PTE Core Structure & Scoring

Everything you need to know about the exam format and how to score high.

Exam Overview

~2 Hours
Total Duration
3 Parts
Speaking/Writing, Reading, Listening
20 Tasks
Distinct Question Types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

54 - 67 Minutes

  • Read Aloud (Reading, Speaking)
  • Repeat Sentence (Listening, Speaking)
  • Describe Image (Speaking)
  • Re-tell Lecture (Listening, Speaking)
  • Answer Short Question (Listening, Speaking)
  • Summarize Written Text (Reading, Writing)
  • Write Essay (Writing)

Part 2: Reading

29 - 30 Minutes

  • Fill in the Blanks (R&W) (Reading, Writing)
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple (Reading)
  • Re-order Paragraphs (Reading)
  • Fill in the Blanks (Drag/Drop) (Reading)
  • Multiple Choice, Single (Reading)

Part 3: Listening

30 - 43 Minutes

  • Summarize Spoken Text (Listening, Writing)
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple (Listening)
  • Fill in the Blanks (Listening, Writing)
  • Highlight Correct Summary (Listening, Reading)
  • Multiple Choice, Single (Listening)
  • Select Missing Word (Listening)
  • Highlight Incorrect Words (Listening, Reading)
  • Write from Dictation (Listening, Writing)

🇦🇺Australian Visa Requirements (2025 Updates)

Requirements updated August 7, 2025. Ensure your scores meet these minimums for visa eligibility.

Student Visa (500)

Minimum Overall47
With 10 wks ELICOS36

Migration Points (189/190/491)

Superior (20 pts)79+
Proficient (10 pts)65+

Competent English (Minimum for PR)

L: 47
R: 48
W: 51
S: 54

*Skills-specific scores apply for certain visa sub-classes.