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:
- PTE scoring system – Everything you need to know
The Latest PTE Score Chart – All You Should Know
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.