The updated PTE test format will deliver the same accurate and reliable results in a shorter time frame, allowing you to focus on your next steps sooner.
This short guide by LUME Test will show you the latest PTE test format changes, so you can stay ahead and be fully prepared!
Let’s take a look.
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The biggest update is the reduction in test duration from about 3 hours to just 2 hours.
The shorter PTE format keeps all the important features of the original test and remains widely accepted and recognized. However, the key sections of the exam have been adjusted to fit the new timeframe.
The speaking and writing section now takes around 76 to 84 minutes, the reading section is 23 to 30 minutes, and the listening section is around 31 to 39 minutes. Moreover, the optional 10-minute break has been removed so you can finish the test faster.
Pearson has reduced the number of questions for each section to decrease the overall test duration. Since the August 2025 update, the test has slightly more questions again: 65 to 75 in total.
The exact number of questions you will receive will vary on each part of the test section. Below are the PTE changes in the number of questions:
Speaking & Writing
In the speaking & writing section, you will go through nine question types, including Respond to a Situation and Summarize Group Discussion, which were added in August 2025. Specifically, you’ll have 5-6 describe images, 2-3 retell lectures, 5-6 answer short questions, 2-3 respond to a situation tasks and 2-3 summarize group discussion tasks.
For the writing section, you’ll summarize written texts 2 times and write 1 essay.
Reading
Some changes in the Reading sections also help optimize the test experience. Previously, you could expect to encounter 3-4 multiple-choice & multiple-answer questions, but now there are 2-3.
In addition, there will be 2 or 3 questions in the multiple choice – single answer task. You must complete the reading section in 23-30 minutes.
Listening
The listening section has eight question types, from 1 summarize spoken text task to 3-4 write from dictation questions.
These changes aim to maintain the integrity of the assessment while ensuring that the test-takers can complete the section in 31-39 minutes.
Pearson has also improved PTE score reports for better clarity and usefulness. While you still see your Overall and Communicative skill scores as before, Enabling skill scores will no longer be displayed on the score reports.
Instead, you will receive personalized test feedback and support for your performance. You can access this information through your “MyPTE account.” Based on this feedback, you will better understand your strengths and areas that need improvement.
Removing Enabling skill scores from the reports aims to streamline the information provided to candidates. It focuses more directly on the skills relevant to overall language proficiency assessment.
This change ensures that test-takers receive more targeted feedback to guide future studies and preparation.
These updates took effect on November 16th, 2021, and aim to optimize the PTE Academic exam experience. Key changes include a reduction in test duration, a decrease in the number of questions, and a revised score report format.
These adjustments are designed to improve efficiency while maintaining the reliability and accuracy of the assessment. Pearson updated the test again for tests taken after 7 August 2025.
The test continues to measure language skills with the same reliability, validity, and fairness. It ensures that your scores accurately reflect your proficiency level.
The original 20 types of questions in the PTE Academic exam are still in the test, and two new speaking types added in August 2025 bring the total to 22. The difficulty level also remains so that test-takers can expect a consistent challenge.
Speaking & Writing section: The 1-minute personal introduction, the number of read-aloud (6-7 questions) and repeat sentences (10-12 questions) have not changed, while essay writing is now 1 question.
Reading section: Reading and writing: fill in the blank (5-6 questions), re-order paragraphs (2-3 questions), and fill in the blanks (4-5 questions) remain unchanged. Besides, the prompt length is the same as before.
Listening section: The number of questions in fill-in-the-blanks, highlight-incorrect-words, and write-from-dictation parts has not changed.
The scoring approach for PTE Academic is largely the same, although Pearson enhanced the scoring criteria for some tasks in August 2025. The score ranges from 10 to 90. Your score depends on how well you handle different questions, especially the more complex ones. The final score shows your overall English skills across the whole test.
The changes in test timing do not affect the recognition of PTE Academic by thousands of institutions worldwide, including governments, for visa purposes.
Therefore, this recognition still makes PTE a preferred choice for students and professionals seeking to study abroad or migrate internationally.
The PTE test format changes have made the exam more efficient and straightforward. These updates are designed to help test-takers show their language skills quickly and effectively.
Take advantage of these changes and be well-prepared for the test to get a high score!
(Read our Vietnamese version here)
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Lume Test is a leading platform offering practice questions and mock tests for major English exams like PTE, IELTS, TOEIC, Duolingo English Test, and more. We provide up-to-date, comprehensive materials designed to help learners improve their language skills and achieve high scores. With expert-crafted tests that closely mirror real exam formats, Lume Test ensures you're fully prepared for success. Your goals are our mission!
