16/09/2021
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a new generation of international English language tests developed by Pearson and the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the developer of the GMAT, and was launched in 2009. The PTE is one of the leading machine-based language exams for those planning to study abroad. Test results are generally valid for two years from the date of the test.
From 16 November 2021, three changes to the PTE will be introduced to ensure that the PTE Academic is the most accessible and stress-free English test available.
Change 1: The length of the PTE has been reduced to 2 hours!
From 16 November, the PTE Academic and PTE Academic UK Visa exams will take just two hours to complete, instead of three. There are no changes to the format, question types, or marking criteria; the number of questions has been reduced from 69-90 to 52-73, the speaking and writing have been shortened by 30 minutes, the reading by 2-3 minutes, the listening by 15 minutes and there will no longer be an optional 10-minute break in the exam. So you can prepare in the same way, but with less tolerance for error, and make sure you prepare more thoroughly and carefully!
We have carefully compiled a comparative table of the changes to the exam content.
Change 2: Global launch of the PTE online exam!
From 26 November, the PTE is launching a global online exam, which certainly makes the PTE more attractive in the context of the epidemic! The new version of the practice exam will be available online from 27 October and registration for the online exam will open on 25 October.
Note that PTEs that can be offered online can only be used for study abroad applications! PTE Academic online test results are not recognised for visa and immigration purposes.
Change 3: Updated examination transcripts!
The exam report will be improved and updated to no longer show 'Enabling skills'. However, candidates will be given an additional report to provide more comprehensive feedback and reference (details will be released in October)!
As we have been offering customised PTE tutorials, our advice on dealing with the new changes is:
* Choose honest and reliable PTE tutors and institutions, and master the core skills before you brush up on them to get twice the result with half the effort!
* You can prepare for a two-hour exam in the same way you would prepare for a three-hour exam.
* All the questions are the same, so candidates can use all the preparation resources available on the official PTE website.
* If you are worried about the uncertainty caused by the new changes, then just race ahead and make every effort to complete the PTE exam by November.
* For those who choose to take the new exam, it is recommended that you take the practice exams available on the website after 27 October and get a transcript, which will help you analyse your strengths and weaknesses. You are also welcome to contact our PTE tutors for a comprehensive analysis to help you make a final breakthrough and improve.
Our professional PTE tutoring team will provide you with a free test and a tailor-made study plan.