The PTE exam refers to a computer-based test, which is divided into four distinct modules, namely:

• Speaking
• Writing
• Reading
• Listening

However, the test has three distinct parts. Here is the breakup of each, along with the tentative time you should spend on each.

Allotted Time is 54 to 67 minutes

This particular section evaluates the ability of a student to speak English fluently and write clearly. Different parts are included in this section. In no particular order, these are:

• Personal Introduction
• Repeat sentence
• Read aloud
• Answer short question
• Describe image
• Re-tell lecture
• Summarize written text
• Write essay

Allotted time is 29 to 30 minutes

This section evaluates the capability of a student to read and comprehend written English. Once again, in no specific order, the different parts of this section include:

• Fill in the blanks while reading and writing
• Fill in the blanks while reading
• Multiple Choice Questions with multiple answers
• Multiple Choice Questions with a single answer
• Re-order Paragraph

Allotted time is 30 to 43 minutes

This particular section is dedicated to spoken English and judges how well you understand it. There are several conversations, lectures, and other audio clips that you will listen to and answer questions related to them. In addition, this section includes:

• Summarizing the text spoken
• Filling in the blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions with single answer and multiple answers
• Highlighting the precise summary
• Selecting the missing word
• Highlighting the incorrect words
• Writing from dictation

There will typically be 20 different question types in the PTE test, and a few of them will carry high marks of up to 30%. Therefore, you are advised to manage your time well so that you get enough time to answer these high-scoring questions. These include:

• Repeat sentence
• Reading aloud
• Writing from dictation
• Summarizing spoken text

Ranging between 10 and 90, different universities may follow different approaches while interpreting PTE scores. Here is a usual example:

• 85 to 90 – Expert
• 76 to 84 – Very Good
• 59 to 75 – Good
• 50 to 58 – Competent
• 30 to 49 – Modest
• 10 to 29 – Limited

Most colleges and universities allow admission to students scoring between 58 and 65 on the PTE test, but top universities may even have a high cutoff.

So, by now, it must be evident that the PTE test needs some rigorous preparation. You must follow a specific strategy to achieve a high score. If you are unaware of it, here are some proven tips to follow.

Start by understanding the format or structure of the test and the type of questions asked. If you are familiar with them, it will reduce anxiety and also facilitate time management.

Practice a lot daily. For assistance, you can follow PTE’s official practice materials or other relevant online resources. Make sure you always simulate a real test environment. This will help  a lot in improving your English skills. 

Emphasize time management because every section of the PTE questionnaire is precisely timed. Every second counts! However, do not rush to make mistakes. You will hardly get a scope to review your answers.

Improve your English-speaking skills. Follow a clear and natural pace. Be yourself, but make sure you use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures. Do not copy others. It is even better to record yourself when you speak. Play it back and listen carefully to judge clarity and to identify the areas that need improvement.

Focus on your writing skills as well, emphasizing sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. This will help a lot while writing essays. Choose different topics to write on so that you have the confidence to produce the best essays on any topic given to you.

You must be equally good at reading and listening. The best way to improve your skills is to read articles, watch movies, and listen to a variety of podcasts. This way, you can improve your vocabulary, sentence structures, and even your accent.

Do not skip reviewing and revising what you learn, especially your test answers. This will help you identify the weaknesses and improve them in your following practice sessions.

In addition to the official PTE practice resources, try to get hold of a few good books to prepare for the exam. For example, you can try the Expert PTE Academic Coursebook by ScoreGetter. This is considered to be the best book offering you specially designed lessons for PTE preparation.

You may additionally get the full version of the official Pearson PTE Academic from the ScoreGetter Center. Solve the paper offline to have a better and clearer understanding of the exam. If you want to practice on the go, download the official PTE practice app, which is available in multiple formats. In addition to practice activities, the app will provide useful information regarding the exam and a study planner as well.

In conclusion, passing the PTE exam requires some practice and effort from you. Though all these tips and tricks are relevant, they do not guarantee success unless you are diligent and highly committed to achieving your goals.

Perseverance is the key to achieving a high score and, therefore, ensure that you practice a lot. Take a lot of full-length PTE mock tests until you gain confidence in yourself and are happy with your score and preparation. This will ensure you score the marks you desire on the final day.

You may get in touch with dedicated service providers that help students with test preparations and other aspects of studying abroad. 

Good luck!