When it comes to studying or working abroad, proficiency in English is an essential requirement. In order to prove your language skills, you need to take an English proficiency test. One such test is the PTE Pearson Test of English which comes in two variations – PTE Academic and PTE General.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at both PTE variations, the key differences between the two and which one is the right choice for you.
Overview of PTE Academic and PTE General Tests
PTE Academic
PTE Academic is designed for non-native English speakers who want to study or work abroad. It is a computer-based exam and is recognized by universities and employers around the world. The exam consists of four sections:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- speaking
The test takes approximately three hours to complete and is scored on a scale of 10-90. The scores are based on the candidate’s performance in each section and overall performance.
PTE General
The PTE General is designed for non-native English speakers who wish to measure their proficiency in the English language for personal or professional purposes. It is recognized by employers, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide and is accepted by thousands of institutions in over 50 countries.
The test is divided into two sections: a written section and a verbal section. The spoken interview is taken 2 weeks prior to the written test. There are six levels of proficiency which are designed to assess your ability to communicate in real-life situations and include tasks such as writing letters, summarizing texts, and participating in conversations.
Test Format and Structure
PTE Academic Exam Format and Structure
PTE Academic assess a candidate’s English speaking, listening, reading and writing in a single test.
| Section | Time Duration | Question Types |
| Part 1: Speaking and Writing | This part of PTE Academic takes about 54-67 minutes and it consists of seven different question types. Speaking and writing is the longest section of the test. The test will assess your speaking and writing skills using English you will find in an academic environment. |
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| Part 2: Reading | This part of PTE Academic takes about 29-30 minutes and it consists of five different question types. |
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| Part 3: Listening | This part of PTE Academic takes about 30-43 minutes long and consists of eight different question types. The questions are based on audio and video clip that will be played during the test. |
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PTE General Exam Format and Structure
PTE General is a language proficiency test that is accepted by only a few select countries and not for visa and immigration purposes, the PTE General test is usually undertaken by those who aim to evaluate their ability to communicate in English. The pattern of PTE General as mentioned before consist of two sections: written and spoken tests that analyse the reading, listening, speaking and writing skills of the test-taker. There are six levels of proficiency under the PTE General:
| Level | Time Duration | Explanation |
| Foundation Level | 1 hour 15 minutes | Suitable for beginners, tests the writing and speaking skills |
| Level 1 | 1 hour 35 minutes | Suitable for beginners, tests the writing and speaking skills |
| Level 2 | 1 hour 35 minutes | Suitable for intermediate candidates, and tests the writing and speaking skills |
| Level 3 | 2 hours | Suitable for intermediate candidates, and tests the writing and speaking skills |
| Level 4 | 2 hours 30 minutes | Suitable for higher education candidates and tests the writing and speaking skills |
| Level 5 | 2 hours 55 minutes | Suitable for higher education candidates, and test the writing and speaking skills |
Exam Results and Slot Availability
When comparing PTE Academic and PTE General, there are some key differences to consider in terms of results and slot availability. PTE Academic has test dates available almost all year round, making it more accessible for people with different schedules. On the other hand, PTE General has only three slots available each year, typically in May, June, and December.
When it comes to test results turnaround, PTE Academic has a clear advantage over PTE General. PTE Academic test-takers can expect to receive their results within one day, making it a faster option for those who need their scores promptly for university applications or immigration purposes. In contrast, PTE General results are generally released within 5 days following the exam. Therefore, for candidates seeking a quick turnaround (within a day) on their English proficiency test results, PTE Academic is the more suitable choice out of the two exams.
Exam Validity
When it comes to validity, there is not much difference between PTE exams and other English proficiency exams. The exam scores are valid for two years from the day of the test.
Choosing the Right Test: Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing between PTE Academic and PTE General, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to determine your purpose for taking the exam. If you are planning to study or work in an academic setting, then PTE Academic is a clear choice. However, if you are looking to assess your everyday English language skills for a visa or immigration purposes, then PTE General may be the better option.
Another factor to consider is your comfort level with computer-based exams. If you are more comfortable taking exams on a computer, then PTE Academic may be the better choice for you. However, if you are more comfortable taking exams on paper, then PTE General may be the better option.
Both PTE Academic and PTE General are great options for English language learners looking to prove their English language proficiency. Consider your purpose, level, and timeframe when choosing which test to take. Good luck!
