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PTE Band Scores & Results (2024)- Everything you need to know

Updated on 03 September, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a globally recognized computer-based English language proficiency test, and understanding PTE band scores is crucial for students seeking an education abroad in universities and colleges and for immigration.

Conducted in over 295 test centers across 50+ countries, it evaluates writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills with scores ranging from 10 to 90, aligned with the Global Scale of English (GSE). 

PTE results, crucial for institutions in countries like Canada, Australia, and the USA, are typically available online within 48 hours. Candidates receive email notifications and can check their scores through their Pearson account, sending them directly to institutions as needed.

PTE Results - Important Dates (2024)

The PTE result dates are not fixed. They are officially declared within five business days of taking the examination. However, many aspirants have often received their results within only 48 hours. Every aspirant will be notified via email whenever their result is ready to view. They can check report cards and PTE results by logging into their official myPTE accounts. 

PTE results and scores are valid for two years. Aspirants can reappear for the examination again after this period. For purposes of immigration, countries such as Australia accept PTE results for three years.

PTE Score Requirements

PTE forms an essential part of a student's study abroad plans, as being proficient in English is a basic part of most educational institutions. Each institution has its score requirements and other criteria for admitting students. The general average PTE score requirements are as follows:

Type of Course

Minimum Score Range Requirement

Foundation Course

36-50

Undergraduate Course

51-60

Postgraduate Course

57-67

Understanding PTE Scores

PTE scores can be understood better when compared to TOEFL iBT, The IELTS Academic Test, and the CEFR scores. 

Here’s how to understand PTE scores in accordance with TOEFL iBT.

PTE Academic Score

TOEFL iBT

Score

 

PTE Academic Score

TOEFL iBT

Score

62

91–92

 

38

40–44

63

93

 

39

45–47

64

94

 

40

48–51

65

95–96

 

41

52–53

66

97

 

42

54–56

67

98

 

43

57–59

68

99–100

 

44

60–62

69

101

 

45

63–64

70

102

 

46

65–66

71

103–104

 

47

67–69

72

105

 

48

70–71

73

106

 

49

72–73

74

107–108

 

50

74–75

75

109

 

51

76–77

76

110–111

 

52

78

77

112

 

53

79–80

78

113

 

54

81

79

114

 

55

82

80

115–116

 

56

83–84

81

117

 

57

85

82

118

 

58

86

83

119

 

59

87–88

84

120

 

60

89

85 - 90

None

 

61

90

     

10-37

None

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Here’s how to interpret the PTE score in accordance with the IELTS band score: 

PTE Academic Score

IELTS Band Score

10-22

None

23-28

4.5

29-35

5.0

36-45

5.5

46-55

6.0

56-65

6.5

66-75

7.0

76-83

7.5

84-88

8.0

89-90

8.5

Not Applicable

9.0

The PTE score table below shows the comparison of PTE scores and the CEFR levels

PTE Academic Scores

CEFR Levels

85 - 90

C2

76-84

C1

59-75

B2

43-58

B1

30-42

A2

10-29

A1

What does your PTE score mean?

Your PTE score is a detailed reflection of your English language proficiency across listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Each score range corresponds to a specific level of excellence, offering insights into your abilities and areas for improvement.

The table below categorizes PTE academic scores into different excellence levels, helping you understand what your score signifies and how it aligns with your language skills.

PTE Academic Score

Excellence Level

Description

85 - 90

Expert

Demonstrates near-native fluency, handling complex tasks and understanding detailed texts effortlessly.

76 - 84

Very Good

Shows a strong command of English, can express ideas clearly, and interacts fluently in most situations.

59 - 75

Good

Proficient in understanding and communicating on a range of topics, can engage comfortably with native speakers.

43 - 58

Competent

Adequate grasp of language, ability to discuss familiar topics, and ability to manage everyday interactions.

30 - 42

Limited Proficiency

Basic understanding and use of phrases can communicate in routine tasks requiring a simple exchange of information.

10 - 29

Basic Proficiency

Familiar with basic expressions and phrases, able to interact only if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

PTE Band Score 2024 and Descriptors

The PTE academic scores are reported on a scale from 10 to 90, with 90 being the highest possible score. This scale represents a global standard of English proficiency, allowing for a direct and fair comparison of candidates' language abilities. The scoring system is designed to give an accurate, granular representation of a test taker's English language proficiency. Scores are provided for each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) as well as for overall language ability. The scoring process is entirely automated, using sophisticated algorithms that assess a wide range of language skills. For instance, speaking responses are analyzed by how well the test taker's intonation, stress, and rhythm match native-like speech patterns, while writing responses are evaluated for their development, organization, grammar, and vocabulary.

The PTE score guide and the score descriptions can be difficult to understand. But, the below table explains them in detail for the students to understand:

PTE Academic Score

Description of Levels

10-29

This score range indicates that the candidate can understand and is familiar with regular expressions and basic phrases. 

The candidate can answer the questions about their personal life and details. 

An important point to note here is that the person can only interact and provide information if others talk in a simple and slow manner.

30-42

This score range shows that the candidate can understand language and sentences and use expressions from their very immediate level and surroundings. 

It implies the candidate has a very basic understanding of the environment around them, like school, hospital, shopping, etc. The candidate can communicate in a simple and routine way.

43-58

The score range highlights that the candidate can understand the topics they experience every day regularly in their day-to-day activities like at home, work, school, playground, etc. 

The candidate can answer the connected topics familiar to their personal interests. The candidate can describe their dreams, aspirations, opinions, and plans on familiar topics.

51-58 The score range indicates that the candidate has a command of the language and can present views on familiar situations but make mistakes with repetitions. The candidate can also give information about facts, provide detailed information, and understand the content's detailed information.
59-75 The score range implies that the candidate can understand the complex content on random topics and interact with e degree of command over the language. The candidate is also able to interact comfortably with native speakers without hesitation. They can also share their viewpoints on topical issues and explain their pros and cons.
76-84

The score range signifies that the candidate can understand a wide range of longer texts and identify their implicit meaning. 

They can express themselves easily and flexibly using the language. They are also able to produce well-structured, detailed text on difficult situations and subjects.

Above 85

The score range highlights that a candidate can read, write, and speak the language without any barriers. 

They can summarize the information provided from various sources and easily express themselves. They can deliver and manage complex situations and topics at the most comfortable level.

How is PTE Band Score calculated

PTE score results are calculated based on the average of the sections of the exam. To understand the score calculation well, here are some key points.

  • An average of the enabling skills is calculated skills include grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and written discourse. 
  • The enabling skills are considered the fifth contributor in the four sections of the PTE exam.
  • The four main sections are listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
  • An average of all five contributors is considered the final PTE score.

What is best PTE Band Score 

PTE Academic provides scores within 10-90 on the Global Scale of English, and the candidates can accurately measure the same. 85-90 is the best score, and the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) equivalent is C2, with Band 9 as the IELTS equivalent. This score indicates the highest levels of prowess in English. 

This means that aspirants can easily understand everything they read or hear and quickly summarize data from various written and spoken sources. They can easily reconstruct accounts or arguments coherently while expressing themselves fluently, spontaneously, and accurately, switching between subtle nuances of meaning whenever required. 

76-84 is also a good score in PTE. This is C1 in the CEFR equivalent and Band Score 7-8 for the IELTS equivalent. This score is required by several institutions and countries, including the Australian Skilled Migration Visa Authority. 

This indicates high English proficiency levels, which are needed for undergraduate programs. This score means that aspirants can understand a diverse range of long and extensive texts while expressing themselves spontaneously without much struggle. 

They can flexibly use language for varied purposes while generating detailed and neatly structured texts dealing with complex aspects. They are also able to demonstrate command over connectors and other organizational elements. 

Reliability and Acceptance

The PTE Academic is renowned for its objectivity and reliability, primarily because it eliminates the potential for examiner bias through its automated scoring system. Research shows that the PTE's automated scoring system provides consistent results, making it a trusted choice for students, academic institutions, and professional bodies.

Over 3,000 academic programs worldwide accept PTE scores, including prestigious institutions in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, the PTE Academic is accepted for visa purposes by the Australian and New Zealand governments, further attesting to its credibility and recognition on a global scale.

The comprehensive nature of the PTE Academic, combined with its widespread acceptance and reliable scoring system, makes it an effective tool for assessing English language proficiency for academic and professional purposes.

A thorough study of the PTE results and scores will help you better understand the exam and PTE score calculation process.

What Countries are Accepting PTE Scores

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores are widely accepted by educational institutions and immigration authorities across various regions. It is accepted by more than 70 countries worldwide. Below is a table listing some of the countries across various regions that recognize PTE scores for academic admissions and visa applications.

Region

Countries

North and South America

USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, and Mexico.

Europe

UK, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, France, Switzerland, and Russia.

Oceania

Australia, and New Zealand.

Asia

Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey,and Iraq.

Africa

South Africa, Egypt, Somalia, Uganda, and Libya.

Recommended Reads:

PTE Eligibility Syllabus For PTE Exam PTE Exam Dates
PTE Test Centers in India PTE Scores & PTE Results PTE Accepted Universities in USA

PTE Score Report

Here are the sections a candidate can see in a PTE score report:

  • An overall score that ranges between 10 and 90, assesses the English Language proficiency of a candidate. 
  • Individual score for communicative skills in all the sections - Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

The skill profile will show the following:

  • Guidance on the performance of the candidate in all skills. 
  • Recommendations to help them further enhance their English skills. 

Here is a look at the sample PTE scorecard showing the components of the PTE scorecard:

PTE Scorecard

Here are the details of the information that are included in the scorecard:

  • Personal details and photograph of the candidate. 
  • Test registration ID and score report code of the candidate. 
  • Overall PTE Score of the candidate. 
  • A detailed breakdown of the candidate’s performance.

PTE Results - How to Check? 

Scores are published online by PTE via its secure digital portal. The score report code within the PTE Scorecard enables institutions to verify any score digitally and secure them carefully. Aspirants do not have to share any PDF files or prints likewise. The email notification is the most important for checking PTE scores. Aspirants will receive the email and can subsequently view their results by logging into their official myPTE accounts. 

Conclusion

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is essential for students and professionals pursuing global opportunities. It accurately measures proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. 

The exam's flexibility, including a quick 48-hour result turnaround and direct score submission to institutions, adds convenience for test-takers. PTE scores are widely accepted by thousands of institutions in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia, highlighting its global credibility. 

Understanding PTE band scores and equivalents to TOEFL and IELTS aid candidates in assessing their proficiency. The automated scoring system ensures reliability, making PTE a trusted choice for education and immigration.

Read More:

PTE Exam Duration PTE Exam Preparation
PTE Exam Accepted Countries How to prepare PTE exam at home

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FAQs

When are PTE results declared?

The PTE exam results are declared within five working days of the exam date. There have been instances where many students have received their results within 48 hours of taking the exam. The students were informed via email when their results were declared. The students can check their results by visiting their profile on the official website of PTE. 

2. What is the validity of PTE results?

The validity of PTE exams is two years from the result declaration date. The students can use their PTE scores for two years; however, after two years, the scores expire and automatically get removed from the student’s profile.

Are PTE results declared on Sundays?

Yes, PTE exam results are declared on Sundays or weekends. The emails are sent to the students on all days. In fact, many PTE test centers are also open on Sundays, allowing test takers to take the exam.

How to score good marks in PTE Academic?

Here are some tips for scoring well in the PTE exam:

  1. Be more fluent in answering questions. Long pauses in an answer can work against you.
  2. Do not try to impress unnecessarily. Speak from your natural knowledge and skills. Pay attention to where you would like to pause or put stress in a particular sentence.
  3. For essay answers, think about the topic thoroughly and make your notes. Ensure you do not go off-topic.
  4. Avoid typing errors and silly mistakes. 
  5. Read the questions before reading the passage. This will help you mark the answers while reading the passage and save your time.
  6. For the listening section, practice taking notes while you listen. These notes will help you answer the questions easily. 
  7. Try not to devote more than two minutes to answering a question in the reading section.

How much PTE score is required for Canada?

The PTE score requirement varies as per college and course in Canada. However, an average PTE score of 50 is generally considered acceptable in Canada.

  1. For a diploma program, an overall PTE score of 45 with a minimum score of 36 in each module is acceptable.
  2. For a bachelor’s program, an overall PTE score of 50 with a minimum of 45 in each section is acceptable.
  3. For a master’s program or a graduate diploma, an overall PTE score of 65 with a minimum of 50 in each section is acceptable.

How to send PTE scores to universities?

The following procedure must be followed for sending PTE scores to universities: 

  1. Login to the PTE account and choose Score Reports. 
  2. Thereafter, choose the option Send Scores. 
  3. Type in the institution's name in the Institution/Organization/Department/School field and then search. 
  4. Choose the institution name in the list of search results. 

Review all the data, and then click on Next.

How to calculate the PTE score in bands?

The table below shows how to interpret PTE scores in IELTS bands:

PTE Academic Score

IELTS Band Score

10-22

None

23-28

4.5

29-35

5.0

36-45

5.5

46-55

6.0

56-65

6.5

66-75

7.0

76-83

7.5

84-88

8.0

89-90

8.5

Not Applicable

9.0

How much PTE score is required for a Canadian student visa?

The PTE score required for a Canadian student visa depends on the university admission requirements. It is advisable to go through the individual university websites to know the language test score cut-offs.

For how long is the PTE score valid?

The PTE score remains valid for two years from the result declaration date.

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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