ptesmart
PTE stands for “Pearson Test of English” and it’s an exam that is used to certify the candidate’s level of English in accordance with the CEFR classification. There are two types of PTE tests: The PTE General and the PTE Academic.
Does it matter which one I take?
Right off the bat, let me tell you that you’ll probably be required to take the PTE Academic. The PTE General is more used as a way to reward achievements in the English language than actually as a certificate of proficiency. Only PTE Academic is accepted for immigration purposes.
Which country are you moving to?
PTE Academic is more accepted in English-speaking countries. That’s why, if you’re planning to go to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, this would be the best for you. Ukraine, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Switzerland and Greece usually accept PTE General.
PTE Academic structure
For the PTE Academic, you don’t choose a level to test for, you can get different versions of the test, but these are not based on the level of English you wish to reach. In the end, your level is determined by your score. It has three modules: reading, speaking and writing, and listening.
PTE General structure
In the PTE General you can choose between 6 different exams for different levels: A1, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. You pick the test according to the level of English you’re trying to be classified as. Each test consists of two modules: a written one and a spoken one.
Duration of each exam
The PTE Academic takes in a total of 2 hours to complete, whereas the PTE General may vary according to the level of the test you’re taking. Lower level exams might take around 90 minutes, while higher level exams can take up to 3 hours.
How long are both tests valid for?
The PTE Academic is valid for 2 years for most study purposes, but it’s valid for 3 years when it comes to Australian and New Zealand immigration. The PTE General, on the other hand, has no expiration date so you don’t need to retake it if you already got your score once.
Availability of examination dates
The PTE Academic is fully computerized and therefore, is available around 360 days of the year. The PTE General isn’t computer-based and can only be taken three times a year during the months of May, June and December, so be sure to organize yourself for that.
Content and vocabulary
The PTE Academic is more of an academic test, as the name suggests. The texts, audios and vocabulary are connected to essays, lectures, and graphs and are more technical in nature. The PTE General is composed of more general day-to-day themes that you find in natural conversation.
Which does PTE Smart prepare you for?
Our courses, tips, techniques and strategies are fully focused on the PTE Academic. As PTE Smart is based in Australia, our focus is to help those who are taking the PTE for immigration, work or study in English-speaking countries. Check out our courses or message us on Whatsapp!