Speaking & Writing
50–65 minutes
7 question types
Format & scoring
Know the test. Understand every point.
Explore the current PTE Core structure, every question type and the different ways responses are scored.
3 timed partsSpeaking & Writing, Reading and Listening.
19 question typesEach type measures a particular ability.
Scores from 10–90Overall plus four communicative skills.
Information checked against official sources.
1. Exam format overview
The three parts are completed in one test session. Pearson publishes time ranges because the exact number and mix of items may vary.
Reading
27–37 minutes
5 question types
Listening
22–37 minutes
7 question types
Personal Introduction appears before the scored tasks so you can become familiar with the test technology. Pearson states that it does not contribute to your score.
2. Question types in each part
Choose a part to see its tasks. The explanations below summarize what you do; always read the live task instructions carefully.
This part combines spoken and written responses based on practical, everyday English.
Read AloudRead a short text aloud clearly and naturally.
Repeat SentenceListen to a sentence and repeat it as accurately as possible.
Describe ImageStudy an image and describe its main information aloud.
Respond to a SituationListen to and read a situation, then give an appropriate spoken response.
Answer Short QuestionAnswer a recorded question using one or a few words.
Summarize Written TextRead a passage and write a concise 25–50 word summary.
Write EmailWrite an 80–120 word email that responds appropriately to a situation.
3. How scoring works
PTE Core is computer-scored. The scoring method depends on the question type.
Correct or incorrect
Some responses receive credit only when the selected or typed answer is correct.
Partial credit
Some items award points for each correct element, and certain multiple-answer tasks can deduct points for incorrect choices.
Response quality
Speaking and writing tasks may assess content, form, pronunciation, fluency, grammar, vocabulary or task appropriacy.
Some tasks are integrated. A response can contribute to more than one skill score, so understanding the official “communicative skills scored” column is more useful than relying on unofficial weight tables.
4. Understanding your score report
Your report includes
- An overall score from 10 to 90
- Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening scores from 10 to 90
- A Skills Profile with more detail about strengths and areas to improve
73Speaking
68Writing
74Reading
71Listening
Example display only—not an official Pearson score report.
5. PTE Core scores and CLB
IRCC converts each PTE Core ability score to a Canadian Language Benchmark level. There is no single overall-score shortcut.
See the official score ranges in context
Use our immigration guide to explore CLB levels and then confirm the current table on IRCC.
6. Official scoring resources
7. Scoring FAQ
What is the PTE Core score range?
Your overall score and the four communicative skill scores are reported on a scale from 10 to 90.
Does every task affect only one skill?
No. Some integrated tasks contribute to more than one communicative skill. For example, Read Aloud can contribute to both speaking and reading.
Is every answer simply right or wrong?
No. Some tasks are correct or incorrect, while others use partial credit or assess response features such as content, form, oral fluency, pronunciation, grammar or vocabulary.
Are PrepMyPTE practice scores official?
No. PrepMyPTE scores and feedback are preparation estimates. Official results are produced only by Pearson after an official PTE Core test.
Turn the format into a study plan.
Use focused drills, feedback and timed practice for every task type.