PTE Test Taker Handbook: Online Guide and Strategies

The PTE test is an eligibility criterion for students to get selected in some of the best universities across the globe. The PTE test taker handbook is an essential requirement for the students so that they can prepare confidently. Test taker handbook PTE helps students with a lot of information that might otherwise confuse them and hinder their preparation for the PTE exam. The PTE test taker score guide helps the candidates to analyze their strengths and weaknesses. The PTE test taker handbook is prepared for students so that they have complete information about the PTE exam from the preparation of the PTE exam to the types of sections, and the types of questions asked under each section.

PTE Academic: Complete Guide | Preparation Tips

Country Guide: UK | Ireland | Australia | Canada

Unlock 20% OFF on PTE Academic. Use Code: 'C360SPL20'

This Story also Contains

1. PTE Test Taker Handbook
2. Importance of the PTE Academic for Non-Native English Speakers
3. Preparing for the PTE Academic Exam
4. Section-Wise Breakdown and Tips
5. PTE Test Booking
6. PTE Test Day Essentials
7. During your PTE Test
8. Starting Your Test
9. After the PTE Exam: Understanding Your Scores
10. How PTE Academic is Scored
11. Retaking the PTE Academic Exam
12. When to Consider Retaking the PTE Exam

PTE Test Taker Handbook

The PTE test taker handbook is designed for learners to acknowledge the PTE test requirements and be confidently prepared for the PTE exam. Students preparing for the exam must follow accurate strategies to organize each section of the PTE exam to gain good scores and be eligible for various scholarships that the universities offer. We suggest that the Test taker handbook PTE should be considered as a resource of information for securing high PTE scores in the PTE exam.

Importance of the PTE Academic for Non-Native English Speakers

The Test taker handbook PTE aims to make students realize the importance and the value the PTE exam carries and the way they can achieve success by following the PTE preparation tips.

The PTE Academic exam makes an individual eligible to study in overseas universities, the PTE academic test aims to prepare the students to adjust well to the educational environment of global universities and be comfortable in achieving their educational goals.

Preparing for the PTE Academic Exam

1. Understanding the PTE Exam Format

The PTE exam pattern is quite simple, the PTE test is divided into four modules of the English language, and all four modules are scored in an integrated manner. The exam is conducted for 2 hours without any break and assesses the student's ability to speak, read, write, and listen to the English language and then comprehend the same information. The speaking and Writing section is usually for 55 minutes to 65 minutes and then the reading and listening sections are for 30 minutes each.

2. Overview of the Four Sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

All four sections are assessed with different types of questions that prepare a candidate to be well-versed in English language skills. The four sections focus on assessing:

3. Time Allocation for Each Section

The PTE exam is now conducted only for 2 hours, the time for each section is as follows:

4. Setting Up a Study Schedule

It is very important to set a study schedule for the PTE exam preparation and strategically use the time. Each section of the PTE exam should be prepared in a dedicated manner to score high. Usage of any template does not work and will often lead to low scores, The test taker handbook PTE will offer you a wide range of strategies to follow for the preparation of each section of the PTE exam. A daily set schedule of 2 hours will help you be ready for the exam within 1 month of duration considering you are at an intermediate level of using English language skills.

5. Creating a Study Plan

The students preparing for the PTE exam must take a diagnostic test of the PTE exam so that they know their present level and then prepare a study schedule that works on both the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate as per the performance in the diagnostic test. Setting aside separate time for each section of the exam will help you to manage time efficiently.

6. Balancing Study Time and Breaks

Students must realize that the PTE exam is computer-based, and they need to use a quarterly keypad in the exam. So, along with the language practice, they should focus on building their typing speed and typing accuracy. Balancing study time and breaks is essential to stay motivated and prepare for the PTE exam with an optimistic approach.

Section-Wise Breakdown and Tips

The PTE test taker handbook will now help the students with the PTE exam section-wise break up and the tips and tricks to score high in each section.

1. Speaking Section

The speaking section lasts for around 20-25 minutes and assesses the candidate's ability to speak fluently, using correct pronunciation, and also the ability to listen and state the same information.

2. Types of Questions in the Speaking Section

The various types of questions asked under the speaking section along with the time duration for each question are as follows:

3. Tips for Improving Speaking Skills

The Speaking skills under the PTE section can be improved by following some useful PTE speaking tips and tricks:

• Practice reading aloud and record your voice, so that you can check the errors you make.

• Listen to authenticated podcasts and documentaries so that you can understand varied English language accents.

• Use connecting words to connect your sentences in Describe image and RE-Tell lecture questions.

4. Writing Section

The writing section lasts for 30-40 minutes and covers two types of questions. The PTE writing sections assess the candidate's ability to articulate ideas, share opinions, and express themselves in an academic context.

5. Types of Questions in the Writing Section

The two types of questions along with their time duration are as follows:

6. Tips for Crafting Effective Responses

Some of the useful PTE writing tips are as follows:

• Students must read the text properly and find out the main idea of the entire passage. In simple words, you should know what the subject is and what is discussed about the subject. After this plan the way you should introduce, the topic, support it and finally conclude it.

• For Writing an essay: understanding the essay topic is the most essential part.

• Learn to follow academic ways of writing the essay.

• The essay should have a clear introduction, body, and then conclusion.

• Use connecting words and transitional words in both types of questions.

7. Reading Section

The reading section of the PTE exam assesses the candidate's ability to comprehend the information given in the passages. It also checks the student's ability to understand the information and select the right words to make sentences logically and accurately. Students are expected to have sound knowledge of synonyms and lexical resources.

8. Types of Questions in the Reading Section

The different types of questions in the reading section along with the time duration of each question are as follows:

9. Tips for Enhancing Reading Comprehension

Some of the useful reading tips for enhancing reading comprehension are as follows:

• Read authenticated English material from newspapers, documentaries, and other academic books.

• Make your journal, noting down all new words that you come across along with their synonyms, antonyms, and a sentence so that you can retain many words.

• Develop your English vocabulary.

10. Listening Section

The listening section of the PTE exam aims to check the candidate's ability to comprehend the information that is heard in the audio and to identify if the candidate can pay attention to the various accents that are spoken.

11. Types of Questions in the Listening Section

The different types of questions under the listening section along with their ideal time duration are as follows:

12. Tips for Improving Listening Skills

Some of the useful PTE listening tips for the PTE exam are as follows:

• Be used to listening to various accents through authenticated English documentaries, TED talks, and academic lectures given by native English speakers.

• Take out the transcripts of the audio and try to summarize them in your own way using connecting and transitional words.

• Practice regularly.

PTE Test Booking

The students need to understand that they should book or register for the PTE exam only after they are fully prepared and confident in attempting the PTe exam. The PTE test taker handbook will help you with some facilities that are available under emergency conditions after registering for the PTE exam.

1. Cancellation and Rescheduling

This happens when students wish to change the scheduled exam date or the location of the exam centre, however, the good news is that the PTE exam allows the candidates to make changes under certain conditions:

• The rescheduling of the exam can be done to a maximum of 6 times.

• The PTE exam can be rescheduled only if you have more than 14 days before the registered exam date.

2. Special Requirements

The special requirements can be fulfilled by the PTE exam body while filling out the exam form. Students must mention the requirement and wait for approval. The special requirement request must be made at least 6 weeks before the exam. Following is the list of special requirements that can be approved:

• Wheelchair access

• Adjustable chair

• Adjustable workstation

• Adjustable monitor brightness

3. Comfort Aids

Test Takers must use their own comfort aids like:

• Tissues

• Pillow for supporting Necks

• Neck braces and collars

PTE Test Day Essentials

On the PTE Test day the candidates must carry the identification proofs, along with the exam booking registration along with them.

What to Bring on Test Day

The following items must be taken care of on the exam day:

1. Required Identification

As an identification, the candidates must carry their original passport, digital photograph, and digital signature.

2. Permitted and Prohibited Items

Some of the prohibited items are:

• No books or paper from outside

• No etables

• No smart watches

• No gadget from outside.

Some of the permitted items are:

• Identity cards

• Digital photo

3. Understanding Test Day Procedures

As a student you just need to go to the test center on time, along with your identity proofs and digital signature and photo with you. You will be welcomed by the center and will be given proper instructions.

4. Arrival and Check-In Process

The check-in is done by the center and you will be taken to the main examination room, and get seated in the booth that is assigned for you. You will be allowed to check the head set and the computer system under supervision.

5. Test Room Rules and Regulations

• After you enter the test room, maintain the utmost discipline.

• Do not feel distracted or disturbed because you are able to hear other students' voice, as your headphones will capture only your voice.

• Be attentive for the test.

• Check if the device is charged.

During your PTE Test

At the time of the exam, the best tip is not to get distracted and to stay focused. Attempt the test confidently following all the strategies that you have followed during your PTE preparation time.

Starting Your Test

Start the test as per the time as you will not get any extra time. Be sure to give your personal introduction in the best way mentioning your reason for studying overseas. Remember that you are being monitored, you will not be able to see anyone, but the monitor is recording you.

1. The test

• While the test starts, you will be able to see a tool bar, you can adjust the tool bar as per your comfort.

• In case, you face any technical issue, click on the chat section and the protector will immediately help you.

2. Breaks

You should not be taking any break in between the exam, during your preparation time, prepare under timed conditions to have this as a practice.

3. Finishing your test

After you complete all the questions, click on the End Test icon and wait for the Thank you message.

After the PTE Exam: Understanding Your Scores

After the PTE exam, Your scores are delivered typically within 2-5 working days. Once the score is updated, you will receive an email notification and also your PTE dashboard will be updated.

How PTE Academic is Scored

The PTE Academic scores are made after integrating the scores from all modules of the PTE exam. You will get an overall score which is the aggregate of the scores you have achieved under each module, your scorecard will also mention the score under each module.

1. Score Range and Interpretation

The score under each module ranges from 10-90 score covering all question types. You will also be able to see your overall score on the PTE exam.

2. How to Access Your Scores

After the scores are updated, you will receive the PTE scores via email and also the PTE dashboard will be updated. You just have to log into the MY PTE portal and check your scores, the scorecard can also be downloaded.

3. Receiving Your Scores Online

As mentioned above, You will be able to check your scores online by logging into the My PTE portal.

4. Sending Scores to Institutions

Remember that institutions will not accept any downloaded or PDFs of your PTE test scores, You will have to share the same by following the steps given below:

• Sign in into My PTE page

• Go to My Activity page

• Select send scores next to the test you want to assign

• Search for the institution you want to send your score,

• When the institution appears in the recipients field, put a tick to it.

• Select next to see the summary of the order.

• Finally send the order.

Retaking the PTE Academic Exam

Retaking the PTE exam is a very crucial decision and should be done only if the circumstances calls for it. If you wish to improve your score, you may go ahead and re-take the exam. You can book the exam as many times as you wish to but at a time its done only for one time.

When to Consider Retaking the PTE Exam

You should consider retaking the PTE exam only if you wish to improve your score, or if the admission process requires a particular score and you have failed to achieve so.

1. Analysing Your Performance

While retaking the exam, analyze your performance by measuring your strength and weakness mentioned in the communicative skills score card.

2. Setting a New Study Plan

Finally, if you have made your mind to retake the exam, go through all the strategies and take the attempt on a very serious note.

Terms and Conditions

Candidates appearing for the PTE exam must take care of the following terms and conditions:

• The PTE exam body does take care of your personal details ina secured way.

• You have to follow all the rules mentioned in the PTe test handbook.

• You will not be allowed to take the copy of questions and answers of the PTE exam.

About the Author:
Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalised instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.