The PTE Academic exam is a 3-hour session where you’ll be provided with a computer and headset to listen, read, and respond to questions.
To understand the PTE test format, it’s important to know the three main sections of the exam:
- Speaking and Writing (Combined): 77-93 minutes
In this section, you’ll begin with a personal introduction and then move on to tasks such as reading aloud, describing images, repeating sentences, and retelling lectures. You’ll also complete an essay writing task, which gives you 20 minutes. - Reading: 32-40 minutes
This section evaluates your reading and comprehension skills. You’ll answer multiple-choice questions and fill in blanks based on the given texts. - Listening: 45-57 minutes
You’ll listen to various audio and video clips and take notes. Based on these clips, you’ll answer questions in different formats, testing your listening comprehension.
There is also an optional 10-minute break between the Reading and Listening sections. Since PTE is an integrated skill test, you will encounter up to 20 different question formats, ranging from multiple-choice to essay writing and interpreting information.