PTE is a completely computerised English language testing system. All four sections, speaking, writing, reading & listening, are completed in one sitting in a 3-hour examination. PTE also scores candidates on their enabling skills, such as oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and written discourse. Unlike IELTS, candidates are not allowed to go back to a previous question. Once candidates click the ‘next’ button, they are not allowed to make any corrections or re-attempt the question.

Well, there is not a fixed answer to this question. Some students find PTE easier than IELTS, and some the opposite. However, from our experience we’ve found that the majority of students consider PTE to be the easier one for various reasons. For example, students do not get nervous in the speaking exam as they do not have to speak to a person. Similarly, they don’t have worry about their handwriting as all answers are typed.

To get each band 8 in IELTS is extremely difficult but not impossible. Unless you’ve already scored each band 7 in IELTS and your academic English is very good, I do not suggest to go for IELTS, as this might be extremely time consuming and frustrating as well. If you require band 7 or 6.5, then it’s up to you. As I mentioned above, most students (especially in Australia) find PTE to be a lot easier than IELTS.

Yes, there are tips and tricks but it’s not quite that easy. First, students must completely familiarise themselves with the exam format. If your basic grammar is okay, then with proper tips, tricks, templates and standard practice questions (QIBA provides you all of these) you can easily score band 65 (IELTS 7) and even 79 (IELTS 8). It is a computerised test, so there are some loopholes than can be exploited. But please bare in mind that it’s not all about tips & tricks. It’s a combined effort of intensive practice sessions, feedback & review, and teacher’s guidance along with tips & tricks.

The exam can be booked online rather than visiting a physical office. Go to Pearson’s official website: pearsonpte.com. You’ll have to register first using your email address. Please keep your username and password safe, as you’ll need it later to view your score report or to send your score report to a desired organisation. Payments ($330) must be made online to book the exam. Cancellation and/or rescheduling is allowed, however, there may be additional costs. Please go to pearsonpte.com to find out more.

I recommend to prepare for at least 4 to 6 weeks. If you book your PTE exam in Sydney, the exam wait can be up to six weeks away. So why not take this time to prepare yourself properly. If you need to improve your academic English – however, I’d suggest the preparation time to 8 to 16 weeks.

Trilochan Raj Puri

PTE Instructor – QIBA