The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a leading computer-based English language proficiency test designed to assess and validate English language skills. Especially for those aiming to transfer to English-speaking countries like Australia and New Zealand, PTE have many advantages over other tests such as IELTS and TOELF for its accessibility, efficiency, and reliability.

Do you have any information about the PTE test as well as the PTE score and way to convert PTE to IELTS scoring? Let’s Estudyme share with you these information and build an effective roadmap to conquer PTE in the earliest time!

PTE is a leading computer-based English language proficiency test with advantages in scoring
PTE is a leading computer-based English language proficiency test with advantages in scoring

1. General information

Developed and managed by Pearson PLC, a renowned multinational education company, PTE offers a reliable and efficient way to demonstrate English language proficiency. The test is recognized and accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, employers, and government agencies globally, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking opportunities to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.

With its innovative computer-based format, PTE provides test-takers with an objective and fair assessment of their English language abilities in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The test is recognized and accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, employers, and government agencies globally, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking opportunities to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. For many advantages such as accuracy, objectivity, quick turnaround of score results and high security, PTE is the optimal choice to achieve exam results in a easier and faster way.

Although PTE has 3 types of tests, Estudyme will focus on PTE Academic particularly due to the popularity and flexibility of this test. To better understand PTE, you can read Estudyme’s previous articles about this exam.

>> Read more: What is PTE? and Benefits of PTE Exam

PTE Academic is the choice of many people for its popularity and flexibility
PTE Academic is the choice of many people for its popularity and flexibility

2. How to score PTE?

Here’s a breakdown of how scoring works in PTE:

  • Overall Score: The overall score in PTE is calculated based on the Global Scale of English standard, evaluating the performance across all sections of the test – Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening, with scores ranging from 10-90
  • 100-point actual scale: When candidates take the multiple choice test, the system will automatically calculate 10 points in advance for each skill. With a actual scale of 100 and a multiple-choice test, the PTE’s test takers will have far more outstanding advantages over those of IELTS.
  • Cross-scoring amongst skills: This feature allows cross scoring and compensation for points between sections. Therefore, you can still reach high PTE score even in your-not-forte skill and avoid having score differences in the test skills.
  • Communicative Skills Scores: PTE provides separate scores for each of the four communicative skills – Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. These scores range from 10 to 90 points each.
  • Enabling Skills Scores: Additionally, PTE score enables skills within the Speaking and Writing sections, including Grammar, Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Written Discourse. Each enabling skill is scored on a scale from 10 to 90 points.
  • Scoring Rubrics: PTE uses detailed scoring rubrics to evaluate test-takers’ performance in each section. These rubrics outline the criteria for achieving different PTE score levels, with descriptors for different proficiency levels.
  • Automated Scoring: PTE employs advanced AI technology to automate the scoring process. The test is scored by computer algorithms that analyze the test-taker’s responses based on predefined criteria and scoring guidelines.
  • Fair and Unbiased Scoring: PTE’s automated scoring system ensures fairness and consistency in the evaluation process, eliminating potential biases associated with human scoring.
  • Instant Results: Test-takers receive their PTE scores typically within 2-3 business days of taking the test, allowing for quick and efficient access to results.
PTE employs advanced AI technology to automate the scoring process
PTE employs advanced AI technology to automate the scoring process

3. How to assess English proficiency throughout PTE score chart?

PTE score chart help evaluate and measure candidates’ ability to use English in many different aspects, from listening to reading, and from speaking to writing with the following benchmarks:

  • 10 – 29 points: This PTE score range indicate non-fluent level of English proficiency, which limits candidates to participate in academic courses or preparatory courses and need further language development and improvement in English skills.
  • 30 – 42 points: This group of points is often considered limited level and requires additional practice to improve English proficiency. Candicade in this level can meet the standards to participate in preparatory courses, not academic courses.
  • 43 – 58 points: The PTE score group is often required for higher education, reflecting the ability to use English at an average to good level. Candidates in this group need to continue to improve their English skills to achieve personal goals or study and work in a more intensive English environment.
  • 59 – 75 points: The PTE score group is considered to be at a good to high level, reflecting good and in-depth English ability. Typically, this is the score set for university or postgraduate entry requirements as well as occupation and employment registration for Australian skilled visas. 
  • 76 – 84 points: The score group is classified as high level, reflecting the ability to use English at an excellent level and is a mandatory standard for some types of Australian skilled visas. 
  • 85 – 90 points: This group of scores is generally considered very high and reflects exceptionally excellent English proficiency. Universities or governments usually do not require entry requirements with such high score.
PTE score chart helps evaluate and measure candidates' ability
PTE score chart helps evaluate and measure candidates’ ability

4. How to convert PTE to IELTS and TOEFL?

Here is the latest PTE score chart conversion chart updated to official information from Pearson.

PTE Academic IELTS TOEFL iBT CEFR
10 – 29 A1
30 4.5 A2
36 5.0
38 40 – 44
42 5.5 54 – 56
46 65 – 66 B1
50 6.0 74 – 75
53 79 – 80
58 6.5
59 87 – 88 B2
64 94
65 7.0
68 99 – 100
72 105
73 7.5
78 113 C1
79 8.0
83 8.5
84 120
86 9.0 C2

If you intend to complete your study abroad and settlement application with less preparation time and save money, PTE is the better choice than other certificates. A few notes you need to review when convert PTE to IELTS and TOEFL: 

  • The PTE score and test format will not change. 
  • When converting PTE to IELTS or vice versa, there is not much change in the midpoint range 
  • The change in PTE to IELTS scores conversion is based on Pearson’s latest research on the equivalence between the two tests. For example, a PTE 79 is equivalent to an IELTS 7.5, whereas previously it was equivalent to an IELTS 8.0. 
  • PTE to TOEFL iBT scores conversion remains unchanged. Pearson still uses the previous comparison table to show the relationship between the two tests. For example, a PTE 79 is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT 113.

Whether you’re a student preparing for university admission, a professional seeking career opportunities abroad, or an individual planning to immigrate, PTE offers a convenient and effective way to showcase your English language skills and achieve your goal. This is especially true in the case PTE score can be easily converted to other cerfiticate’ scoring. If you’re considering taking the PTE test, it’s a great idea to start studying now with Estudyme! Take up PTE practice test early gives you ample time to familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your English language skills.