PTE Band Score Chart: Understanding the PTE Scoring System

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Academic is a computer-based English language test widely accepted by educational institutions worldwide.

It holds significant importance for students seeking admission to foreign universities or destinations that use English as the primary mode of communication.

PTE Score Chart 2023

The PTE Score Chart provides a comprehensive breakdown of the scoring system used in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Academic. It outlines the different bands and corresponding scores for each section of the exam, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

In this article, we will explore the PTE band score chart and examine what each band score signifies in terms of English language proficiency.

PTE Exam: An Overview

Administered by Pearson PLC Group, the PTE exam assesses English language proficiency across four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The PTE Academic exam is available throughout the year, and the scores obtained remain valid for two years from the test date.

What are the Advantages of Opting for the PTE Exam?

Before you proceed with the PTE exam format and marks, it is crucial to understand what are the several advantages the test has to offer to the test takers. Some of the key advantages include

• Computer-based test for a familiar and user-friendly experience
• Objective scoring with automated algorithms for fairness
• Quick results (2-5 business days)
• Flexible scheduling throughout the year
• Secure exam format to minimize cheating
• Various task types for comprehensive evaluation
• Globally recognized by universities and institutions
• PTE at Home test for remote convenience during the pandemic.

PTE Band Score: What Does Your PTE Score Mean?

PTE Band scores reflect the level of English language proficiency demonstrated by test takers. Ranging from 10 to 90, higher band scores indicate stronger language skills. These score segregation as per the PTE band chart help institutions and organizations assess candidates' abilities for academic and professional purposes.

85 - 90 PTE Band Score

This is the highest level wherein the test taker is referred to as an expert or someone with a very high level of English proficiency. These candidates belong to the C2 level under the Common European Framework Levels.

So, what does the score specify?

• Can effortlessly understand and grasp the meaning of spoken and written content across various sources.
• Capable of summarizing information from different spoken and written materials, and presenting coherent arguments and accounts.
• Expresses thoughts and ideas spontaneously and with fluency, demonstrating precision in communication.
• Able to discern and convey subtle distinctions in meaning, even in complex situations.

76 - 84 PTE Band Score

The applicants under this category have English proficiency of upper intermediate to advanced level. These candidates belong to the C1 level of the Common European Framework Levels.

What does the score specify?

• Capable of comprehending and interpreting complex and lengthy texts, including implicit meanings.
• Demonstrates ease and spontaneity in expressing thoughts and ideas, with minimal hesitation. Uses language effectively in social, academic, and professional contexts.
• Produces clear, well-structured, and detailed texts on intricate subjects. Displays mastery in organizing content, using connectors, and employing cohesive devices.

59 - 75 PTE Band Score

The applicants under this category have English proficiency at the elementary to intermediate level. These candidates belong to the B2 level of the Common European Framework Levels.

What does the score specify?

• Capable of comprehending complex texts, both concrete and abstract, even in technical discussions within their field of expertise.
• Has the ability to engage in oral communication with native speakers comfortably, demonstrating a degree of fluency and spontaneity.
• Has versatile writing ability to produce clear and detailed texts across various subjects, effectively presenting viewpoints on topical issues while analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

43 - 58 PTE Band Score

These candidates demonstrate limited English proficiency and belong to the B1 level of the Common European Framework Levels.

What does the score specify?

• Understands the key ideas of clear and standard information related to familiar subjects encountered in daily life, work, school, or leisure activities.
• Capable of handling most situations that may arise in an environment where the language is spoken, demonstrating functional proficiency.
• Able to produce straightforward, coherent texts on topics that are familiar or personally interesting. Can describe experiences, events, and aspirations, and provide brief reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

30 - 42 PTE Band Score

These candidates demonstrate a very limited English proficiency and belong to the A2 level of the Common European Framework Levels.

What does the score specify?

• Understands sentences and commonly used expressions that are relevant to immediate and essential areas such as personal information, family, shopping, local geography, and employment.
• Capable of engaging in uncomplicated and repetitive tasks that involve straightforward information exchange on familiar and routine subjects.
• Able to describe aspects of personal background, immediate surroundings, and address matters related to immediate needs using simple language and terms.

10 - 29 PTE Band Score

These are the candidates that have equal to no English proficiency to demonstrate and are generally considered ‘not scored’. They belong to the A1 level of the Common European Framework Levels.

What does the score specify?

• Understands and employs common, everyday expressions and simple phrases focused on fulfilling basic needs.
• Capable of introducing oneself and others, as well as asking and answering questions about personal information such as residence, acquaintances, and possessions.
• Can engage in only basic or simple interactions, given that the other person speaks slowly, clearly, and is willing to provide assistance.

Now that you have collected a clear picture of the different bands under which your PTE score is ranked it is now time to understand the PTE overall band calculator.

How is PTE Score Calculated?: PTE Score Calculator

The overall PTE score is determined by evaluating a candidate's performance across various test items. The exam consists of 20 unique item types, and candidates typically complete between 70 and 91 items. The final PTE scorecard comprises two components:

1. Communicative Skills Score: This measures proficiency in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, with a score range of 10 to 90 for each skill.
2. Enabling (Overall) Skills Score: This assesses skills in grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse, focusing on productive abilities in speaking and writing. The score range for each enabling skill is also from 10 to 90.

The PTE overall score calculator combines the scores from communicative skills and enabling skills for calculating the PTE band score, reflecting the candidate's proficiency in English language abilities.

PTE Test Format and Scoring

The scoring system of the PTE exam utilizes automated scoring technologies, which assess certain answers based on correctness, formal aspects (such as word limit), and the quality of response (including fluency and pronunciation). The PTE exam format and marks calculator include two scoring methods to calculate the PTE band score:

1. Correct or incorrect: Candidates receive one point for each correct answer, without any deduction for incorrect responses.
2. Partial credit: Tasks are scored as correct, partially correct, or incorrect. If a candidate's response is fully correct, they receive full points. Partial points are awarded for partially correct answers, and no points are given for incorrect responses.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the PTE scoring system, here is a breakdown of the scoring in the reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections as the PTE band calculator.

PTE Reading Score Calculator

The reading test section is a 29-30 minute segment of the exam that assesses various attributes of the test taker.

PTE Listening Score Calculator

The listening test section is a 54-67 minute segment of the exam that assesses the listening attributes of the test taker.

PTE Speaking and Writing Score Calculator

The Speaking and Writing section is a 54-67 minute segment of the exam that assesses various attributes in the speaking and writing of the test taker.

List of Countries Accepting PTE Band Score

The PTE band scores are widely accepted by universities and institutions around the world. Below is a list of major countries that accept PTE band scores for academic and immigration purposes

PTE vs IELTS Score

Individuals who are planning to study or work abroad often take exams like PTE and IELTS to demonstrate their language proficiency. It's crucial to understand how PTE and IELTS comparison and how to convert PTE scores to bands.

To provide a clear equivalence between PTE scores and IELTS bands, the following table outlines the PTE score in bands along with their corresponding IELTS bands and proficiency levels:

PTE vs TOEFL Scores

In addition to assessing PTE scores in comparison to IELTS scores, it's also beneficial to understand how PTE scores correspond to TOEFL scores.

The following table provides a comprehensive comparison of PTE score bands with their equivalent TOEFL scores, enabling a more detailed evaluation.

Additional Info: Tips to Score Well in PTE Exam

Scoring well in the PTE exam requires careful preparation and effective strategies. Here are some tips to help you achieve a high score:

1. Understand the test format, question types, and timing.
2. Strengthen overall language skills: vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency.
3. Practice time management for the timed PTE exam.
4. Utilize official Pearson study materials.
5. Take mock tests to assess and focus on weak areas.
6. Concentrate on specific skills per exam section (e.g., fluency in speaking).
7. Enhance listening through diverse accents and topics.
8. Improve reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary through extensive reading.
9. Employ effective strategies tailored to each exam section.

Understand and Assess Your PTE Band Score in the Right Manner With GetGIS

PTE's automated scoring provides a fair assessment of language skills, helping test takers understand their abilities using the band score chart for setting goals and making informed decisions.

Need more information on the PTE exam, and its conversion to other popular English proficiency test scores like IELTS, etc. Get it achieved fast and easily through GetGIS skilled trainers.

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Useful Links: For Further Reads

• PTE vs IELTS: Which Language Test is Best for Immigration
• Top 10 Exams to be written to study abroad
• Ultimate Guide on How To Study Abroad on a Budget