Do I need to know about a specific subject to take the test?
No. PTE Academic is a test of your English ability. The test covers a range of subjects, but you are not being tested on these subjects.
Do I need computer skills to take the test?
You do not need any special computer skills. To familiarize yourself with the test we suggest you: – Review the test preparation resources. – We recommend taking one of our Scored Practice Tests to get used to the timing and moving through each type of question. PTE Academic is taken using a QWERTY keyboard, where the letters on the top line spell out ‘QWERTY’. IF you are not used to this type of keyboard, it may help to practice with one before you take the test.
How old do I need to be to take PTE Academic?
You must be at least 16 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a signed parental consent form before taking the test. Complete the form, then follow the instructions printed on it to send it to us. Download the form here.
We accept these payment methods:
Do I have to pay for the test with my own credit card?
No. You can use a card that is registered in a different name (e.g. a parent’s credit card.)
Can I register directly with the test center?
No. You can register for the test online or by phone through our call centers. Contact the customer service team in your region.
My name is too long to fit the space on the form. What should I enter into the registration form?
Enter as much of your name as you can. Then contact us so we know there will be a difference between the name you register with and the name on your ID.
What happens if my ID shows a different name to the one I registered with?
You will not be allowed to take the test and you will lose your test fee.
If you made a mistake when registering, please contact us before your test day. We will do what we can to help.
Do I have to take PTE Academic in my home country?
No. You can take it at any of our test centers around the world. Make sure you check what type of ID you have to use.
How do I book a PTE Academic test?
Important: Please ensure your name on your ID matches your PTE-A registration name, otherwise you may not be permitted to enter the exam.
If you don’t have a Pearson account:
Go to http://pearsonpte.com/book-now/ read all the information on the page. In order to book your PTE Academic test, you will need to complete the following:
NOTE: For both cases ensure you have read the ID policy on the following page www.pearsonpte.com/acceptable-id/ and that your ID is valid at the time of registration and on the day of the test.
We accept these payment methods:
Do I have to pay for the test with my own credit card?
No. You can use a card that is registered in a different name (e.g. a parent’s credit card.)
When should I arrive at the test center?
At least 30 minutes before the start of your test. This gives you plenty of time to check in and pass security.
How do you check my identity at the test center?
We will check the ID you bring with you. We also take your photo, a palm vein scan and a digital signature.
What documents can I use as ID at the test center?
You should show your passport when arriving at the test center.
What is palm vein recognition and is it safe?
Palm vein recognition scans the veins inside your hand to create a digital template that represents your palm vein pattern. Everyone’s veins are different, just like a fingerprint, this allows us to check your identity. To use the palm vein scanner, you simply hold your hand in place above the scanner for a few seconds. The scanner uses a near-infrared light source, similar to a remote control – and you never touch the sensor.
What happens if there is a problem with my computer during the test?
Raise your hand and tell the test administrator. They will do whatever they can to help and will ensure the problem is recorded and reported.
What should I do if I spot a problem with a question?
Raise your hand and tell the test administrator. They will ask you to complete a form. This will then be sent to us so we can investigate. lternatively, contact your local customer service team within 14 days of the test.
What happens if I have to leave for an emergency?
Raise your hand and explain your situation to the test administrator. They will advise further.
Can I take notes during the test?
Yes. We will give you an erasable noteboard booklet (about 5 sheets of A4 paper). If you run out of space, you can ask for another booklet.
How do I view my scores online?
You can see your scores once you have signed in to your Pearson Vue account at www.pearsonvue.com/pte Click ‘View Score Report’ to see your scores for each test.
How do I send my scores to institutions?
You can do this once you have signed in to your account.
You can send your scores to unlimited number of institutitions free of charge.
We will send you an email to confirm your scores have been sent.
What documents can I use as ID at the test center?
You should show your passport when arriving at the test center.
When will institutions be able to see my score?
After you have assigned a score to an institution through your account, it takes up to 48 hours before the institution can view your score.
Can I send my previous scores to institutions?
Yes. Just choose the score you want to send once you have signed in to your account. Scores remain available for two years.
Why have you sent me a message saying my chosen institution does not recognize the test?
The institution you selected does not yet recognize PTE Academic formally. You will not be able to use your score to this institution until it accepts PTE Academic.
Requesting a rescore
If you are unhappy with your PTE Academic score, you may request a rescore. Before doing this, test takers should take the following into consideration:
You may only request a rescore of your most recent PTE Academic test. You can not request a rescore if you have already either scheduled another test or sent your score to an institution.
To order a rescore, you must contact Pearson Customer Service within 14 calendar days of your score report being made available to you.
The fee for rescores is available from the Customer Service team. In the unlikely event that either your Overall, Communicative Skills or Enabling Skills scores change, the rescore fee will be fully refunded.
What happens if I arrive late?
Contact the relevant customer service team as soon as you know you are going to be late. If you arrive up to 15 minutes late you may still be allowed to take it. You will still get the full three hours to complete the test.
If you arrive over 15 minutes late you will not be allowed to take the test and you will lose your fee.
I need to cancel my test, or I did not turn up to take it. Can I claim a refund?
If you fail to turn up to your appointment you will not generally receive a refund.
You may receive a partial refund if you cancel your test before the appointment date.
For your best chance of a refund, contact the customer service team in your region. In some circumstances we will try to reschedule your test free of charge.
PTE Academic is accepted for all Australian and New Zealand visa applications.
If you wish to provide feedback or register a complaint about your experience with PTE Academic, please complete the form below describing your experience.
If you are contacting us to complain about a specific exam you will need your Test Registration ID to be able to submit the form which will be found on your booking confirmation or Score Report.
Please note: If you are contacting Pearson to complain about any delay to your PTE Academic score or about the results you have received, please first contact the Customer Service team in your region who can advise on the next steps.
What happens next?
Your feedback or complaint will be passed to the team that’s best placed to investigate and resolve it. You will likely receive a response by the email supplied but may be contacted by phone. We aim to respond to complaints within 10 working days.
Sometimes, to investigate your concerns fully and provide a detailed response, we’ll need longer than 10 days. If this is the case, we’ll contact you after 10 working days to update you on our progress.