Pearson conducts two different types of English language test or PTE: PTE academic and PTE general. Candidates are sometimes confused regarding which one to take – to figure out this, we need to first understand the differences between PTE academic and PTE general.

PTE general vs PTE academic: A Quick Comparison

PTE academic vs PTE general: Test Process

PLT (Pearson language tests) conducts PTE academic and GMAC endorses this test. This test is associated with CEFR. PLT with a partnership with Edexcel Limited conducts PTE general.

PTE academic vs PTE general: Test Dates

Candidates willing to take PTE academic can get the PTE academic test dates throughout the year – there are almost 200 PTE test centers where PTE academic is conducted nearly 360 days in a year.

For PTE general training, there are 3 particular slots. Candidates need to book their slot for May, June or December for PTE general.

PTE academic vs PTE general: Exam Format

PTE academic has 3 modules: PTE reading, PTE writing and speaking, and PTE listening.

PTE general has 2 sections – interview and a written paper. The written paper of PTE consists of 2 sections: reading and listening in 6 levels.

PTE academic vs PTE general: Scoring

PTE Academic is scored with the help of computer algorithms. PTE General is scored based on the performance on the written paper and interview.

PTE general vs academic: Exam Retake

According to the PTE retake policies, a candidate is allowed to book a test date after 5 days of the previous attempt. Plus, the new appointment must be taken within six months of the previous PTE attempt.

Once the candidate passes the test, they are not allowed to take the test again within the period of two years. Moving on to PTE general, there is no option to retake PTE.

PTE academic vs general: Purpose of taking

PTE academic is exclusively designed for the candidates willing to study abroad or to be more specific, PTE academic is for the candidates who want to study in the countries where the primary medium of communication is English. PTE academic score is a highly important factor for admission in Australia and New Zealand.

On the other side, the candidates who are willing to either study or work abroad take PTE general. PTE general score is accepted almost in all the universities around the globe.

PTE general vs academic: Test Score Validity

PTE academic scores are valid for a period of 2 years. The result of PTE general, on the other hand, comes with a lifetime validity. Once a candidate takes PTE general, there is no need of retaking PTE – the score of PTE general will be available to use for a lifetime period.

PTE academic vs PTE general: which one To Take?

The answer to this question depends on the purpose of the candidates. PTE academic is accepted not just in the universities of Australia and New Zealand. In London Business School, Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Yale University, INSEAD, HEC Paris, IESE, IE Business School, and ESADE for admission purposes. Plus it is accepted for Visa as well.

PTE academic vs IELTS general

For the details on IELTS general vs PTE academic, check the table below:

Plus, there are some differences in the exam format of these two exams – for this, they can check PTE exam pattern and IELTS exam pattern.

Now moving on to, which one to take PTE academic or IELTS general. For this, the candidates need to go through the requirements of their organization – they need to check which score is required for their purpose PTE academic or IELTS general.

PTE academic can be used for admission purposes as well as for visa purposes. IELTS general training is meant for visa purposes only – so checking which is needed is mandatory.

So, candidates can take PTE academic if they want to study abroad. In case, they are asked for PTE general or IELTS general in their organization, they will need to take that accordingly.