PTE Core Band Score Chart: A Detailed Breakdown

Posted on 27/06/2024 by Moni PTE Magic


It’s important to comprehend the PTE Core band score chart before taking the test.

It provides a comprehensive standardized measurement of test-takers’ language proficiency.

If you still feel confused about this, don’t worry.

This article by PTE Magic will offer deep insights into the PTE Core score chart and helpful tips for calculating your result.

Key Takeaways 

  • The total score reflects your overall performance throughout the PTE Core test, which is not an average of four skill scores. 
  • The PTE Core result is evaluated using an AI scoring system to ensure the most accurate score.
  • The score band ranges from 10 to 90; each question type has different scoring criteria.
  • The PTE Core score can be converted to IELTS and TOEFL scores for easy evaluation.

Related:

How Is The PTE Test Scored?

pte core band score chart

Your result is often shown in the PTE Core score report. It presents your overall test score and scores of four comprehensive skills, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking. 

The overall score is based on your overall performance during the entire test. However, it’s not the average score of all four components.

In the PTE Core exam, you must complete between 49 and 54 tasks with more than 20 different question types. The overall score ranges from 10 to 90 points, and each skill scores from 10 to 90 points.

Some tasks that evaluate multiple skills at once are called integrated skills tasks. They can assess listening and speaking, writing and reading, or listening and reading simultaneously. 

Those tasks’ scores are counted as two communicative skills, contributing to the overall score. 

The PTE Core Band Score Chart: What Does It Mean?

The PTE Core scoring is evaluated under the PTE band score chart. It is widely accepted by more than 3,300 prestigious educational institutions worldwide and approved by Canada for visa purposes. 

The PTE Core score band uses an automated scoring system designed to match the marking process of seasoned examiners. The system uses complex algorithms and state-of-the-art programs that use data from about 10,000 test-takers speaking more than 120 languages. 

The PTE Core band score is valid for 2 years. Therefore, you should apply it to your organizations or for Canadian citizenship before expiration.  

The PTE Score Chart Evaluation

Here is the comprehensive evaluation table of the PTE Core score: 

PTE Scores Level of Excellence
30 -36 Limited
36 – 43 Modest
43 – 50 Modest
50 – 58 Competent
58 – 65 Competent
65 – 79 Good
79 – 86 Very Good
86 – 90 Expert

As you can see, achieving the 86-90 band in the PTE Core test seems challenging. In most cases, an above-60 average score is regarded as a good result that many universities and organizations require. 

Breakdown of PTE Score Range

Here is the concise breakdown of the PTE Core score range that you should know: 

PTE Scores Skill Explanation
10 – 29 Test takers show a basic grasp of the language by using fundamental phrases and showing everyday expressions. They can have basic introductory conversations and develop some interaction skills.
30 – 42 Test takers can apply their communicative skills to discuss several topics. They can also write and speak daily phrases coupled with basic expressions. They are better at interacting and sharing basic personal information.
43 – 50 Test takers can understand the language standard fundamentally and have the ability to explain their experiences in words. They can also give their opinions and discuss some general topics. 
51 – 58 Test takers have a good grasp of language. They can share information about their real-life experiences and record and broadcast details.
59 – 75 Test takers are fluent in communicating and interacting with English-speaking people with negligible mistakes. They are also able to highlight and emphasize important information in speeches.
75 – 84 Test takers can understand many different texts and speeches in diverse contexts. They also show effective communication skills and the ability to discuss topics confidently.
Above 85 The test takers’ language proficiency is expert; they can understand English natives. They can also speak smoothly and write texts clearly with minimum errors.

PTE Core Overall Score Calculation For Each Skill

PTE Core Overall Score Calculation For Each Skill

Here is a detailed PTE Core score chart for each skill, such as speaking and writing, reading, and listening. 

PTE Score Chart For Speaking And Writing

Question type Time allowed Number of items Scoring Evaluate skills
Read aloud Around 30-31 minutes 6-7  Partial credit Reading and speaking, pronunciation skills
Repeat sentence 10-12 Partial credit Listening and speaking, pronunciation skills
Describe image 3-4 Partial credit Speaking and pronunciation skills
Respond to a situation 2-4 Partial credit Speaking, pronunciation skills
Answer short questions 5-6 Correct/

Incorrect

Listening and speaking
Summarize written text 10 minutes 1-2 Partial credit Reading and writing, vocabulary, and grammar resources 
Write email 9 minutes 2-3 Partial credit Writing, vocabulary, and grammar resources

PTE Score Chart For Reading

Question type Time allowed Number of items Scoring Evaluate skills
Multiple-

choice, single answer

Around 30 minutes 1-2 Correct/

Incorrect

Reading
Multiple-

choice, multiple answers

1-2 Partial credit Reading
Re-order paragraphs 2-3 Partial credit Reading
Reading: Fill in the blanks 4-5 Partial credit Reading
Reading and writing: Fill in the blanks 5-6 Correct/

Incorrect

Reading and writing

PTE Score Chart For Listening

Question type Time allowed Number of items Scoring Evaluate skills
Summarize spoken text 8 minutes 1-2  Partial credit Listening and writing, grammar, and vocabulary resources
Multiple-

choice, multiple answers

Around 22 minutes 1-2  Partial credit Listening
Listening: Fill in the blanks 2-3  Partial credit Listening
Multiple-

choice, single answer

1-2  Correct/

Incorrect

Listening
Select missing word 1-2  Correct/

Incorrect

Listening
Highlight incorrect words 1-2  Partial credit Listening
Write from dictation 3-4 Partial credit Listening

How To Convert PTE Core Score To IELTS?

IELTS PTE Core 

(overall)

PTE Core

(listening)

PTE Core

(reading)

PTE Core

(speaking)

PTE Core 

(writing)

5 40.8 40.2 43.0 40.2 43.1
5.5 45.4 42.7 47.9 42.2 51.0
6 51.6 48.1 53.5 46.2 62.2
6.5 58.5 56.8 60.6 53.5 74.1
7 66.3 66.2 67.6 65.3 82.3
7.5 74.6 73.9 73.7 75.3 87.5
8 82.3 79.4 78.4 80.9 89.4

How To Convert PTE Core Score To TOEFL?

PTE Core score TOEFL score
84 – 90 120
80 – 84 115 – 119
75 – 80 109 – 115
70 – 75 102 – 109
65 – 70 95 – 102
60 – 65 89 – 95
55 – 60 82 – 89
50 – 55 74 – 82
45 – 50  63 – 74
40 – 45 48 – 63
0 – 40 0 – 48

What If Your PTE Core Score Is Wrong?

Sometimes, you are unsatisfied with your test result and assume your score has been mistaken. Under this circumstance, you should first visit the Skills Profile on the official Pearson PTE website. Then, check for any variations between your overall score and score for each skill. 

Given that there are no differences, you can request examiners to rescore or ask for a reevaluation from Pearson. Remember that you can only send the request within 14 days of receiving the test result. 

Also, the score is highly reliable due to the AI scoring system. A rescore can only be requested if a technical error occurred during the test.

You must wait a few days before sending the final report to your email. If the original score changes, the report will be reissued to reflect your new score, so don’t worry!

The Bottom Line

This article offers comprehensive insights into the PTE Core band score chart. Now, you can understand the score chart for each skill and the score conversion between PTE and IELTS or TOEFL.

We hope you research the scoring standard clearly and rely on it to plan an effective study path. Good luck!

green iguana
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!


More from PTE Magic

Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training Approved PTE Academic

Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training Approved PTE Academic

As of August 30th, 2024, news that the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) approved PTE Academic has spread widely within the Vietnamese PTE community. This blog from PTE Magic provides the latest updates from Pearson on MOET’s approval and the PTE Academic testing process in Vietnam. Scroll down to learn more! Key Takeaways […]

The New 2024 PTE Retake Policy: Things You Need to Know

The New 2024 PTE Retake Policy: Things You Need to Know

Pearson recently updated their PTE retake policy on August 20th, 2024. How can you retake the PTE tests and achieve higher scores while following the rules? Find the best tips for success under the PTE Retake Policy 2024 in this blog by PTE Magic below! Key Takeaways The recent PTE Retake Policy 2024 allows test-takers […]

PTE Core Summarize Written Text Format & Practice Tips

PTE Core Summarize Written Text Format & Practice Tips

The PTE Core Summarize Written Text part features a slightly different format from the PTE Academic’s version. That’s why many test-takers struggle to familiarize themselves and get a good result in this task. In this short guide, PTE Magic will bring you an all-rounded template and 4 proven tips to write an inclusive summary within […]

PTE Core Writing Email Format, Template & Proven Tips

PTE Core Writing Email Format, Template & Proven Tips

Those who want to move to Canada for work or settle must be familiar with PTE Core. Unlike the Academic version, this test requires you to write an email instead of an essay in the writing section. This change might confuse test-takers. But don’t worry! In this short guide, PTE Magic will help you navigate […]

PTE Core Answer Short Question: 30+ Most Repeated Questions

PTE Core Answer Short Question: 30+ Most Repeated Questions

The key to scoring high in the PTE Core Answer Short Question part is to practice with the most repeated questions. This way, you can familiarize yourself with those queries and respond more quickly. In this short guide, PTE Magic will share with you 30+ common questions and tips to help you nail this task. […]

PTE Core Respond to a Situation: Format & Practice Tips

PTE Core Respond to a Situation: Format & Practice Tips

Do you find it challenging to react quickly in the PTE Core Respond to a Situation task? You’re not alone! Many test-takers are also struggling with this part of the speaking section. Don’t worry; PTE Magic has your back with a versatile template that works for most cases. You can save time to arrange your […]