PTE & CCL Training & Assessment
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The term PTE stands for Pearson Test of English.  It is a computer based test. In Australia it is recognised by Australian Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection as well as Skills Assessment Authorities and Education Providers. I

PTE is a test that assesses your English proficiency. Immigrants and International students can use this test to prove their English knowledge, whether for visa purposes, migration or skill assessments, education purposes or for further professional growth.

When it comes to PTE structure and formatting, the test involves 4 key areas. This includes: – Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. It is a test for all four sections. During the speaking and writing section, these are considered the two key areas that are assessed together.

The test duration is 3 hours and there is a discretionary ten minute break. The break is usually between reading and listening sections. If someone decides to opt for the break, time stops and the test is paused.   

Part 1- speaking and writing together.
It takes roughly 77 to 93 minutes. One of the factors you need to take into consideration is the essay component in part 1.  You will need about 20 minutes to finish.

Part 2 – reading.
This section has 5 tasks. The time frame is approximately about 32 to 40 minutes.

Part 3 – listening.
This section has 8 tasks involved that can be questions or scenario based. It takes approximately 45 to 57 minutes.

A few important components during the test are:

• Preparation and organisation
• English knowledge
• Whether professional training was undertaken.

For an individual who is attempting the test for the very first time, it is crucial to know the test format beforehand.  It is important to be familiar with the test structure and what to anticipate such as: –

• How the test is designed
• How are you planning to distribute time to each section
• How much time do you need to spend on different tasks
• Have sufficient time for the conclusion to check the answers

On the day of the examination, you must arrive 30 minutes prior to the test. At the examination centre, you will have a test administrator, who will guide you through the procedure and make sure all your doubts are cleared. You will have to provide your ID, and a digital photo and will have to sign. You will also need to scan your palm. You will be provided with a locker to keep your belongings. In the examination hall, there are about ten other people attempting the test and there might be some distraction due to murmuring but you need to be focused and really concentrate on your task.

It is not a major difference, but it is a significant difference in how you prepare for seventy-nine. One thing to remember is that the English proficiency test is not just about English, the test is designed to assess your knowledge to operate in an English environment such as a work environment or whether that is a college or a learning institute. It is about showing you have the skills in the language. To aim for a score of 79 means a lot more practice, attention to detail, and consideration of grammar and spelling.

Because PTE is a computer-based test, there is no person that is going to assess your score. Had it been that you were examined by a person in front of you, you can easily explain or say what you want and make things understandable. But with a computer, if you do not speak clearly and the words are not audible, the computer may type that word incorrectly which will lead to an incorrect answer. So as to avoid that mistake, speaking clearly is imperative.   

Test results usually come within 48 hours but can take 1-5 business days. You will receive an email saying your score report is ready. You can then log into the PTE system and obtain your results.

One difference between TOEFL, IELTS and PTE, is with regard to the reading section. The reading section in TOEFL and IELTS is longer in comparison to PTE. IELTS reading section lasts about 60 minutes, TOEFL from 60-80, however reading section in PTE is from 30-40 minutes.