Test Format
PTE Academic Exam Format 2026: The Complete Current Structure
Three parts, 22 scored question types, about two hours. Here is the current structure based on Pearson’s official format pages.
Last verified: 26 September 2026
PTE Academic is delivered in three parts. According to Pearson’s test-format pages, Part 1 (Speaking & Writing) takes about 76–84 minutes, Part 2 (Reading) 23–30 minutes and Part 3 (Listening) 31–39 minutes. Pearson’s score guide describes 65–75 questions across 22 question types.
- Speaking: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, Answer Short Question, Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation.
- Writing: Summarize Written Text, Write Essay.
- Reading: Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers), Re-order Paragraphs, Reading Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (Single Answer).
- Listening: Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers), Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Multiple Choice (Single Answer), Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write From Dictation.
The test begins with an unscored Personal Introduction (25 seconds to prepare, 30 seconds to speak).
Exam formats, scoring and visa rules can change. Always verify important information with Pearson PTE and the Department of Home Affairs.