How Long Does The PTE Exam Last and How Long is it Valid in Australia?

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Around two hours

PTE exam can be completed in as little as two hours without a break. The test will be over in about 2 hours if one PTE candidate receives the fewest questions on each test topic. The PTE test may take up to 3 hours and 15 minutes if a candidate receives the highest number of questions on each test topic.

Visit our website to learn the tips and methods for acing the PTE Academic test, take a PTE online mock test test that is scored, and practise with authentic PTE materials on our PTE practise platform. You can also schedule a free online PTE coaching session with one of our Melbourne-based expert PTE trainers.

What is the PTE Academic’s validity period? Validity of the PTE Academic 2023 Exam

PTE Academic test results are still valid for up to two years after the test date.

The PTE score automatically disappears from the website once two years have passed, making it invisible. Additionally, it is valid so long as no visa prohibits it.

Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are countries where PTE results are frequently valid.

Despite the fact that your real PTE score record only shows a validity period of two years, the PTE Academic Score record is valid for three years for Australian immigration purposes. We are aware of the confusion. However, things are exactly as they are.

The PTE Academic internal operations team has been preparing a solution to extend the validity period during which test takers can review and allocate their scores.

PTE Academic exam-takers can now access and assign their test results up to three years after the test date.

The Department may get in touch with PTE Academic’s support staff if a test taker took their exam more than two years ago and requests that the result get manually confirmed.

In conclusion, if you’re submitting an application for Australian immigration, your PTE score report is valid for 3 years. If it just appears on the score report for the last two years, don’t be concerned.

What is the PTE Academic's validity period? Validity of the PTE Academic 2023 Exam

The minimum PTE score required for Australia PR in 2020 is 65, and achieving a score lower than this threshold may pose challenges in obtaining a PR visa. A PTE score of 50 across all levels is considered competent in English.

PTE General is not allowed for seeking for Australian permanent residence; instead, applicants must take the PTE Academic exam.

For a spouse applying for an Australian PR visa, a PTE Academic score of 30 is deemed sufficient. Alternatively, a 4.5 IELTS score in either IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic is also accepted.

For the Temporary Graduate Visa, PTE scores are not mandatory; candidates should refer to the specific requirements outlined for this visa category.

When deciding between PTE and IELTS for Australia, it’s important to note that IELTS General Training is suitable for non-academic purposes and is applicable for PR in Australia. For studying in Australia, candidates need to take the IELTS Academic test. PTE Academic is recognised in Australia for a variety of visas, including study permits. The candidates’ decisions and preferences will determine which exam they take—the PTE or the IELTS.

PTE Test Exemptions for Australian Permanent Residency

If an applicant is eligible for Australian Permanent Residency and meets any of the following requirements, they are excused from sitting the PTE English language proficiency exam:

The applicant must be a citizen and possess a passport issued by the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
The Australian Adult Migrant English Programme service provider must determine that the applicant’s English competence is functional.
The candidate must have finished at least two years of full-time study with instruction given in English towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or trade certificate from an Australian or international university.

PTE Test Exemptions for Australian Permanent Residency

One of the requirements in the education category, which comprises the following, shall be met by the applicant:

completion of all primary school years and a minimum of three secondary school years, either inside or outside.
Finishing all primary school years and at least three secondary school years—in Australia or abroad—with teaching given in English.

English-taught secondary school education for a minimum of five years, either inside or outside of Australia.
Finishing at least a year of full-time, English-taught study in an Australian institution in order to get an award.
The part-time equivalent of a full year of study towards an award at an Australian university with instruction provided in English, but on a reduced timetable.

Written By: Lakshya Bhagnani

Lakshya is a passionate content writer with over 3 years of experience in the language proficiency tests domain. An avid learner, he stays ahead of the industry's trends ensuring his writing remains fresh and incorporates the latest updates. Lakshya is dedicated to helping readers achieve their language proficiency goals through his insightful content.