Pearson Test of English (PTE): A Detailed Overview

The PTE is conducted at assigned test centers in India. You can schedule a test in 24 hours advance 365 days a year. After registering for the test, students can select the nearest test center. The PTE is provided in the following cities - Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Noida, Patiala, Pune, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and Vijayawada.

The cost of the test is around Rs. 11,000. This is an approximate cost. The final cost will depend on the center selected.  

There are two types of PTE offered to test-takers - PTE Academic and PTE Home. 

The conducting body of the test has not laid down any specific criteria for taking the test. However, in order to take the test, a student must be 16 years of age. Students below the age of 18 should get a parental consent form. 

The conducting body of the test has provided free resource material to prepare for the test. You can refer to official practice test papers, online courses with video guidance provided free of cost, and make use of the PTE Academic official practice app. You can also download offline practice test sets, as well as refer to The Official Guide to PTE Academic. 

You can expect the following on your test day - 

• The test is taken at a secure testing center. Before you leave your home, remember to take your ID or passport with you for identification. The name on your ID should match the one you mentioned on your test registration form. 
• Reach at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to complete the identification formalities. The exact address of the test center will be mentioned in your confirmation email. 
• At the center, you need to fill in security and identity verification. You will also be asked to read the test takers’ rules and agreement. 
• After finishing formalities like showing your ID, signing, getting your photograph taken, you can sit for the test. You will be provided with a small compartment to store your belongings. You will not be allowed to take personal belongings during the test such as watches, jewelry, outerwear, etc.
• The computer screen will guide you through an equipment check following which you can start the exam. 
• There is an optional 10-minute break between the reading and the listening section. To take the break, just raise your hand and the test administrator will show you out. 
• After the test is finished, you will receive a Confirmation of Attendance notice. You can then collect your belongings. 
• The result will be out within 5 business days. 

The conducting body of the PTE Academic test has not yet initiated home testing. Therefore, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the testing centers were closed and the test was not being conducted. With gradual ease in restrictions, some test centers have begun usual work. Before you register for the test, you can check the availability of test centers and time slots. 

You can cancel or reschedule your exam any time you want through your PTE account. It is advised to cancel or reschedule the exam as soon as possible to reduce the cancellation charges.

You can cancel or reschedule your exam for free if there are at least 14 days remaining before your exam date. You will be charged 50% of the registration fee if you wish to cancel or reschedule with 13 to 8 days remaining before the exam. Your entire registration fee will be charged if you wish to cancel or reschedule the test with 7 days remaining before the test.