PTE Full Form: Beyond the Letters | Unveiling the Significance

PTE

Pearson PTE

PTE is a popular and widely accepted English proficiency test worldwide.

If you are attempting this test, you have come to the right place. Edulyte’s blog covers the full form of PTE and how it varies from IELTS and its different segments. If you are planning to study or work abroad, you would have heard about the PTE and had numerous questions. The full form of PTE is Pearson Test for English, and you must score well in it to get into your preferred university or workplace abroad.

Full-Form of PTE and IELTS

Before knowing the format of the tests, you must understand what their short forms represent. So what is the full form of IELTS? And what is the full form of PTE?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) determines your English language proficiency. It uses a nine-band scale to measure your competence. English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US accept the results of this test.

The Pearson Test for English or PTE – Academic is the full form of PTE. It is the first entirely computer-based English language test. The test is accepted as a criterion for English knowledge in English-speaking countries, international study or immigration.

Thousands of institutions accept PTE Academic scores and are approved for all UK, Australian and New Zealand visa and immigration categories.

Why take the PTE Academic Exam?

The Pearson Test for English, which is the full form of PTE exam or PTE Academic, is accepted as a criterion for English knowledge in English-speaking countries for international study, work or immigration. In Australia, it is accepted as proof for all visa categories.

Government departments accept PTE Academic in English- speaking countries like the Australian Department of Home Affairs, as proof of English language proficiency.

PTE vs IELTS

While both the Pearson Test for English, which is the full form of the PTE exam and IELTS claim to be the gold standard for English language tests, you might have a few questions regarding them:

  • Which test is the right choice for you?
  • Which test is easier?

There are no right and wrong answers to the questions above. However, Edulyte’s English language trainers have studied both of the tests comprehensively and offer you the following advice:

  • One of the most significant differences is that PTE-A (full name of Pearson Test for English- Academic) is solely a computer-based test. IELTS has a computer-delivered and a paper-based test.
  • Both PTE and IELTS offer an Academic test. IELTS also provides a General Training test for migration to Australia.
  • The tests differ in the Speaking test segment. With IELTS, you take the speaking exam face-to-face with someone who tests your English speaking ability. The PTE-A test requires you to speak in a microphone, and the computer records your response.
  • In PTE, there are many integrated questions such as reading and speaking in the speaking part, reading and writing in the reading part, and listening and speaking in the speaking portion of the exam. In IELTS, your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills get assessed separately. It means your reading test only looks at your reading ability and not your speaking skill simultaneously.
  • You must correct mistakes before attempting the following question during the PTE-A test. You can only navigate forward and not return to the questions to correct your mistakes. The questions are also timed. In computer-delivered IELTS, you can skip questions and come back to them. You can check your answer to a particular question later during the test. IELTS doesn’t time the individual questions.
  • Another critical difference is the marking of the tests. The PTE-A is a machine-scored test. With IELTS, the reading and listening tests are machine-marked, but a person assesses the speaking and writing test.

PTE Exam Format

The Pearson Test for English (full form of PTE) is like any other English test, assessing a candidate for Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing skills.

Part 1: Speaking and Writing Skills

You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills. The time given to this section is 54-67 minutes.
There are 8 sub-sections in it:

Part 2: Reading

You will be assessed on your understanding of the text. The time given to this section is 29-30 minutes. Its subparts are:

Part 3: Listening

This section will test the understanding of the language and the ability to retain information to answer the questions given. It takes 30-43 minutes.

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

While the jury is still out regarding which of the two tests is easier, there are some facts about the two tests that can’t be ignored:

Pearson Test for English, the full name of PTE, like an exam, is more challenging than IELTS. Therefore, it demands more from you while you prepare for it.

AS PTE is a computer-based test, the possibility of human error and bias is ruled out. In addition, it means scoring in PTE is easier and more dependable.

A report released in 2020 by Pearson details that from an IELTS Band 7.0 to an IELTS Band 9.0, PTE-A test-takers will need a higher score to be equivalent to IELTS.

What is the PTE full score?

PTE ScoreLevel of Proficiency
85-90
  • Can understand everything heard and spoken in English
  • Can summarise statements, construct arguments
  • Can express fluently and precisely even in complex situation
76-84
  • Can understand long texts and the concept presented
  • Can express fluently without lack of language expressions
  • Can create detailed texts under challenging situations
59-75
  • Can understand and communicate on abstract topics
  • Can communicate easily with native English speakers
  • Can create clear text on regular issues
43-58
  • Can deal with regular communication regarding school, work, leisure
  • Can create simple text on familiar topics
  • Can explain experiences, plans, goals.
30-42
  • Can understand information and expressions regarding personal topics 
  • Can communicate in simple expressions 
  • Can describe common concepts in simple terms
10-29
  • Can use basic phrases and expressions
  • Can introduce oneself and ask for basic information from others
  • Can understand if the native English speaker speaks slowly

Conclusion

Scoring in the Pearson Test for English, the full form of PTE, is challenging, and you require a detailed prep strategy to get the desired score.

However, an excellent score will get you the chance you have been looking for; to study or work in an English-speaking country.

Edulyte offers affordable prep courses for PTE, which give you the flexibility to learn from any place, anytime. And you get a systematic, comprehensive analysis of your performance along with remedial measures to improve your score.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us now to achieve your dream!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PTE and IELTS?

PTE and IELTS are both English proficiency tests that evaluate your English language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. But, more or less, their similarities end here.

The main differences between them are:
One of the most significant differences is that PTE-A is solely a computer-based test.
IELTS has a computer-delivered and a paper-based test.
The tests differ in the Speaking test segment. With IELTS, you take the speaking exam face-to-face with a person who tests your English speaking ability. The PTE-A test requires you to speak in a microphone, and the computer records your response.

Which is good, IELTS or PTE?

Such a question does not have a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. You have to determine which test is more suitable for you. English-speaking countries accept the results of these tests. While PTE is more brutal to prepare for, it is also a complete computer-based test. IELTS, on the other hand, tests your Speaking skills in person.

What is the meaning of PTE?

The Pearson Test for English or PTE Academic is the first entirely computer-based English language test. It is accepted as a criterion for English knowledge by English-speaking countries for international study or immigration.

What does PTE stand for?

The Pearson Test for English is an English language proficiency test. Powered by AI technology, it will assess you for the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition, it provides a score based on the GSE (Global Scale of English).

Test sessions can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance, 365 days a year

How long will I have to wait for my results?

Under usual circumstances, you will get your PTE score within just 2 days. However, sometimes, it takes more time in case the result has to be reviewed or for security reasons.

How will I learn in Edulyte’s Online IELTS Training Program?

All learning happens through Live online classes and online activities. Speak with your instructor about your requirements, and the course will be designed based on your schedule.

How do I sign up for the course?

It is a straightforward procedure. Check the tutor listings and the courses offered. Decide on your classes. Fill up the enrollment form. Pay the course fee and let your learning begin.

Am I eligible to take the PTE?

Yes! Anyone who wishes to move to an English-speaking country for work or education can take this test.

How do I register for the PTE exam?

We have prepared a detailed guide on Booking PTE Test here. You will have to register for a Pearson account on test website. Once the account is created, you can schedule your test.

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