Understanding PTE Academic Scores
PTE Academic scores range from 10 to 90, reported in increments of 1 point. Unlike IELTS (which uses band scores) or TOEFL (which uses a 0–120 scale), PTE uses its own Global Scale of English (GSE) scoring system developed by Pearson.
Your PTE score report includes an overall score plus individual scores for four communicative skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. You also receive scores for six enabling skills like grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse.
PTE to IELTS Score Conversion
This is the most commonly requested conversion, especially for immigration to Australia, Canada, and the UK. Here is the official concordance:
| PTE Score | IELTS Band | CEFR Level | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86–90 | 9.0 | C2 | Expert |
| 83–85 | 8.5 | C2 | Very Good |
| 79–82 | 8.0 | C1+ | Very Good |
| 73–78 | 7.5 | C1 | Good |
| 65–72 | 7.0 | B2+ | Good |
| 58–64 | 6.5 | B2 | Competent |
| 50–57 | 6.0 | B2 | Competent |
| 42–49 | 5.5 | B1+ | Modest |
| 36–41 | 5.0 | B1 | Modest |
| 30–35 | 4.5 | A2+ | Limited |
PTE to TOEFL iBT Conversion
| PTE Score | TOEFL iBT | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
| 86–90 | 118–120 | C2 |
| 79–85 | 110–117 | C1–C2 |
| 73–78 | 102–109 | C1 |
| 65–72 | 94–101 | B2+ |
| 58–64 | 79–93 | B2 |
| 50–57 | 60–78 | B2 |
| 42–49 | 46–59 | B1+ |
| 36–41 | 35–45 | B1 |
Score Requirements by Country (Immigration)
Australia
Skilled Migration (Points Test):
Superior English (20 points): PTE 79+ in each section
Proficient English (10 points): PTE 65+ in each section
Competent English (0 points): PTE 50+ in each section
Canada
Express Entry (CRS points):
CLB 10+ (max points): PTE 89+ Listening, 88+ Reading, 88+ Writing, 76+ Speaking
CLB 9: PTE 82–88 L, 78–87 R, 79–87 W, 68–75 S
CLB 7 (minimum): PTE 60+ L, 60+ R, 69+ W, 59+ S
United Kingdom
UK Visas:
CEFR B1 (ILR, settlement): PTE 36+ in each section
CEFR B2 (Skilled Worker): PTE 50+ in each section
New Zealand
Skilled Migrant: PTE 58+ overall
Score Requirements for Universities
| University Tier | Typical PTE Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Top 20 Global | 65–73+ | Oxford, MIT, Melbourne |
| Top 100 Global | 58–65 | UNSW, Toronto, Manchester |
| General Admission | 50–58 | Most accredited universities |
| Foundation/Pathway | 36–50 | Pre-university programs |
How PTE Scoring Works
AI-scored: PTE is entirely computer-scored using automated AI systems. No human examiner is involved, which ensures consistency but also means you need to optimize for the algorithm.
Integrated scoring: Some tasks contribute to multiple skill scores. For example, "Read Aloud" contributes to both Reading and Speaking scores. "Summarize Written Text" affects both Reading and Writing.
Cross-skill contributions: Understanding which tasks feed into which scores is crucial for targeted preparation.
Tips for Maximizing Your PTE Score
Speaking: Speak clearly and at a natural pace. The AI rewards fluency and pronunciation over complex vocabulary. Don't pause for too long — the microphone auto-advances after 3 seconds of silence.
Writing: For "Summarize Written Text," aim for a single sentence between 25–50 words. Use proper grammar and include key concepts from the passage.
Reading: Time management is critical. Don't spend too long on drag-and-drop questions — they contribute less to your score than multiple-choice.
Listening: Take notes during audio clips. For "Write from Dictation," focus on getting every word correct — each correct word earns partial credit.
PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Should You Take?
Choose PTE if: You want faster results (typically 1–2 business days), prefer computer-based testing, or need flexible test dates. PTE is ideal for Australian immigration.
Choose IELTS if: You prefer a human examiner for speaking, need the widest global acceptance, or are applying to UK universities.
Choose TOEFL if: You're targeting North American universities, especially in the US and Canada.
Score Validity
PTE Academic scores are valid for 2 years from the test date for immigration purposes. Some universities may accept scores up to 3 years old, but always check with your specific institution.