Latest PTE Score Chart & How to Convert PTE Scores to IELTS

Posted on 16/01/2024 by Moni PTE Magic


The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is one of the most credible computer-based tests designed to assess candidates’ English proficiency.

Critics and experienced test takers have suggested numerous practical tips to prepare for the exam. Nevertheless, before you can draft a good, manageable study plan, it is important to have a good grip on the PTE score chart first.

This step is surprisingly overlooked by many, a grave mistake that could bring deadly consequences to your final score.

In this guide, PTE Magic will lay out the full scoring system for PTE and answer some common inquiries in the sections below.

Keep scrolling to learn more!

(Read our Vietnamese version here)

Key Takeaways

  • PTE tests are graded on a scale of up to 90 points, while IELTS scorers assign bands from 1 to 9. TOEFL has a maximum score of 120.
  • PTE tests rely on automated technologies for scoring.
  • Our guide has detailed all major components of the 2023 PTE score chart. See the full scoring system for PTE in the sections below.

Related:

The Latest PTE Score Chart – All You Should Know

pte score chart & How to Convert PTE Scores to IELTS

1. Level of Excellence

Most beginners are confused about what is considered a high PTE score. Refer to the chart below for more information.

PTE Score Excellence Level
30 to 36 Limited
36 to 43 Modest
43 to 50 Modest
50 to 58 Competent
58 to 65 Competent
65 to 79 Good
79 to 86 Very good
85 to 90 Expert

2. Score Comparison with TOEFL and IELTS

Candidates should note that IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have different scoring procedures and formats. PTE tests are graded on a scale of up to 90 points, while IELTS scorers assign bands from 1 to 9. TOEFL, on the other hand, has a maximum score of 120.

Below is a summary  chart to help you convert PTE scores to IELTS:

PTE Scores IELTS Score Excellence Level
10 to 22 _ Extremely Limited
23 to 28 4.5 Limited
29 to 35 5 Modest
36 to 45 5.5 Modest
46 to 55 6 Competent
56 to 65 6.5 Competent
66 to 75 7 Good
76 to 83 7.5 Good
84 to 88 8 Very Good
89 to 90 8.5 Very Good
_ 9.0 Expert

For those who wish to know the TOEFL equivalent of their PTE score, check out the table here:

PTE Score TOEFL Score Level PTE Score TOEFL Score Level
10 to 37 _ Limited 62 91 to 92 Competent
38 40 to 44 Modest 63 93 Competent
39 45 to 47 Modest 64 94 Good
40 48 to 51 Modest 65 95 to 96 Good
41 52 to 53 Modest 66 97 Good
42 54 to 56 Modest 67 98 Good
43 57 to 59 Modest 68 99-100 Good
44 60 to 62 Modest 69 101 Good
45 63 to 64 Modest 70 102 Good
46 65 to 66 Modest 71 103-104 Good
47 67 to 69 Modest 72 105 Good
48 70 to 71 Modest 73 106 Good
49 72 to 73 Modest 74 107-108 Good
50 74 to 75 Competent 75 109 Good
51 76 to 77 Competent 76 110-111 Good
52 78 Competent 77 112 Good
53 79 to 80 Competent 78 113 Very Good
54 81 Competent 79 114 Very Good
55 82 Competent 80 115-116 Very Good
56 83 to 84 Competent 81 117 Very Good
57 85 Competent 82 118 Very Good
58 86 Competent 83 119 Very Good
59 87 to 88 Competent 84 120 Very Good
60 89 Competent 85 to 90 _ Expert
61 90 Competent

3. The PTE Scoring System

PTE tests rely on automated technologies for scoring. Some answers are marked based on their accuracy (correct or incorrect).

Meanwhile, others assess formal aspects (such as the task’s word limit) or the response quality (pronunciation and fluency). Critics categorize them into two scoring methods:

  • Full/No credit: You will receive a point for each correct answer. Incorrect answers will not result in negative deductions.
  • Partial credit: Tasks are graded as incorrect (no score), partially correct (part of the full mark), or correct (full points). 

In the next section, we will break down the detailed scoring system for each of the four main PTE compartments: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. 

4. Scoring For Each Section

a. Reading (29 to 30 minutes):

The section is designed mostly to assess your reading comprehension, although some writing components are also included.

Type of Task Number of items Scoring Breakdown
Multiple-choice,

single answer

1-2 Full/No 1 pt: Correct answer

0 pt: Minimum score

Fill in the blanks 4-5 Partial credits 1 pt: Correct answer

0 pt: Minimum score

Re-order paragraphs 2-3 Partial credits 1 pt: Correct answer

0 pt: Minimum score

Multiple-choice,

multiple answers

1-2 Partial credits 1 pt: Correct answer

-1 pt: Wrong answer

0 pt: Minimum score

Fill in the blanks (R & W) 5-6 Partial credits 1 pt: Correct answer

0 pt: Minimum score

b. Listening (30 to 43 minutes):

This section evaluates your listening skills, with some writing and reading items included:

Task Number of items Scoring Skills
Summarize spoken text 1-2 Partial credits Listening

Writing

Grammar

Spelling

Form

Content

Vocabulary

Multiple-choice, multiple answers 1-2 Partial credits (point deduction for wrong answers) Listening
Fill in the blanks 2-3 Partial credits Listening

Writing

Highlight correct summary 1-2 Full/No Listening

Reading

Multiple-choice,

single answer

1-2 Full/No Listening
Select missing word 1-2 Full/No Listening
Highlight incorrect words 2-3 Partial credits (with point deduction) Listening

Reading

Write from dictation 3-4 Partial credits Listening

Writing

c. Speaking & Writing (54 to 67 minutes):

As the longest part of the whole test, this section assesses various traits related to all four main skills. However, writing and speaking tasks remain dominant:

Task Items Scoring Skills Traits
Read aloud 6-7 Partial credits Reading

Speaking

Fluency

Pronunciation

Content

Repeat sentences 10-12 Partial credits Listening

Speaking

Fluency

Pronunciation

Content

Describe image 3-4 Partial credits Speaking  Fluency

Pronunciation

Content

Retell lecture 1-2 Partial credits Speaking

Listening

Pronunciation

Content

Oral Fluency

Answer short

questions

5-6 Full/No Reading

Writing

Vocabulary
Summarize

written texts

1-2 Partial credits Writing Vocabulary

Grammar

Content

Form

Write essay 1-2 Partial credits Writing Spelling

Vocabulary

Linguistic range

Grammar

Development

Structure

Coherence

Form

Content

Can You Combine 2 Different PTE Scores?

Yes, you can combine your PTE scores from 2 different settings. But note that you must take both tests within six months, and none of the scores should be below 58 points.

Can Your PTE Score Be Wrong?

Yes, that is a possibility (although very slim), which explains why PTE does allow candidates to request a rescore. However, before doing so, you should remember that:

  • Since all the tests are scored by machine (except for open-ended essays or spoken responses), your overall score will unlikely be altered. 
  • If the score changes, you will receive a refund for your re-score fee. Note that this does not apply to test payments.
  • PTE only allows one rescore request for each test registration. Also, this request should be for your most recent test. You cannot ask for a score update if a future test has already been scheduled.

Quick FAQs

What is PTE 50 equivalent to IELTS? 

It equals band 6 in IELTS.

How can we convert IELTS 7 to PTE?

A band 7 in IELTS translates to a score of 66 to 75 in PTE.

What is the IELTS 8 equivalent PTE?

IELTS 8 is roughly 84 to 88 points in PTE.

What is the PTE score equivalent to IELTS 6?

It should be between 46 and 55.

Conclusion

Our guide has detailed all major components of the 2023 PTE score chart. 

We hope you can use this information to develop an excellent study plan tailored to your current level. For learning materials or brilliant preparation tips, you can never go wrong with PTE Magic!

Contact our support team for more clarification if any part of the guidelines seems confusing or unclear.

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Moni PTE Magic

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!


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