The PTE Score Chart 2025 helps you understand how your results in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) are calculated. PTE is an important test that measures your skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The test takes about 3 hours to complete, and each section has its own score, which are then combined to give you an overall score ranging from 10 to 90. In this blog, we will explain the PTE section-wise scores chart and how these scores are converted. Knowing how the PTE scoring system works will help you interpret your results and guide your preparation, whether you’re aiming for university admission, immigration, or a job.
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What is PTE?
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a widely recognized, computer-based English language proficiency test that measures your ability to use and understand English in academic, professional, and everyday settings. It is commonly used for university admissions, immigration, and job applications. The test evaluates skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening through a series of tasks, and lasts about 3 hours. Scores range from 10 to 90, with higher scores indicating greater proficiency. PTE is accepted by universities, governments, and employers worldwide, with results typically available within 5 business days. Its computer-based format ensures faster, more accurate scoring and a fair assessment of English skills.
Types of PTE Test
1. PTE Academic: This is the most common version, primarily used for university admissions and professional purposes. It tests your ability to use English in academic environments, such as understanding lectures, writing essays, and participating in discussions.
2. PTE General: This version is focused more on practical English used in everyday life, including in workplaces and social situations. It is less commonly used for university applications but may be required by some institutions or employers.
Feature | PTE Academic | PTE General |
Focuses | Academic English | Practical English used in everyday life |
Content | Academic environment- such as understanding lectures, writing essays, and participating in discussions | Workplaces, social situations, and emails |
Purpose | University Admissions and Professional Purpose | Immigration applications |
Scoring | Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels | Aligned with IELTS General Training bands |
Format of the PTE Test
The PTE is a computer-based test that consists of four sections:
- Speaking & Writing: This combined section evaluates how well you can speak and write in English. Tasks include reading aloud, repeating sentences, writing essays, and summarizing spoken texts.
- Reading: In this section, you will be tested on your ability to understand written texts. Tasks include reading multiple-choice questions, filling in the blanks, and reordering paragraphs.
- Listening: This section measures your ability to understand spoken English, such as lectures, conversations, or announcements. Tasks include answering multiple-choice questions and summarizing spoken texts.
- Writing: There may be an additional section that focuses on the ability to write essays or summarize information from both spoken and written sources.
Alo Read: PTE 55 Score Accepted Universities in Australia for Masters
What is a PTE Score Chart?
A PTE Score Chart is a detailed representation of the scoring system used in the Pearson Test of English (PTE). It shows the scores for each section of the test (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening) and provides an overall score, ranging from 10 to 90. The PTE score chart helps test-takers understand their performance in each section and how their scores are interpreted.
PTE Score Interpretation
Score Range | Proficiency Level | CEFR Level | What it Means |
10-29 | Beginner to Low Intermediate | A1 – A2 | Basic understanding of English. Limited ability to handle communication in simple contexts. |
30-49 | Intermediate | B1 | Can manage simple conversations but may struggle with complex ideas and fluent communication. |
50-64 | Upper Intermediate | B1 – B2 | Comfortable with everyday situations. Occasional errors in grammar or vocabulary, but can communicate effectively. |
65-79 | Advanced | B2 – C1 | Strong grasp of English. Can handle complex conversations and academic discussions with minimal mistakes. |
80-90 | Proficient/Expert | C1 – C2 | Near-native proficiency. Fluent and confident in all types of communication, with minimal to no errors. |
PTE Section-wise Score Ranges
Section | Task Type | Score Range | Marks for Correct Answer | Penalty for Wrong Answer |
Speaking | Read Aloud | 10 – 90 | Full marks for accurate pronunciation and fluency. | No negative marking. |
Repeat Sentence | 10 – 90 | Marks for accuracy of repetition and pronunciation. | No negative marking. | |
Describe Image | 10 – 90 | Marks for content, fluency, and pronunciation. | No negative marking. | |
Answer Short Question | 10 – 90 | Marks for correct response. | No negative marking. | |
Writing | Summarize Written Text | 10 – 90 | Full marks for correct summary and grammar. | No negative marking. |
Essay Writing | 10 – 90 | Marks for content, structure, and language usage. | No negative marking. | |
Reading | Multiple-Choice (Single Answer) | 10 – 90 | Full marks for correct answer. | No negative marking. |
Multiple-Choice (Multiple Answers) | 10 – 90 | Partial marks for each correct choice. | Negative marking for incorrect choices. | |
Reorder Paragraphs | 10 – 90 | Marks for each correctly sequenced pair. | No negative marking. | |
Fill in the Blanks (Reading) | 10 – 90 | Marks for each correct word. | No negative marking. | |
Listening | Summarize Spoken Text | 10 – 90 | Marks for content, grammar, and vocabulary. | No negative marking. |
Multiple-Choice (Multiple Answers) | 10 – 90 | Partial marks for each correct choice. | Negative marking for incorrect choices. | |
Fill in the Blanks (Listening) | 10 – 90 | Marks for each correct word. | No negative marking. | |
Highlight Correct Summary | 10 – 90 | Full marks for correct selection. | No negative marking. | |
Write from Dictation | 10 – 90 | Marks for each correct word. | No negative marking. |
PTE Percentile Ranges
Percentile | Score Range | Meaning |
90th Percentile | 85 – 90 | Better than 90% of all test-takers. |
80th Percentile | 75 – 84 | Better than 80% of all test-takers. |
70th Percentile | 65 – 74 | Better than 70% of all test-takers. |
50th Percentile | 50 – 64 | Better than 50% of all test-takers. |
Below 50th Percentile | Below 50 | Below average performance compared to peers. |
Also Read: PTE Accepted Countries and Universities
PTE Score Chart and What It Means
The score you receive in each section will fall within a range of 10 to 90 points. Here’s what each PTE score chart range generally indicates:
- 10-29: Low proficiency. You can understand basic English phrases but struggle with more complex communication.
- 30-49: Intermediate proficiency. You can manage simple conversations and express ideas in familiar contexts but may have trouble with complex topics.
- 50-64: High Intermediate proficiency. You can hold conversations on a variety of topics, though you may make occasional mistakes in grammar and vocabulary.
- 65-79: Advanced proficiency. You have a strong grasp of English, both in writing and speaking. You can understand detailed lectures and engage in professional discussions.
- 80-90: Expert proficiency. You exhibit fluency, accuracy, and an excellent understanding of English in both formal and informal settings.
How is the PTE Score Calculated?
The PTE score is calculated based on your performance in four sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each section is scored on a scale of 10 to 90, and these scores are averaged to give your overall score.
- In Speaking & Writing, your pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and ability to write clearly are tested. Tasks like talking about an image or writing an essay affect your score.
- In Reading, your ability to understand written English is measured through activities like answering questions about a passage or arranging sentences in the correct order.
- In Listening, your score depends on how well you understand spoken English, such as summarizing audio recordings or answering questions after listening to a clip.
Your overall score is the average of the four section scores. The test uses automated scoring systems that analyze your responses for fluency, content, and accuracy. This ensures fair and consistent evaluation.
Also Read: PTE Exam Pattern for Academic and General
Understanding PTE Score Comparison with IELTS and TOEFL
Understanding how PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores compare with IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is important for choosing the right test and interpreting your results. Each test measures English proficiency but uses different scoring methods, so comparison charts are helpful for converting scores across these systems. Here’s a quick breakdown:
PTE Academic Score | IELTS Band Score | TOEFL iBT Score | Proficiency Level |
86 – 90 | 9 | 118 – 120 | Expert |
79 – 85 | 8.5 | 115 – 117 | Very Good |
73 – 78 | 8 | 110 – 114 | Very Good |
65 – 72 | 7.5 | 102 – 109 | Good |
58 – 64 | 7 | 94 – 101 | Good |
50 – 57 | 6.5 | 79 – 93 | Competent |
42 – 49 | 6 | 60 – 78 | Competent |
35 – 41 | 5.5 | 46 – 59 | Modest |
30 – 34 | 5 | 35 – 45 | Limited |
Below 30 | Below 5.0 | Below 35 | Extremely Limited |
- PTE 86-90, IELTS 9.0, and TOEFL 118-120 are for expert users who can communicate effectively in any context.
- PTE 58-64, IELTS 7.0, and TOEFL 94-101 indicate a good command of English, suitable for academics and professional tasks.
- PTE 35-41, IELTS 5.5, and TOEFL 46-59 show basic proficiency, often acceptable for non-academic or vocational purposes.
Also Read: Why Choose the PTE Exam?
Interpreting Your PTE Scores for Academic and Immigration Purposes
Interpreting your PTE scores is important for both academic and immigration goals. Here’s how the scores are typically understood:
For Academic Purposes
PTE Score | Equivalent IELTS Score | What It Means | Example Use |
65 – 79 | 7.5 – 8.0 | Advanced English, suitable for competitive programs. | MBA, Law, or other postgraduate programs. |
58 – 64 | 7 | Good English, meets requirements for most degrees. | Graduate programs (Engineering, Sciences). |
50 – 57 | 6.5 | Competent English for general academic courses. | Undergraduate programs or less language-intensive courses. |
42 – 49 | 6 | Moderate proficiency, acceptable for foundation courses. | Diploma programs or preparatory courses. |
Below 42 | Below 6.0 | Basic English, may struggle in academic settings. | Rarely accepted for degree-level studies. |
For Immigration Purposes
PTE Score | Proficiency Level | Equivalent IELTS Score | Immigration Relevance |
79+ | Superior English | 8.0+ | Additional points in point-based systems (e.g., Australia GSM visas). |
65 – 78 | Proficient English | 7.0 – 7.5 | Meets criteria for skilled migration visas. |
50 – 64 | Competent English | 6.0 – 6.5 | Basic eligibility for many visa categories but no extra points. |
Below 50 | Below Competent English | Below 6.0 | May not meet the language requirements for most visa programs. |
Tips for Achieving a High PTE Score
Achieving a high score in the PTE Academic test requires preparation, strategy, and practice. Here are some essential tips for each section:
- Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the sections (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening) and the types of tasks in each.
- Time Management: Practice completing tasks within the time limits, as the test is strictly timed.
- Practice with Real Materials: Use official PTE practice tests to get used to the actual question types and difficulty level.
For Speaking Section
Tip | Why It Helps |
Speak Clearly and Fluently | The scoring algorithm values clarity and smoothness. Avoid long pauses. |
Focus on Pronunciation | Ensure your words are easily understood by the computer system. |
Practice Repeating Sentences | Mimic the tone and pace of the speaker to score well. |
Don’t Hesitate | Even if you make a mistake, continue speaking to maintain fluency. |
For Writing Section
Tip | Why It Helps |
Use Correct Grammar and Vocabulary | Your score depends heavily on language accuracy and variety. |
Stick to the Word Limit | Going over or under the limit may reduce your score. |
Practice Summarizing Texts | Focus on capturing the main idea without unnecessary details. |
Plan Your Essay | Organize your thoughts before you start writing. |
For Reading Section
Tip | Why It Helps |
Skim and Scan Texts | Helps you locate key information quickly. |
Understand the Question Types | Know how to approach tasks like multiple-choice and reordering paragraphs. |
Focus on Time Management | Avoid spending too much time on one question. |
Build Vocabulary | A strong vocabulary improves comprehension and accuracy. |
For Listening Section
Tip | Why It Helps |
Listen Actively | Pay attention to both details and overall meaning. |
Take Notes | Write down key points to help answer questions accurately. |
Practice Summarizing Spoken Texts | Captures critical details and improves your response. |
Avoid Missing Instructions | Read and listen to instructions carefully to avoid errors. |
Also Read: Choosing the Right PTE Test
FAQs
Ans: Securing a UK work visa requires a PTE UKVI score of at least 43 in each of the four testing sections. However, the UK Home Office possesses discretion to approve visa applications with a speaking score of 38, provided the applicant demonstrably exhibits overall English proficiency at a satisfactory level.
Ans: The PTE score calculator is used to calculate an individual’s overall PTE scores. The calculator discerns the final score of a candidate by adding the scores of each module and determining its overall average.
Ans: The overall score in the PTE ranges from 10 to 90 and is based on your overall performance in the PTE exam.
Ans: It’s important to remember that the PTE Academic test is designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in the English language. Therefore, a well-prepared individual should not find the exam overly difficult, as it tests skills they have likely developed through their preparation.
Ans: Typically, a minimum PTE score of 65 is required for immigration to Australia. To be eligible, your test results must meet or exceed this score. Without a score of 65, your application for living or migrating to Australia will not be considered. Therefore, it is crucial to aim for a score above 65 to ensure your eligibility.
Ans: The minimum PTE score required for Canada typically falls within the range of 58 to 73, depending on the program or visa category.
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