PTE Academic 2026: Complete Test Format, Question Types and Scoring Guide

PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test that assesses speaking, writing, reading and listening. In 2026, the test has three parts and 22 scored question types. It takes approximately two hours to complete.

Whether you are planning to study abroad, apply for a visa or meet a professional requirement, understanding the test format can help you prepare more effectively. This guide explains every PTE Academic question type, how scoring works and how to build a practical study routine.

PTE Academic 2026: Test format at a glance

The time ranges can vary between tests. Pearson’s current format includes two speaking question types introduced in 2025: Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation. Pearson PTE

What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is an English language test delivered on a computer at a test centre. It measures how well you can understand and use English in academic and everyday situations.

The test is used for purposes such as university applications and certain visa or professional applications. However, the test and score you need depend on the organisation or authority assessing your application. Always check its current requirements before booking.

PTE Academic is different from PTE Core, which has a different test format and is intended for different purposes. Read our guide to PTE Academic vs PTE Core to compare them.

PTE Academic question types in 2026

The PTE exam format has three parts: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. Here is what you need to do in each one.

Part 1: Speaking and Writing

The first part takes approximately 76 to 84 minutes and contains nine scored question types. You will speak into a microphone and type your written responses on a computer.

Before the scored questions, you will also complete a Personal Introduction. This is not scored. Pearson PTE

1. Read Aloud

You will see a short text on the screen. Read it aloud clearly when the microphone opens.

Preparation tip: Practise reading at a natural pace. Pay attention to punctuation and avoid rushing through unfamiliar words.

2. Repeat Sentence

You will hear a sentence once and then repeat it into the microphone.

Preparation tip: Focus on the whole sentence and its meaning. Regular listening and repetition practice can help you remember the words in the correct order.

3. Describe Image

You will see an image, such as a chart, graph, map or diagram. You need to describe its main features aloud.

Preparation tip: Identify the main topic and key details before you speak. Aim for a clear description that is relevant to the image.

4. Retell Lecture

You will listen to a lecture and then explain its main points in your own words.

Preparation tip: Take brief notes on the topic and important ideas. Use those notes to give an organised summary.

5. Answer Short Question

You will hear a question and give a short spoken answer. In many cases, a few words are enough.

Preparation tip: Listen carefully for what the question asks. Give a direct answer instead of a long explanation.

6. Summarize Group Discussion

You will listen to a discussion between several speakers and then summarise the main points aloud.

Preparation tip: Note the main topic and the speakers’ key ideas. Focus on the discussion as a whole instead of trying to repeat every sentence.

7. Respond to a Situation

You will hear and read a description of a situation. You then explain what you would say in that situation.

Preparation tip: Make sure your response addresses the situation. Use a suitable tone and explain your message clearly.

8. Summarize Written Text

You will read a passage and write a summary in one sentence.

Preparation tip: Find the main idea and the most important supporting point. Check that your response is one complete sentence and follows the instructions on screen.

9. Write Essay

You will write an essay in response to a prompt, usually asking you to discuss an issue or present your opinion.

Preparation tip: Plan your ideas before writing. Use an introduction, clear paragraphs and a conclusion. Leave time to check grammar and spelling.

Part 2: Reading

The Reading section takes approximately 23 to 30 minutes and contains five question types. You manage your time across the section, so practise moving between questions without spending too long on one. Pearson PTE

10. Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown)

You will read a passage with missing words. Choose the most suitable word for each blank from a dropdown menu.

Preparation tip: Read the whole sentence and check both meaning and grammar before choosing an answer.

11. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

You will read a passage and select all the correct answers to a question.

Preparation tip: Use evidence from the passage. Incorrect selections can reduce the points you earn for this question.

12. Reorder Paragraph

You will see several text boxes in the wrong order. Put them in the correct order to form a logical passage.

Preparation tip: Look for the opening sentence, linked ideas, pronouns and words that connect one sentence to another.

13. Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)

You will see a passage with missing words. Drag the most suitable words from the options into the blanks.

Preparation tip: Look at grammar, meaning and common word combinations. Read the completed sentence to check whether it makes sense.

14. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

You will read a passage and select one correct answer.

Preparation tip: Read the question carefully, then find the relevant information in the passage before choosing.

Part 3: Listening

The Listening section takes approximately 31 to 39 minutes and contains eight question types. Audio or video clips play automatically, and you hear each clip once. You can take notes while listening. Pearson PTE

15. Summarize Spoken Text

You will listen to a recording and write a summary of 50 to 70 words.

Preparation tip: Note the main idea and key supporting points. Write a connected summary rather than a list of unrelated notes.

16. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

You will listen to a recording and select all the correct answers to a question.

Preparation tip: Listen for the speaker’s main ideas and supporting details. Incorrect options can reduce the points you earn for this question.

17. Fill in the Blanks (Type In)

You will see a transcript with missing words while listening to a recording. Type the words you hear into the blanks.

Preparation tip: Follow the transcript as you listen and check the spelling of your answers.

18. Highlight Correct Summary

You will listen to a recording and choose the paragraph that best summarises it.

Preparation tip: Focus on the overall meaning. An option that includes one correct detail may still be wrong if it misses the main idea.

19. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

You will listen to a recording and select one correct answer.

Preparation tip: Read the question and options before the recording starts, if time allows. Listen for meaning rather than matching individual words.

20. Select Missing Word

You will hear a recording with the final word or phrase replaced by a sound. Select the option that best completes it.

Preparation tip: Follow the speaker’s overall message and use the context to predict how the recording might end.

21. Highlight Incorrect Words

You will listen to a recording while reading a transcript. Select the words in the transcript that are different from the words spoken.

Preparation tip: Follow the text closely as the audio plays. Avoid selecting a word unless you are confident it is different, as incorrect selections can reduce your points.

22. Write from Dictation

You will hear a sentence and type it exactly as you heard it.

Preparation tip: Listen for small words as well as the main words. Check spelling, word order and plurals before moving on.

How does the PTE scoring system work?

PTE Academic scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 90. Your score report includes an overall score and separate scores for:

• Listening
• Reading
• Speaking
• Writing

Your overall score reflects your performance across the test. It is not calculated by simply adding the four skill scores and dividing by four. Pearson considers factors including question scores, difficulty and weighting. Pearson PTE

Does one question type affect more than one skill?

Yes. Some PTE questions assess more than one skill. For example, Write from Dictation contributes to both Listening and Writing because you listen to a sentence and then write it. Pearson PTE

This means it is useful to practise each question type based on the skills it requires, not just the section where it appears.

Are PTE answers marked by AI or humans?

PTE Academic is primarily scored using Pearson’s automated scoring system. Pearson also uses human experts to review content for seven question types, including Describe Image, Write Essay and Summarize Group Discussion.

For speaking, Pearson says pronunciation and oral fluency continue to be scored by the automated system. Pearson PTE

Is there negative marking in PTE Academic?

Some question types deduct points for incorrect selections. For example, this applies to Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers in both Reading and Listening, as well as Highlight Incorrect Words in Listening.

This does not mean every PTE question uses negative marking. Check the scoring rules for each question type before deciding how to answer. Pearson PTE

What is a good PTE score?

A good PTE score is the score that meets your goal. Your university, visa authority or professional organisation may require a particular overall score and minimum scores in individual skills.

For example, an organisation might ask for a minimum overall score as well as a separate minimum in Speaking. Check the exact requirements for your application before setting your target.

What changed in the PTE exam format?

Pearson introduced two speaking question types in its 2025 update:

1. Summarize Group Discussion
2. Respond to a Situation

These question types are part of the current PTE Academic format in 2026. The test still has three parts and takes approximately two hours. The update also expanded human review of content for certain question types. Pearson PTE

If you are using older preparation materials, check that they include both question types and reflect the current scoring guidance.

How to prepare for PTE Academic online

1. Set your target score

Start by checking the score requirements for your university, visa or professional application. Write down the overall score and any minimum skill scores you need.

2. Learn the format before practising

Understand what each question asks you to do, how you should respond and which skills it assesses. This will help you practise with a clear purpose.

3. Take a diagnostic mock test

A timed mock test can help you identify your starting point and see which sections need the most attention. Review your answers afterward to understand where you lost marks or struggled with time.

4. Practise your weaker areas regularly

Create a routine based on your results. For example, if listening and spelling are difficult, include Fill in the Blanks and Write from Dictation in your practice.

If speaking is your weaker area, record your answers and listen for clarity, pace and relevant content.

5. Use feedback to improve

After each practice session, review your mistakes and try a similar question again. Look for patterns, such as missing important details, making spelling errors or running out of time.

6. Practise under timed conditions

Once you understand the question types, practise with a timer. Timed practice can help you become comfortable working at the pace required in the test.

7. Build your English skills alongside test strategies

Test strategies can help you organise your answers, but your English skills matter too. Make time to read, listen, speak and write regularly.

Practise PTE Academic with Swiftuni

If you are looking for PTE preparation online, Swiftuni offers PTE practice questions, AI scoring and full-length mock tests. You can use practice feedback to identify areas for improvement and build a routine around your target score.

Practice scores are estimates, so use them to guide your preparation rather than as a guarantee of your official PTE result. You can also explore Pearson’s official PTE preparation resources for further guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How many question types are in PTE Academic 2026?

PTE Academic has 22 scored question types: nine in Speaking and Writing, five in Reading, and eight in Listening.

How long is the PTE Academic test?

PTE Academic takes approximately two hours. The exact duration can vary between tests.

Is PTE Academic fully computer-based?

Yes. You take PTE Academic on a computer at a test centre. You speak into a microphone and use the computer to complete reading, writing and listening tasks.

Is PTE Academic fully scored by AI?

PTE Academic is primarily scored by an automated system, but human experts also review content for seven question types.

Is the PTE overall score an average of the four skills?

No. The overall score is based on performance across the test and is not a simple average of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing scores.

How long are PTE Academic scores valid?

Pearson generally states that PTE Academic scores are valid for two years. Check with the institution or authority receiving your result, as its requirements may differ. Pearson PTE

Can I prepare for PTE Academic online?

Yes. You can prepare online using practice questions, timed mock tests, feedback and official preparation materials. Choose resources that reflect the current PTE Academic format, including the two speaking question types introduced in 2025.