A 4-skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing) exam in English, aligned to the C1 level of the CEFR*. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

About the exam:

• Consists of a Written (Listening, Reading, Writing) and Spoken (Speaking) component

CEFR level C1 is the minimum requirement for the following visa types:

After the exam, candidates receive a Test Report displaying their score and unique reference number (URN). The URN must be included in the visa application.

Visa requirement information is subject to change. Applicants should refer to UK Government guidance on English language exams for visas and are responsible for ensuring they take the correct exam.

*Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, is widely used to describe levels of language proficiency.

Key features 

Exam format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This part of the test is 54–67 minutes long and it contains seven different question types. It is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an academic environment.

Part 2: Reading

This part of the test is 29–30 minutes long and it contains five different question types. Because PTE Academic is an integrated skills test, one item type ('Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks') also assesses writing skills.

Part 3: Listening

This part of the test is 30–43 minutes long and it contains eight different question types.

The questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once. You are allowed to take notes.