What is PTE Academic Exam?

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The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language test accepted by educational institutions around the world. Those students and aspirants who desire to go abroad for studying or immigration to a major English speaking country are required to take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language competency.

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The three-hour-long computer-based test focusses on day to day English rather than high-level English language and tests a student on his/her ability to effectively understand the language as spoken daily. The multi-level grading system ensures a better understanding of the student’s proficiency in the English language.

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There are many factors that distinguish PTE Academic from its close competitors – IELTS and TOEFL. The first and foremost distinguishing aspect of the same is the scoring pattern and the results. As the tests are completely computerized, the PTE results and scores are declared much quicker, typically in 5 business days. This makes it aptly suited for students who are in a bit of a rush.

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Why take PTE Academic Exam?

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PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test for non-native English speakers who wish to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills of the candidates. The test is designed in such a way that every question generally tests 2 skills together, like reading and speaking or listening and reading.

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Who accepts PTE Academic Scores?

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PTE Academic exam is accepted by thousands of educational institutions across the world. Apart from this, PTE Academic is also accepted by the governments of Australia and New Zealand for visa purposes. Those who aspire to go abroad for studying in a major English speaking country like the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language efficiency.

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Types of PTE Exam

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The Pearson Language Tests – a unit of Pearson PLC Group is responsible for conducting two formats of the English proficiency test to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers of the English language.  The two tests are PTE Academic and PTE General.

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PTE Academic Exam

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The PTE Academic exam is conducted round-the-year, for students looking to get admission to a university or institution. The exam consists of four sections, reading, writing, listening and speaking. The scores of the PTE Academic exam is valid for a period of two years.

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PTE  General Exam

 

 The PTE General Exam is conducted thrice in a year in the months of May, June, and December. The PTE General paper-primarily consists of two papers, – a written paper and a spoken test. The PTE General Test scores are valid for life and are used to test the communication skills of the candidate.

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What are the eligibility criteria for the PTE Academic Exam?

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As such, there are no specific criteria set by the Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE Academic exam. However, according to the PTE Academic eligibility criteria, students must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appearing for the test. Also, candidates who are below 18 years of age need to give a parental consent form for appearing for the PTE Academic test.

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Age Limit to Appear for PTE Academic Exam

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In order to take the PTE Academic test, the candidate must be at least 16 years old. Candidates below 18 years of age need to take a parental consent form signed by either parents or guardians before taking the test. Candidates can download the consent form from the official website of the PTE Academic Exam. 

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Education Qualification to appear for PTE Academic Exam?

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Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE Academic Exam has not laid down any education qualification criteria for candidates wanting to appear for the PTE Academic test.