PTE FAQ 2026 (Australia): Exam Length, Booking, Fees, Scores and Results
Last updated: 15 October 2026
General information, not migration advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
This PTE FAQ gives short, current answers to the questions Australian test-takers ask most about the PTE Academic: the exam, booking and fees, scores for visas, and results. Each answer links to a full guide.
PTE FAQ: the exam
How long is the PTE exam?
About 2 hours in one sitting, with no scheduled break: Speaking and Writing about 54 to 67 minutes, Reading about 29 to 30 minutes, Listening about 30 to 43 minutes. More: PTE exam format and timing.
How many question types are in the PTE exam?
22 question types across 3 timed parts since 7 August 2025, when Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation were added. More: all 22 question types.
Can I take the PTE online for an Australian visa?
No. From 7 August 2025, remote or online PTE results are not accepted for Australian visas. Sit the test at a test centre. More: visa score rules.
Booking, dates and fees
How do I book the PTE test in Australia?
Create a Pearson account at pearsonpte.com, choose PTE Academic, pick a test centre, date and time, then pay online. Book early for weekend dates. More: step by step booking guide.
When are PTE exam dates in Australia?
There are no fixed exam days. Pearson releases dates on a rolling basis, often several days a week at major city centres. You see open dates when you book. More: how to find open dates.
How much is the PTE test in Australia?
The PTE Academic fee is commonly quoted at about AUD 490 including GST. Pearson changes prices from time to time, so confirm the exact amount at checkout on pearsonpte.com. More: PTE test price and refund rules.
Can I reschedule or cancel my PTE test?
Yes. How much you get back depends on how many days before the test you change or cancel, so check the deadline before you move your booking. More: reschedule and refund deadlines.
Scores and visas
What PTE score is Superior English?
For tests on or after 7 August 2025: Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88. It is worth 20 migration points. Every skill must meet its own minimum. More: Competent, Proficient and Superior table.
What PTE score is Proficient English?
For tests on or after 7 August 2025: Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69 and Speaking 76, worth 10 migration points. Tests on or before 6 August 2025 used 65 in each skill. More: full score table.
What is IELTS 7 each or 8 each in PTE?
IELTS 7 each is Proficient English and IELTS 8 each is Superior English. In PTE that means L58 R59 W69 S76 (Proficient) or L69 R70 W85 S88 (Superior) for tests from 7 August 2025. More: IELTS to PTE conversion table.
How long is a PTE score valid?
Pearson keeps a PTE Academic Score Report valid for 2 years from the test date. Visa rules can accept older results in some cases, so check the rule for your visa. More: PTE score validity in Australia.
Results
How long do PTE results take?
Usually within 48 hours. If your test is selected for extra review it can take longer. Pearson emails you when your Score Report is ready. More: PTE results time.
Should I request a PTE rescore?
Only if one skill is just below your target and the task was content-heavy. A rescore costs money and the score can stay the same. More: PTE rescore guide.
Practise before test day
A timed practice test shows which skill is costing you points. You can try a free exam-format mock test with AI scoring on the Dream English platform: https://platform.dreamenglish.com.au/mock-tests
