PTE Academic classes online
Scored by computer, so small habits cost big marks. We find the tasks pulling your score down and train them with you, with practice between classes in the NextBand Room.
Who PTE Academic is for
PTE Academic is a computer based English test. It is accepted for Australian and New Zealand visas, by many universities around the world, and for UK visas in its UKVI version. For Canada Express Entry, Canada accepts PTE CoreConversational English, not PTE Academic, so check before you book.
The test, part by part
The whole test takes about 2 hours in one sitting, all on the computer. Since August 2025 there are 22 scored task types, including two newer speaking tasks: Respond to a Situation and Summarize Group Discussion.
| Part | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Speaking and Writing | Personal Introduction (not scored), Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, Answer Short Question, Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation, Summarize Written Text, Essay |
| Reading | Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (multiple answers), Reorder 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 |
How PTE is scored
Scores go from 10 to 90. Many tasks count towards more than one skill. Write from Dictation, for example, counts for both Listening and Writing, and Repeat Sentence counts for both Speaking and Listening. That is why some small tasks matter much more than they look. Since August 2025, human experts also work with the computer scoring to find copied or unoriginal answers, so a memorised template is more likely to lose marks. Results usually arrive within 2 working days, and sometimes take up to 5.
Where most people lose marks
Stopping and restarting in Read Aloud
Text on screen: Urban gardens are becoming popular in many large cities.
Spelling and plurals in Write from Dictation
You hear: The researchers analysed the results of several experiments.
Using a memorised template for Describe Image
Many students learn one template and use it for every picture: "The image gives information about... In conclusion, this image is very informative." If your answer does not describe what is actually in the image, content marks drop. Use a simple frame, but fill it with the real details: the main trend, two numbers or features, and one conclusion about this image.
Choosing by meaning in Reading Fill in the Blanks
Text: The team ______ a significant contribution to the project. Options: did, made, gave, took
Writing two sentences in Summarize Written Text
Summarize Written Text asks for one sentence of 5 to 75 words. Two sentences, or more than 75 words, cost you marks for form. Join your main points with words like and, but, because and while, and finish with one full stop.
Want every task explained like this, with tap-to-check practice? Our interactive e-book Think Like the Scorer covers PTE Academic and PTE Core for $35. Look inside.
How we prepare you for PTE Academic
We diagnose first
Our diagnostic test shows which tasks are pulling your scores down.
Focus on high value tasks
We spend time where the marks are, like Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation and Fill in the Blanks.
NextBand Room
Every task type between classes, including the newer speaking tasks.
Your roadmap
A week by week plan from your scores and exam date.
A finished score looks like this
This is an example in our own design, with the name hidden. Your result depends on where you start and the work you put in. What we promise is a clear plan and a teacher who reads your work properly.
10 to 90
Communicative skills
Our own design, for illustration. Not an official report.
PTE Academic classes: prices
All classes are live on Microsoft Teams with Teacher J. Prices in US dollars, for 4 weeks. Every class package includes NextBand Room practice.
Other ways to prepare
Daily timed practice in the real exam format, with guided feedback.
Not sure which is right for you? Book a free 15-minute call or see all prices and class times.
Questions
Is PTE Academic easier than IELTS?
Not easier, just different. PTE is fully on computer and scored by computer, and results come faster. People who speak fluently but make small spelling mistakes can struggle with PTE. The diagnostic test helps you see which exam suits you.
Can I use PTE Academic for Canada?
Not for Express Entry. Canada accepts PTE Core for Express Entry. Universities in Canada may accept PTE Academic, so check with your university.
What changed in PTE Academic in 2025?
From August 2025 the test added two speaking tasks, Respond to a Situation and Summarize Group Discussion, and the test is still about 2 hours long. Pearson also added human experts to the scoring to find copied or unoriginal answers, so memorised templates are more likely to be marked down. The NextBand Room includes the newer tasks.
What PTE score equals IELTS 7?
Organisations set their own PTE scores, and the conversion has changed over time. Check the exact PTE score your university or visa asks for, rather than converting from IELTS yourself.
Start with the skill that is holding you back
Join a class, build your free roadmap first, or ask us anything.