PTE Score Chart: Understand the PTE Academic Scoring System

Updated on Mar 27, 2025, 06:42

Pearson reported a 76% surge in PTE Academic test volumes globally in early 2023, fueled by India’s expanding market share. With AI-driven scoring and 48-hour results, PTE is now a top choice for study and immigration. Whether applying to Harvard or for Australian PR, understanding how PTE scores translate into eligibility can improve your chances. This guide covers the PTE score chart, comparisons, and strategies to help you succeed.

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1. What is the PTE Score Chart?

The PTE score chart is a structured breakdown of PTE academic scores that reflects a test-taker’s English proficiency.

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2. PTE Academic Score Calculation

Understanding how your PTE Academic scores are calculated can help you prepare strategically.

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3. Section-wise PTE Academic Score Chart

Each PTE section has a distinct scoring pattern, and understanding it helps you optimise your performance in each area.

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4. PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL Score Comparison

A PTE score table comparing it with other exams like TOEFL and IELTS can be extremely helpful.

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5. How to Improve Your PTE Academic Scores?

A strategic approach to PTE exam preparation can make all the difference in achieving your target PTE score.

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What is the PTE Score Chart?

The PTE score chart is a structured breakdown of PTE academic scores that reflects a test-taker’s English proficiency. It helps universities and immigration authorities assess whether a candidate meets the language requirements for admission or visa approval.

By understanding the PTE score chart, you can set clear score targets based on your academic and career goals.

Also Read: PTE score in bands

What is the PTE Academic Scoring System?

PTE Academic uses a structured scoring system to ensure fairness and accuracy. Every response is evaluated based on specific language skills, giving test-takers a clear breakdown of their performance. This helps them understand their strengths and areas that need improvement.

PTE Academic scores range from 10 to 90, reflecting a candidate’s English proficiency. Here is a quick overview.

Score Range	Description
80 - 90	Advanced proficiency, near-native fluency
66 - 79	Strong English skills
51 - 65	Competent for academic purposes
31 - 50	Modest proficiency
10 - 30	Limited proficiency

This ensures that your test is assessed fairly, regardless of accent or writing style. This makes PTE Academic a reliable and widely accepted English proficiency test for students and professionals worldwide.

PTE Academic Score Calculation

Understanding how your PTE Academic scores are calculated can help you prepare strategically and focus on the right areas for better preparation and higher performance.

How is the PTE Academic Test Scored?

PTE Academic scores are calculated using an automated scoring system based on two types of scoring methods, as mentioned below.

Right or Wrong: Some questions receive full marks for the correct answer and zero for incorrect responses.
Partial Credit: Some questions are scored based on correctness, formal aspects (word limit, grammar, etc.), and response quality. Partial marks are awarded if the answer is partially correct.

The final overall score (10-90 scale) is an average of communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing) and enabling skills (Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, Written Discourse).

PTE Marks Distribution Chart

The PTE marks distribution chart is designed based on adaptive scoring principles. It ensures precision, fairness, and real-world language proficiency assessment. No single skill dominates the final score, which makes it balanced for academic and professional use.

Below mentioned structure makes PTE more accurate, practical, and widely accepted.

PTE Academic Section	Score Contribution (%)
PTE Speaking Test	25%
PTE Writing Test	25%
PTE Reading Test	25%
PTE Listening Test	25%

Pay Attention and Dissect the Sentence

Listening well is imperative for success. Awareness of the sentence structure, keywords, and intonation will help keep the sentence from moving. Once the sentence approaches its end, you can break it into smaller constructs in your mind to facilitate memorisation.

Use Mnemonics for Easily Recalled and Easily Remembered Sentences

Mnemonic devices store and recall the more challenging parts of a complicated sentence. One helpful strategy is to connect the words to previous experience or to use acronyms you have developed in common daily objects. Example: For a sentence like "The economy is experiencing a steady recovery," your 3 acronyms could be E (Economy), S (Steady), and R (Recovery).

Improve Pronunciation & Speaking Fluency

Practice Common Word Patterns – Identifying frequently occurring phrases and practising them can improve pronunciation.
Speak Naturally – Avoid robotic speech; aim for a smooth and natural tone instead.
Record and Self-Evaluate – Listening to your speech can highlight areas that need improvement.

Daily Drills for Improving Sentence Retention

Here are some PTE repeat sentence practice for you to improve your score:

Shadowing Technique – Listen to a sentence and immediately repeat it while trying to match the speaker’s intonation and rhythm.
Chunking Method – Break long sentences into smaller segments and memorise them sequentially.
Writing & Repeating – Write down the sentence after hearing it and then practice repeating it.
Listening to Podcasts – Regularly listening to English podcasts can improve listening skills and sentence retention.
Using Speech-to-Text Apps – Record responses using speech recognition software to analyse accuracy.

Section-wise PTE Academic Score Chart

Each PTE section has a distinct scoring pattern, and understanding it helps you optimise your performance in each area. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of how scores are distributed within the Reading section to help you focus on high-impact tasks.

PTE Reading Score Chart

Some reading tasks overlap with other skills (e.g., Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks). But the PTE Reading section is structured to assess overall language comprehension rather than isolated memorisation.

Item Type	Number of Items	Scoring
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks	5 - 6	Partial Credit (Each correct blank: +1, Min: 0)
Multiple choice with multiple answers	1 - 2	Partial Credit (+1 for correct, -1 for incorrect, Min: 0)
Multiple Choice with a single answer	1 - 2	Correct/Incorrect (Correct: +1, Min: 0)
Re-order Paragraphs	2 - 3	Partial Credit (Each correct adjacent pair: +1, Min: 0)
Reading: Fill in the Blanks	4 - 5	Partial Credit (Each correct blank: +1, Min: 0)

Test Duration: 29-30 minutes
Score Range: 10-90

Since some tasks award partial credit, even incomplete answers can add to your final score.

Also Read: PTE Reading Tips and Tricks 2025

PTE Writing Score Chart

The Writing Section evaluates your ability to present ideas clearly, use correct grammar and vocabulary, and maintain logical coherence in your responses.

Writing Task	Score Contribution	Scoring Method
Summarise Written Text	Moderate	Partial Credit (Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, Coherence)
Write Essay	High	Partial Credit (Content, Vocabulary, Grammar, Spelling, Development, Structure, Coherence, Linguistic Range)

Test Duration: 40 minutes
Score Range: 10-90

If an essay is completely off-topic or too short (less than 120 words), it receives zero points for content or form. The Write Essay task contributes more to the Writing score than Summarise Written Text because it evaluates more traits. However, both tasks contribute to the overall PTE Academic score.

PTE Listening Score Chart

The PTE Listening section consists of eight task types, each contributing differently to the overall listening score. Below is the detailed PTE Listening Score Chart, breaking down scoring methods and skill contributions for each task.

Listening Task	Score Contribution	Scoring Method
Summarise Spoken Text	High	Partial Credit (Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling)
Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers	Low	Partial Credit (-1 penalty for incorrect choices)
Fill in the Blanks	Moderate	Partial Credit (Each correct word)
Highlight Correct Summary	Moderate	Correct/Incorrect
Multiple-choice, Single Answer	Low	Correct/Incorrect
Select Missing Word	Low	Correct/Incorrect
Highlight Incorrect Words	High	Partial Credit (-1 penalty for incorrect choices)
Write from Dictation	High	Partial Credit (Each correct word)

Test Duration: 30-43 minutes
Score Range: 10-90

Tasks with penalty points (e.g., Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers) can lower your score if answered incorrectly. Prioritising high-score tasks and avoiding mistakes in negative marking sections is key to maximising your Listening score.

Also Read: PTE Listening Practice Test 2025

PTE Speaking Score Chart

Since PTE Speaking assesses both pronunciation and content accuracy, its scoring is more than just fluency. Some tasks, like Read Aloud, contribute to both Speaking and Reading scores, making them more impactful. Understanding how each task is scored helps in focusing on high-weightage areas while avoiding penalties in low-score tasks.

Speaking Task	Score Contribution	Key Traits Scored
Read Aloud	High	Pronunciation, Oral Fluency, Content
Repeat Sentence	High	Pronunciation, Oral Fluency, Content
Describe Image	Moderate	Pronunciation, Oral Fluency, Content
Retell Lecture	Moderate	Pronunciation, Oral Fluency, Content
Answer Short Question	Low	Pronunciation, Content

Test Duration: 30-35 minutes
Score Range: 10-90

To score well in PTE Speaking, focus on clear pronunciation, steady fluency, and structured responses. High-weightage tasks like Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence require extra practice, as they significantly impact your score. Avoid pauses, hesitations, and monotone delivery to maximise your score.

Also Read: PTE Speaking Writing Practice test

PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL Score Comparison

A PTE score table comparing it with other exams like TOEFL and IELTS can be extremely helpful. Universities, employers, and immigration authorities often accept a specific equivalent score, making it crucial to know how these exams compare.

PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL score comparison table.

PTE Academic Score	IELTS Band Score	TOEFL iBT Score
86 - 90	9	118 - 120
83 - 85	8.5	115 - 117
76 - 82	8	110 - 114
73 - 75	7.5	102 - 109
65 - 72	7	94 - 101
59 - 64	6.5	79 - 93
51 - 58	6	60 - 78
43 - 50	5.5	46 - 59
36 - 42	5	35 - 45
29 - 35	4.5	32 - 34

Each test assesses language proficiency differently, so selecting the right exam depends on the requirements of your chosen university or visa application.

PTE to IELTS Score Comparison

A PTE to IELTS score comparison is necessary because universities, visa authorities, and employers often accept both tests but may set requirements in IELTS bands. Many universities and immigration programs set minimum IELTS band requirements, making it important to understand PTE-IELTS equivalency.

For example, if your target university requires a 6.5 IELTS band, you’ll need a 66-75 PTE score. Understanding the equivalent scores ensures you meet the exact language proficiency criteria without confusion.

Below is the PTE vs IELTS score comparison table:

PTE Academic Score	IELTS Band Score
N/A	9
89	8.5
84	8
76	7.5
66	7
56	6.5
46	6
36	5.5
29	5
23	4.5

PTE vs TOEFL Score Comparison

Over 11,500 universities worldwide accept TOEFL, while 3,300+ institutions recognise PTE. This makes it essential to compare their score equivalencies to ensure you meet admission and visa requirements. A direct score comparison helps you understand how your PTE score translates to TOEFL, ensuring you meet university or visa requirements.

PTE vs TOEFL score comparison table.

PTE Academic Score	TOEFL iBT Score
84	120
78	113
72	105
68	99 - 100
64	94
59	87 - 88
53	79 - 80
50	74 - 75
46	65 - 66
42	54 - 56
38	40 - 44

While PTE focuses on AI-driven scoring with integrated tasks, TOEFL evaluates academic English through human and automated assessments.

Also Read: Is TOEFL Exam Hard?

How to Improve Your PTE Academic Scores?

A strategic approach to PTE exam preparation can make all the difference in achieving your target PTE score. By focusing on key skills in each section, you can maximise your performance and boost your overall score.

Success in PTE Academic isn’t just about knowing English. It’s about knowing how to approach the test strategically. Since the exam follows an AI scoring system, refining your skills across all sections is essential.

Tips to Improve Your PTE Scores in Each Section

1. Reading: Speed and accuracy matter. So, you need to develop skimming and scanning techniques to find answers quickly and practise summarising long texts to improve comprehension. For "Reorder Paragraphs", develop strategies to identify logical sentence flows. Regular practice with academic texts will improve comprehension and vocabulary.

2. Writing: For writing, structure your responses clearly with concise sentences and proper grammar. Practice summarising written texts while staying within word limits. In essay tasks, prioritise clarity and avoid overly complex vocabulary. Structure each essay with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Listening: Practice active listening by focusing on key ideas and transitions rather than memorising every word. Improve note-taking to capture essential details. Expose yourself to different English accents to better understand diverse spoken English. Focus on context and overall meaning rather than isolated words.

4. Speaking: Speak clearly and steadily, avoiding long pauses. Practice pronunciation and intonation using tools for feedback. For tasks like "Read Aloud" or "Describe Image", aim for natural delivery and coherence. Recording yourself and reviewing your responses can help refine fluency and clarity.

By strategically refining skills in each area and practising consistently with timed mock tests, you’ll enhance both your proficiency and confidence for the PTE Academic. Track progress regularly and adjust your approach based on feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can have a substantial impact on your PTE score. Many test-takers face similar challenges, particularly with time management, which can negatively affect performance.

Here are the key mistakes to watch out for in each section:

1. Reading: Rushing through the reading section and skipping questions leads to missed opportunities. Always attempt every question, even if you’re unsure of the answer. Moreover, spending too long on one question impacts your overall time. Practice time management with practice tests.

2. Writing: Neglecting sentence structure and grammatical accuracy leads to lower scores. Ensure your ideas are well-organised and sentences are clear and grammatically correct. Using unnecessarily complex vocabulary or long-winded sentences can confuse the reader. Keep it simple and to the point.

3. Listening: It’s easy to get lost in the details of a listening task. Focus on the main idea and key points instead of trying to memorise every word. Failure to take effective notes can hinder your ability to recall essential information during the test.

4. Speaking: Pausing too much or speaking too slowly affects fluency scores. Keep your speech natural and consistent. Mispronouncing words can negatively impact your score. Pay attention to pronunciation during practice and use AI-based tools for feedback.

By avoiding these mistakes and focusing on efficient strategies, you’ll be able to enhance your performance and achieve a higher score.

Maximising your PTE score requires more than just language proficiency. It demands strategic preparation and careful attention to common traps. Refining time management, practising key skills, and avoiding mistakes will boost your performance and help you achieve the scores needed for admissions or visas.

Boost your PTE exam preparation with Leap’s personalised learning resources and practice tests. Join our PTE Chart 80+ Course to improve your skills and discover more tips and tricks for succeeding in PTE Academic!

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FAQs

Q. How much is 6 each in PTE?

Ans. A PTE score of 6 in each section typically aligns with a score range of 51-58 on the PTE Academic score chart. This corresponds to a modest proficiency in English, similar to a band score of 6 in IELTS. It meets the minimum language requirements for many universities and visa applications, depending on the institution’s criteria.

Q. How to calculate PTE overall?

Ans. The overall PTE score is calculated by averaging the scores of the four main sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. These scores are based on both communicative skills (such as fluency, grammar, and vocabulary) and enabling skills (such as pronunciation and spelling). The final score is a reflection of a candidate's overall English proficiency based on the PTE marking chart.

Q. Can I go to Australia with 6 bands in PTE?

Ans. Yes, a score of 6 bands in PTE (approximately 51-58) is typically acceptable for most Australian universities and for student visa applications. However, competitive programs may require higher scores. You should always check the specific PTE score band chart and the entry requirements for your desired program or visa.

Q. Is PTE harder than IELTS?

Ans. Whether PTE is harder than IELTS depends on individual preferences. PTE is fully computer-based, which means the speaking section is recorded and scored by AI, unlike IELTS, where you speak with an examiner. The PTE Academic score chart, based on an automated system, may be less stressful for some, but it requires familiarity with time management and a quick response format.

Q. Is 5.5 a good score in IELTS?

Ans. A 5.5 in IELTS is considered a modest score and may meet the entry requirements for some universities and visa applications. However, it's below the average required for many top-tier institutions or professional programs. It typically corresponds to a PTE score of around 47-55, according to the PTE score chart with IELTS.

Q. What is the passing score in PTE?

Ans. The passing score in PTE depends on the institution or immigration authority. For most universities, a score of 50-60 is considered passing, though competitive programs may require higher scores. The passing score is typically based on the minimum requirements outlined in the PTE academic score guide for your intended course or visa application.

Q. Is IELTS better or PTE?

Ans. The choice between IELTS and PTE depends on individual preferences and requirements. IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking test, while PTE uses an AI-based scoring system, which some test-takers find more objective. Both exams assess similar skills, but PTE's integrated scoring system, as seen in the PTE marks distribution chart, may appeal to those comfortable with technology and quick responses.

Q. Is there a way to compare PTE scores to IELTS or TOEFL scores?

Ans. Yes, PTE scores can be compared to IELTS and TOEFL scores using a conversion chart. For example, a PTE score of 86-90 typically corresponds to an IELTS band score of 9 and a TOEFL iBT score of 118-120. Understanding these equivalents can help ensure that your PTE score meets the requirements for university admissions or visa applications. You can refer to the PTE score chart with IELTS and TOEFL for detailed comparisons.

Q. What are the different sections of the PTE score report?

Ans. The PTE score report consists of several key sections. The Overall Score ranges from 10 to 90 and provides an overall assessment of your English proficiency. Under Communicative Skills, you’ll find individual scores for Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. Additionally, there is a section for Enabling Skills, which evaluates specific sub-skills.

Q. Is PTE accepted in Canada?

Ans. Yes, PTE is accepted in Canada by various universities, colleges, and immigration authorities. It is recognised as a valid English proficiency test for student admissions, work permits, and immigration processes. Many institutions across Canada accept PTE scores as part of their language requirements, making it a viable option for students and professionals planning to study or migrate to Canada.

Q. For how long is the PTE score valid?

Ans. PTE scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. After this period, the score expires and is no longer accepted by universities, immigration authorities, or employers. Test-takers need to ensure their PTE scores are within the valid period when applying for study programs, visa applications, or job opportunities.

IELTS Exam	IELTS Exam Date	IELTS Exam Fee
IELTS Modules	IELTS Listening Practice Test	IELTS Speaking Practice Test
IELTS Reading Practice Test	IELTS Writing Practice Test	IELTS Test Centres
IELTS Results	Types of IELTS	IELTS Pattern
IELTS Exam Eligibilty	IELTS Slot Booking	IELTS Band Score
IELTS Registration	IELTS Books	IELTS Preparation
IELTS Practice Test

PTE Exam	PTE Syllabus	PTE Dates
PTE Results	PTE Fees	PTE Preparation
PTE Centre	PTE Speaking & Writing Practice Test	PTE Reading Practice Test
PTE Listening Practice Test	PTE Registration	PTE Practice Test
PTE Score Chart	PTE Score Calculator

PTE Highlight Correct Summary	PTE Summarize Written Text	PTE Read Aloud
PTE Describe Image	PTE Academic Repeat Sentence	PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks
PTE Listening Fill in the Blanks	PTE Short Answer Questions	PTE Collocation List
Process Chart PTE	Pie Chart PTE	PTE Line Graph
PTE Retell Lecture	Map Chart PTE	PTE Reorder Paragraph
PTE Writing Essay	Summarize Spoken Text PTE