Master the PTE with Smart Practice

If you're planning to study abroad, work in an English-speaking country, or migrate to places like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK, chances are you've heard of the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic). 

PTE is one of the fastest-growing English proficiency tests and is now accepted by over 3,500+ institutions and governments worldwide.

This comprehensive blog will cover everything you need to know in 2026, from what PTE is, how it works, scoring, preparation strategies, tips, and recent updates.

What Is PTE? 

PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test developed by Pearson that assesses real-life English skills. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, the entire test (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) is done in a single 2-hour session on a computer. Here are some things you should know about this test: 

• It is fully computerized (no human examiner for speaking)
• Results come in 2 business days (sometimes within 24 hours)
• It’s accepted for study visas, work visas, and immigration (Australia PR, Canada, UK, etc.)
• It’s valid for 2 years

PTE Syllabus and Exam Formats

Since 2021, PTE has shortened the test from 3 hours to 2 hours (plus a 10-minute optional break). The current format is:

Speaking & Writing

This section is the longest, lasting about 54–67 minutes with 28–36 tasks. It measures how well you can express yourself both orally and in writing. 

You’ll start with short PTE speaking exercises like reading aloud and repeating sentences, which test pronunciation and fluency. 

Then you’ll move on to describing images and re‑telling lectures, which will check your ability to organize ideas and speak naturally. 

The PTE writing part includes summarizing a short text into one sentence and composing a full essay. Together, these tasks show whether you can communicate clearly and handle academic or professional situations in English.

Reading

The PTE reading section takes about 29–30 minutes and includes 13–18 questions. Here, the focus is on understanding written material and recognizing structure. 

In this part of the test, you’ll face different tasks. Some are multiple‑choice questions, and sometimes more than one answer can be correct. 

You may also need to put paragraphs in the right order to make a clear passage. Finally, there are fill‑in‑the‑blank exercises that check your vocabulary and grammar. Altogether, this section measures how well you understand written information and organize ideas in longer texts.

Listening

The PTE listening section lasts 30–43 minutes with 12–20 questions. It evaluates how well you understand spoken English in different formats. 

You’ll listen to short recordings and summarize them, answer multiple‑choice questions, and complete fill‑in‑the‑blank exercises based on audio. 

In this part of the test, you’ll do different listening tasks. Sometimes you’ll pick the right summary of a recording, and other times you’ll write down sentences exactly as you hear them. 

This section checks how well you can understand spoken English, notice details, and respond correctly.

PTE Scoring System (0–90)

PTE uses an overall score from 10–90, with 10-point bands.

Most universities require 58–79+ overall with no skill below 50–65 (varies by program).

Comparing PTE With Other English Exams

Let’s compare PTE with other English exams: 

PTE Exam Fees 

The PTE exam fees vary by country, test type (e.g., PTE Academic, PTE Core, PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home), and include local taxes. 

As of February 2026, there have been minor adjustments in some regions (e.g., increases due to inflation or tax changes). Fees are paid during registration on the official Pearson PTE website and are non-refundable except under specific cancellation policies. 

Always check the official site for the latest rates, as they can fluctuate based on exchange rates or promotions.

For PTE Academic (the most common for study and migration), here's a breakdown of fees in key countries based on official and updated sources:     

How to Prepare for PTE?

The single most important step to scoring 79+ or 90 in PTE is practicing with high-quality, mock exams that mimic the real test exactly. Full-length scored mocks help you master timing, reduce anxiety, and understand exactly how the Pearson AI awards (or deducts) marks.

Here are the best PTE mock platforms and resources: 

• Mocko.ai: One of the best and most accurate PTE mock platforms available today. 
• Pearson PTE Official Practice Tests (paid)
• PTE Official Scored Practice Tests (3 tests – highly recommended)
• Language Academy PTE (excellent scored mocks + prediction files)
• E2Language (YouTube + paid courses with scored mocks)
• PTE Apex (great for templates + practice)
• PTE Tutorials (free & paid mocks)
• Skills PTE & Alf PTE (latest mocks & section-wise practice)

How Can Mocko Help You Prepare For PTE

Mocko isn’t just another practice app; it’s built to replicate the real PTE environment so every session feels like the exam itself. Here’s how Mocko helps you get exam‑ready:

👉Practice Real Tests: Try full mock exams with the same format, timing, and level as the real PTE.

👉Step‑by‑Step Difficulty: Questions get harder as you go, just like in the actual test.

👉Quick Scores: See your results right away, shown on the official PTE scale (10–90).

👉Focus on One Skill: Work on Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking separately if you want to improve weak areas.

👉Speaking & Writing Feedback: Record answers and submit writing tasks to get feedback. This builds confidence in the hardest sections.

👉Track Progress: Watch your scores improve over time. This keeps you motivated.

👉Study Anywhere: Use Mocko anytime, on your own schedule, whether for study, work, or migration. Mocko adapts to your lifestyle!

Why Choose Mocko Over Other Prep Tools?

Mocko offers several advantages compared to traditional courses and free apps: