THE PEARSON TEST OF ENGLISH ACADEMIC

PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

Questions often test 2 skills together, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking. The whole test is done in a single session, lasting 3 hours and is taken sitting at a computer in a secure test environment. The speaking part of the exam is done at the computer. Your voice is recorded and sent for marking.

One advantage of this test is that you get your results very quickly; in about 5 days.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IELTS AND PTE

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized Test jointly conducted by British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education. The test was established in1989 to test and certify the proficiency of the non-native English speakers.

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) was launched by Pearson in 2009 and thus is one of the latest entrants into the field of testing and certifying English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The QCA and administered in association with Edexcel, UK’s largest examining body, accredits the PTE.

TEST VERSIONS

Both IELTS and PTE have two common versions: Academic and General Training and PTE has one additional version viz. Young Learners Test.

The Academic versions are meant for students planning for an admission into a university, whereas for non-academic purposes, the General versions of IELTS and PTE certify one’s realistic communication skills. The Young Learner test of PTE measures the English language communication abilities of children.