Types of PTE Exam: Test Types & Duration Explained

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Are you planning to move abroad for work, PR, or study? Then you must know about the importance of language proficiency exams. Among all the language proficiency exams, PTE is one of the most popular exams, and it is completely online. There are 3 types of PTE exam, all having different purposes. Taking the wrong one can delay your visa or university admission, so it’s worth understanding the difference. Know all the PTE test types and decide which will suit your requirements.

Why Are There Multiple PTE Exams?

Institutions or immigration authorities have different requirements for language proficiency exams for different purposes. Some might want academic-level English, and some just a proof of everyday communication. So to suffice every need, Pearson has designed multiple types of PTE exams. Know the difference and start your preparation in the correct direction.

Types of PTE Exam:

PTE Academic:

This is one of the most popular exam among students. If you are applying to study abroad, this exam is perfect for you.

Key Features
Test Section	Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
Duration of PTE Exam	About 2:15 hours
Scoring	AI-based scoring but involves human scoring in some questions to reduce the chances of error.
Result Duration	2 Business Days
Ideal For	Bachelor’s or Master’s degree applicants Nursing and healthcare registration Study visas and academic programs

PTE Academic UKVI:

This version of the PTE Academic is made specifically to meet the visa requirements of the UK government. The test content has the same level as the PTE academic, but it is conducted in UKVI-approved test centers. A key difference in this exam is that you will be provided with a UKVI reference number.

Key Features
Test Section	Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
Duration of PTE Exam	About 2:15 hours
Scoring	AI-based scoring but involves human scoring in some of the questions to reduce the chances of error.
Result Duration	2 Business Days
Ideal For	Tier 4 UK Student Visas UK work visas under specific routes

If you are heading to UK, do not book PTE Academic; instead, book the UKVI version to avoid problems during your visa process.

PTE Core (The Latest Addition)

Launched recently and approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), PTE Core is Pearson’s newest test tailored for general English proficiency. If your dream is to work or settle in Canada, this is the version you should look at.

Best for: Canadian work visas, PR, and migration pathways.

Key Features
Test Section	Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
Duration of PTE Exam	Around 2 hours
Scoring	AI-based scoring
Result Duration	2 Business Days
Ideal For	Canadian Experience Class Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Express Entry PR pathways Skilled worker programs

PTE Core’s tasks and evaluation focus on real-life, workplace, and communication skills. PTE Core is not accepted for student visa applications under Canada’s Student Direct Stream. For that, you still need PTE Academic.

PTE Home

Pearson designed this exam to certify people in basic English language skills. PTE home is not for study or work purposes, it is to help those who want to join their family members in UK or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Best for: UK family visas, settlement, and citizenship.

Key Features
Test Section	Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
Duration of PTE Exam	22-25 Minutes
Scoring	AI-based scoring
Result Duration	2 Business Days
Ideal For	Spouse/partner visas for the UK UK settlement and ILR applications UK citizenship applications

How to Choose the Right Types of PTE Exam

Choosing the right version is simple when you know your goal:

Studying abroad (USA, UK, Canada, Australia)? → PTE Academic
Planning to immigrate or work in Canada? → PTE Core
Studying or working in the UK? → PTE Academic UKVI
Applying for a UK family or settlement visa? → PTE Home

Tip: Always double-check the official requirements of the visa or institution you’re applying to. One small mistake (like taking the wrong version) can delay your entire process.

Where To Prepare For the PTE Exam?

If you are aiming for PTE Academic/UKVI or PTE Core, Gurully is the best PTE practice platform. Gurully provides you with full-length PTE mock test with instant AI-scoring. The AI-scoring of mock tests is aligned with the official test of Pearson and includes predictive questions, too.

You can practice on the latest updated section-wise test and mock test, which will help you in achieving your target score. Take advantage of unlimited free question-wise practice and one free PTE mock test and start your preparation now. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get secret tips and tricks to score high, and join our Telegram group to stay updated.

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