certain score levels, the following table shows a comparison of PTE scores to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
PTE Score | CEFR Level | Singapore University Context |
85-90 | C2 | Excellent for top-tier programs (NUS, NTU competitive courses) |
76-84 | C1 | Strong for most postgraduate programs |
59-75 | B2 | Meets most undergraduate/postgraduate requirements |
43-58 | B1 | Suitable for foundation programs, some diplomas |
30-42 | A2 | Limited academic use |
10-29 | A1 | Insufficient for academic/immigration purposes |
The recommended cut scores for Singapore universities are listed below.
- Foundation courses: 36-50
- Undergraduate degrees: 51-60
- Postgraduate degrees: 57-67
Score Comparisons with Other Tests
Score conversions between PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL differ significantly from each other. Moreover, the Canadian Language Benchmarks are also important considerations.
PTE to IELTS Conversion
To see how PTE scores are converted to the IELTS band scale, refer to the following table.
PTE Score | IELTS Band |
89-90 | 8.5 |
84-88 | 8.0 |
76-83 | 7.5 |
66-75 | 7.0 |
56-65 | 6.5 |
46-55 | 6.0 |
PTE to TOEFL Conversion
Convert your PTE scores to TOEFL, use the following conversion table.
PTE Score | TOEFL iBT |
85-90 | No data |
84 | 120 |
83 | 119 |
82 | 118 |
81 | 117 |
80 | 115-116 |
79 | 114 |
78 | 116 |
77 | 112 |
76 | 110-111 |
75 | 109 |
74 | 107-108 |
73 | 106 |
72 | 105 |
71 | 103-104 |
70 | 102 |
PTE to CLB Conversion
Convert your PTE scores to CLB by using the given table.
CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
CLB 10 | 89-90 | 88-90 | 89-90 | 90 |
CLB 9 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 84-88 | 88-89 |
CLB 8 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 76-83 | 79-87 |
CLB 7 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
CLB 6 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 59-67 | 60-68 |
How Can I Access and Manage My PTE Scores?
You can check your PTE test results by logging into your MyPTE account, navigating to the result section, viewing the score breakdown, and downloading your score report.
- Log into your MyPTE account
- Navigate to “My Results” section
- View the detailed score breakdown
- Download the official score report
PTE official score reports have a two-year validity, with specific countries accepting it even beyond the standard duration, specifically Australia which accepts your score reports up to 3 years. PTE offers unlimited free sharing of reports via MyPTE portal where you can send them directly to the institution or organization you’re applying for.
How Can I Strategically Improve My Scores?
Applicants often retake the examination to increase their PTE scores. To guarantee an improvement in PTE results, incorporate different strategies that vary based on your existing PTE scores.
What Should I Focus on for Scores Below 50?
When your PTE results fall below the 50-point mark, consider mastering grammar and vocabulary fundamentals, practicing basic comprehension and communication skills, and considering structured course enrollment.
- Master Grammar and Vocabulary Fundamentals: Build your foundation with essential grammar rules, verb tenses, and develop a core vocabulary of 2000-3000 academic words using structured learning materials and daily practice exercises.
- Practice Basic Comprehension and Communication Skills: Focus on understanding simple texts, following basic conversations, and expressing clear ideas through daily reading, listening exercises, and speaking practice with native content.
- Consider Structured Course Enrollment: Join a comprehensive PTE preparation program that systematically covers all four skills with guided instruction, mock tests, and personalized feedback to accelerate your progress
What Should I Focus on for Scores 50-65?
For PTE scores ranging from 50-65, it’s essential to target your weak enabling skills, practice multi-skill integrated tasks, and improve time management and test strategy.
- Target Your Weak Enabling Skills: Identify your lowest-performing areas like pronunciation, oral fluency, or written discourse through diagnostic tests and dedicate focused practice time using specific exercises and feedback tools.
- Practice Multi-Skill Integrated Tasks: Master tasks that combine multiple skills such as listening-writing or reading-speaking combinations through regular practice with authentic materials and timed exercises.
- Improve Time Management and Test Strategy: Develop efficient approaches for each task type, practice pacing yourself under exam conditions, and learn strategic techniques for handling difficult questions without losing momentum
What Should I Focus on for Scores 65+?
If your scores are above 65, you should refine advanced language features, practice complex academic tasks, and focus on cross-section consistency.
- Refine Advanced Language Features: Perfect complex grammar structures, sophisticated vocabulary usage, and natural pronunciation patterns through advanced practice materials and exposure to academic content.
- Practice Complex Academic Tasks: Master challenging tasks like essay writing with advanced arguments, complex listening passages, and sophisticated reading comprehension through regular practice with high-level materials.
- Focus on Cross-Section Consistency: Ensure balanced performance across all four skills through comprehensive practice, regular assessment, and targeted improvement of weaker areas to maintain uniform scoring.
What is considered a good PTE score in Singapore?
For most university applications, 59-75 is considered good, while 76+ is very competitive. Meanwhile, top-tier programs may require a 79+ score.
How quickly can I get my PTE results?
Your PTE results typically become available within 48 hours of taking the exam.
Can I retake the PTE if I’m not satisfied with my score?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of retakes, but there should be at least a 5-day interval between attempts.
How do I send my scores to universities?
Use the MyPTE portal to send official score reports directly to institutions and organizations at no additional cost.
Are PTE scores accepted for Singapore university applications?
Yes, most Singapore universities accept PTE scores, but always verify the specific score requirements of your target institution.