Preparation Guide
All about the
PTE Academic UKVI Exam
The Fast and Trusted English Test for Study & Migration in the UK
What is PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic UKVI is a UK-recognized English language proficiency test developed by Pearson, designed to assess the academic English skills required for below-degree-level education and UK work visas.
The test evaluates real-life academic communication through Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening, and is fully computer-based with AI-powered scoring with human evaluation, ensuring fast, accurate, and unbiased results.
PTE Academic UKVI is accepted by colleges and the UK visa department, including for student visas and work visas pathways. Results are typically available within 48 hours, making it one of the fastest English-language tests.
Watch Intro
90
Points Max
Accepted By
Colleges & Immigration
Study Abroad
What is PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic UKVI is a UK-recognized English language proficiency test developed by Pearson, designed to assess the academic English skills required for below-degree-level education and UK work visas.
The test evaluates real-life academic communication through Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening, and is fully computer-based with AI-powered scoring with human evaluation, ensuring fast, accurate, and unbiased results.
PTE Academic UKVI is accepted by colleges and the UK visa department, including for student visas and work visas pathways. Results are typically available within 48 hours, making it one of the fastest English-language tests.
1
PTE Academic
Designed for students and professionals who plan to study, work, or migrate internationally.
2
PTE Academic UKVI
Suitable for candidates applying for UK visas, including study and work routes that require a Secure English Language Test (SELT). This will be similar to PTE Academic, with just the addition of Unique Reference Number (URN), which is useful for applying UK visa application.
PTE Academic vs PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic UKVI is accepted by below-graduate level colleges, professional bodies, and the UK government, offering a fast, reliable, and Fully computer-based English language assessment with AI-powered scoring and human analysis.
PTE Academic is accepted by universities, colleges, professional bodies, and government authorities worldwide, offering a fast, reliable, and Fully computer-based English language test with AI-powered scoring, involving human analysis to reduce bias
Important things you need to know about the
PTE Academic UKVI Exam Format
AI-Based Scoring System
PTE Academic UKVI uses AI-based scoring, delivering fast, accurate, and unbiased results with human evaluation ensuring fair assessment of real-world English skills.
Fixed Test Duration
PTE Academic UKVI is a time regulated test with a total duration of approximately two hours fifteen minutes (maximum) covering three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening
Official Test Centres
PTE Academic UKVI must be taken at approved UKVI Official Pearson Test Centres at an official Pearson Test Centre, ensuring a secure and standardised testing environment.
AI-Based Scoring System
PTE Academic UKVI uses AI-based scoring, delivering fast, accurate, and unbiased results with human evaluation ensuring fair assessment of real-world English skills.
Fixed Test Duration
PTE Academic UKVI is a time regulated test with a total duration of approximately two hours fifteen minutes (maximum) covering three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening
Official Test Centres
PTE Academic UKVI must be taken at approved UKVI Official Pearson Test Centres at an official Pearson Test Centre, ensuring a secure and standardised testing environment.
To learn more about the PTE Academic UKVI Exam format
Try a FREE mock of PTE Academic UKVI Test on AlfaPTE
PTE Academic UKVI vs IELTS vs TOEFL
Select an exam below to see a detailed breakdown of how it stacks up against the PTE Academic UKVI.
PTE Academic UKVI
UK student/work visa approval
Essentials & Logistics
UKVI accepted?
Yes
Typical Test Takers
Students; skilled workers; professionals needing 4-skill SELT
Purpose / Acceptance
Accepted for study and relevant work routes needing a 4-skill SELT
Test Session
Single session
Content Type
Academic, integrated tasks across 4 skills
Accents Recognised
International English accents
Test Format & Experience
Delivery Mode
Computer-based only at approved centres
Test Duration
About 2 hours
Sections
Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
Difficulty Level
Moderate-High
Scoring & Results
Scoring Range
Oct-90
Test Locations
Approved Pearson VUE SELT centres
Results / result sharing
Typically about 2 business days
Score Validity
Usually 2 years
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Reschedule Policy
Allowed under Pearson rules; fees increase closer to test date
Booking window / availability
Online booking; usually flexible, year-round
Learn More
IELTS for UKVI Academic
UK higher education visa requirement
Essentials & Logistics
UKVI accepted?
Yes
Typical Test Takers
Students; some professionals needing a 4-skill SELT
Purpose / Acceptance
Used where a UKVI SELT is required for Student visa or other routes requiring 4 skills at a specific CEFR level
Test Session
Single booking; Speaking may be same day or nearby date depending on centre
Content Type
Academic, 4 skills
Accents Recognised
Multiple native/global English accents
Test Format & Experience
Delivery Mode
Paper-based or computer-based, depending on centre
Test Duration
About 2 hours 45 minutes total, plus speaking slot
Sections
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Difficulty Level
Moderate-High
Scoring & Results
Scoring Range
Band 0-9
Test Locations
Official IELTS SELT centres only
Results / result sharing
Typically 1-5 days computer; about 13 days paper
Score Validity
Usually 2 years
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Reschedule Policy
Allowed under IELTS rules; fee/deadline vary
Booking window / availability
Book online; generally year-round, centre-dependent
Learn More
Essentials & Logistics
UKVI accepted?
No, not as a UKVI SELT
Typical Test Takers
University applicants
Purpose / Acceptance
Not on the UKVI approved SELT list for direct visa proof; however, some universities may accept it for admission and may assess English for CAS themselves
Test Session
Single session
Content Type
Academic, 4 skills
Accents Recognised
Multiple English accents
Test Format & Experience
Delivery Mode
Computer-based; some markets may offer different modes
Test Duration
About 2 hours
Sections
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Difficulty Level
High academic focus
Scoring & Results
Scoring Range
0-120
Test Locations
ETS test centres; not UKVI SELT centres
Results / result sharing
Usually 4-8 days
Score Validity
Usually 2 years
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Reschedule Policy
ETS policy applies
Booking window / availability
Online booking; widely available in many countries
Learn More
Essentials & Logistics
UKVI accepted?
Yes
Typical Test Takers
Students needing UKVI 4-skill proof for study
Purpose / Acceptance
Designed for study visa use where a SELT is required
Test Session
Single booking; centre scheduling may split components
Content Type
Academic, 4 skills
Accents Recognised
International English accents
Test Format & Experience
Delivery Mode
In-centre SELT delivery; exact mode may vary by location
Test Duration
Roughly 2.5-3 hours
Sections
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Difficulty Level
Moderate-High
Scoring & Results
Scoring Range
CEFR-linked multilevel result
Test Locations
Approved LanguageCert SELT centres
Results / result sharing
Often 3-5 working days
Score Validity
Usually 2 years
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Reschedule Policy
Allowed under LanguageCert rules; centre terms apply
Booking window / availability
Online booking; availability varies by country
Learn More
Essentials & Logistics
UKVI accepted?
Yes
Typical Test Takers
Workers; migrants; some visa |applicants needing general English 4 skills
Purpose / Acceptance
Used for certain work / migration routes where a 4-skill SELT is needed
Test Session
Single booking; speaking may be scheduled separately
Content Type
General English, 4 skills
Accents Recognised
Multiple native/global English accents
Test Format & Experience
Delivery Mode
Paper or computer, centre-dependent
Test Duration
About 2 hours 45 minutes total, plus speaking slot
Sections
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Difficulty Level
Moderate-High
Scoring & Results
Scoring Range
Band 0-9
Test Locations
Official IELTS SELT centres
Results / result sharing
Typically 1-5 days computer; about 13 days paper
Score Validity
Usually 2 years
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Reschedule Policy
Allowed under provider rules; fee applies if late
Booking window / availability
Online booking; year-round where centres operate
Learn More
PTE Academic UKVI
UK student/work visa approval
IELTS for UKVI Academic
UK higher education visa requirement
Essentials & Logistics
UKVI accepted?
Yes
Yes
Typical Test Takers
Students; skilled workers; professionals needing 4-skill SELT
Students; some professionals needing a 4-skill SELT
Purpose / Acceptance
Accepted for study and relevant work routes needing a 4-skill SELT
Used where a UKVI SELT is required for Student visa or other routes requiring 4 skills at a specific CEFR level
Test Session
Single session
Single booking; Speaking may be same day or nearby date depending on centre
Content Type
Academic, integrated tasks across 4 skills
Academic, 4 skills
Accents Recognised
International English accents
Multiple native/global English accents
Test Format & Experience
Delivery Mode
Computer-based only at approved centres
Paper-based or computer-based, depending on centre
Test Duration
About 2 hours
About 2 hours 45 minutes total, plus speaking slot
Sections
Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Difficulty Level
Moderate-High
Moderate-High
Scoring & Results
Scoring Range
Oct-90
Band 0-9
Test Locations
Approved Pearson VUE SELT centres
Official IELTS SELT centres only
Results / result sharing
Typically about 2 business days
Typically 1-5 days computer; about 13 days paper
Score Validity
Usually 2 years
Usually 2 years
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Reschedule Policy
Allowed under Pearson rules; fees increase closer to test date
Allowed under IELTS rules; fee/deadline vary
Booking window / availability
Online booking; usually flexible, year-round
Book online; generally year-round, centre-dependent
Learn More
Which English Test Should You Choose?
Different English tests serve different purposes. Whether you are applying for university, a visa, or professional registration, the comparison below will help you choose the most suitable English test based on acceptance, results speed, and test format.
Study Abroad
Recommended
PTE Academic / IELTS Academic / TOEFL iBT
Why?
Accepted by universities and colleges worldwide for higher education admissions.
UK Visa Applications
Recommended
PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI
Why?
Approved as a SELT (Secure English Language Test) for UK study and work visa routes.
Prefer Computer-Based Testing
Recommended
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI
Why?
Fully computer-based test with unbiased AI scoring and no human examiner interaction.
Fast Results Needed
Recommended
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI
Why?
AI-based scoring with results typically available within 48 hours.
Prefer Human Examiner
Recommended
IELTS / CELPIP
Why?
Speaking test conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner.
Study Abroad
Recommended
PTE Academic / IELTS Academic / TOEFL iBT
Why?
Accepted by universities and colleges worldwide for higher education admissions.
UK Visa Applications
Recommended
PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI
Why?
Approved as a SELT (Secure English Language Test) for UK study and work visa routes.
Prefer Computer-Based Testing
Recommended
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI
Why?
Fully computer-based test with unbiased AI scoring and no human examiner interaction.
Fast Results Needed
Recommended
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI
Why?
AI-based scoring with results typically available within 48 hours.
Prefer Human Examiner
Recommended
IELTS / CELPIP
Why?
Speaking test conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner.
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PTE Academic UKVI Exam Structure Breakdown
Understanding the PTE Academic UKVI Exam Structure
Part 1
Speaking & Writing
76-84 minutes
Question
Tasks
Personal Introduction
-
Read Aloud
6-7
Repeat Sentence
10-12
Describe Image
5-6
Re-Tell Lecture
2-3
Answer Short Question
5-6
Summarize Group Discussion
2-3
Respond to a Situation
2-3
Summarize Written Text
2
Write Essay
1
Part 2
Reading
23-30 Minutes
Question
Tasks
Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown)
5-6
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
2-3
Reorder Paragraph
2-3
Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)
4-5
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
2-3
Part 3
Listening
29-36 minutes
Question
Tasks
Summarize Spoken Text
1
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
2-3
Fill in the Blanks (Type In)
2-3
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
2-3
Highlight Correct Summary
2-3
Select Missing Word
1-2
Highlight Incorrect Words
2-3
Write from Dictation
3-4
PTE Academic: Exam Format and Question Weightage
Understanding how each question type affects score calculations can help test takers better interpret their scores. The table below shows how much each question type contributes to the overall as well as individual module score on an average test.
PTE Academic UKVI Exam Structure Marks Distribution
Complete overview of all question types and scoring
| Question Type | Questions | Overall | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|
Speaking & Writing
| Read Aloud | 6-7 | 4% | 9% | - | - | - |
| Repeat Sentence | 10-12 | 7% | 16% | 17% | - | - |
| Describe Image | 5-6 | 15% | 31% | - | - | - |
| Retell Lecture | 2-3 | 6% | 13% | 13% | - | - |
| Answer Short Question | 5-6 | 2% | - | 4% | - | - |
| Summarize Group Discussion | 2-3 | 9% | 19% | 20% | - | - |
| Respond to a Situation | 2-3 | 6% | 13% | - | - | - |
| Summarize Written Text | 2 | 7% | - | - | 23% | 28% |
| Write Essay | 1 | 7% | - | - | - | 31% |
Reading
| Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) | 5-6 | 7% | - | - | 25% | - |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 2-3 | 1% | - | - | 5% | - |
| Reorder Paragraph | 2-3 | 3% | - | - | 9% | - |
| Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) | 4-5 | 6% | - | - | 20% | - |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 2-3 | <1% | - | - | 3% | - |
Listening
| Summarize Spoken Text | 1 | 4% | - | 10% | - | 18% |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 2-3 | 1% | - | 3% | - | - |
| Fill in the Blanks (Type In) | 2-3 | 3% | - | 8% | - | - |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 2-3 | <1% | - | 2% | 3% | - |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 2-3 | <1% | - | 2% | - | - |
| Select Missing Word | 1-2 | 1% | - | 1% | - | - |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 2-3 | 4% | - | 8% | 13% | - |
| Write From Dictation | 3-4 | 5% | - | 13% | - | 23% |
| Totals | - | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
Note :
The distribution shown above is approximate and based on Pearson's official weighting guidelines. Percentages represent the contribution of each question type to the respective skill score. The total possible score is 360 points, which is then scaled to the 90-point PTE Academic score range.
PTE Academic UKVI Exam Structure Marks Distribution
Complete overview of all question types and scoring
Speaking & Writing
~77 min · Integrated skills
9 Qs
Read Aloud
6-7 Questions
4%
Speaking: 9%
Repeat Sentence
10-12 Questions
7%
Speaking: 16%
Listening: 17%
Describe Image
5-6 Questions
15%
Speaking: 31%
Retell Lecture
2-3 Questions
6%
Speaking: 13%
Listening: 13%
Answer Short Question
5-6 Questions
2%
Listening: 4%
Summarize Group Discussion
2-3 Questions
9%
Speaking: 19%
Listening: 20%
Respond to a Situation
2-3 Questions
6%
Speaking: 13%
Summarize Written Text
2 Questions
7%
Reading: 23%
Writing: 28%
Write Essay
1 Questions
7%
Writing: 31%
Reading
~29–30 min · Comprehension
5 Qs
Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown)
5-6 Questions
7%
Reading: 25%
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
2-3 Questions
1%
Reading: 5%
Reorder Paragraph
2-3 Questions
3%
Reading: 9%
Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)
4-5 Questions
6%
Reading: 20%
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
2-3 Questions
<1%
Reading: 3%
Listening
~30–43 min · Audio-based
8 Qs
Summarize Spoken Text
1 Questions
4%
Listening: 10%
Writing: 18%
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
2-3 Questions
1%
Listening: 3%
Fill in the Blanks (Type In)
2-3 Questions
3%
Listening: 8%
Highlight Correct Summary
2-3 Questions
<1%
Listening: 2%
Reading: 3%
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
2-3 Questions
<1%
Listening: 2%
Select Missing Word
1-2 Questions
1%
Listening: 1%
Highlight Incorrect Words
2-3 Questions
4%
Listening: 8%
Reading: 13%
Write From Dictation
3-4 Questions
5%
Listening: 13%
Writing: 23%
Note :
The distribution shown above is approximate and based on Pearson's official weighting guidelines. Percentages represent the contribution of each question type to the respective skill score. The total possible score is 360 points, which is then scaled to the 90-point PTE Academic score range.
New Practice Questions for PTE Academic UKVI
Discover format variations, word count changes, and preparation time Differences in the PTE Academic UKVI Exam.
Question Types
Respond to a Situation
Speaking • 10s Prep
Summarize Group Discussion (SGD)
Speaking • 10s Prep
Respond to a Situation
This question requires you to listen to and read a scenario. You will have 10 seconds to prepare your answer. After you hear a beep, you will have 40 seconds to respond. Please give a full and clear answer.
Sample Question 1:
What do you say to your RA?
Discuss the process of resolving a conflict with a co-worker or friend in a constructive manner.
0
1
00:00
00:00
1.0
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Alignment between PTE Academic UKVI and IELTS/CEFR Scoring
Based on research and empirical studies, Pearson has produced an alignment table showing the relationship between the PTE Academic UKVI test scores and the IELTS equivalency and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR Levels)
IELTS Score
CEFR Level
Select Target IELTS Score
Click on IELTS Band Score to see required PTE Academic UKVI scores
9
8.5
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
Overall Score
24-30
Score
50
90
Listening
26-32
Score
50
90
Reading
29-35
Score
50
90
Speaking
14-23
Score
50
90
Writing
17-28
Score
50
90
Important Information
Alignment tables will be reviewed periodically and updated if required. Please refer to the official UK immigration or university websites for the most up-to-date information on PTE Academic UKVI score requirements for your visa type.
PTE Academic UKVI – Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the frequently asked questions related to the PTE Academic UKVI exam variant.
What is the PTE Academic UKVI Exam?
The PTE Academic UKVI is a computer-based English proficiency test designed to assess real-life English skills for work, migration, or study visa applications for the UK. It focuses on everyday communication.
How is the PTE Academic UKVI different from PTE Core?
The PTE Academic UKVI has 22 tasks, whereas the PTE Core has 19 tasks. The PTE Academic UKVI has an essay writing task, summarizing group discussion, responding to a situation, and retelling lecture tasks, whereas the PTE Core has an email writing task.
What are the modules in the PTE Academic UKVI Exam?
There are 4 modules, divided into 3 parts: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening.
What is the total duration of the PTE Academic UKVI Exam?
The maximum time allotted for this test is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How is the PTE Academic UKVI Exam scored?
It follows the numerical score range of 10-90, which is evaluated by humans and AI. Humans only check the content part of a few of the questions, which still accounts to 14% of the total scoring process, and 86% is still evaluated by AI.
How soon can I get the PTE Academic UKVI results?
Usually within 24-48 hours. As per the official source, it is a maximum of 5 working days excluding weekends.
What is the exam format of the PTE Academic UKVI?
Firstly, it will begin with 7 tasks of speaking and 2 tasks of writing as a single part, which lasts about 76-84 minutes. Then, the next part of reading consists of 5 tasks, which takes about 23-30 minutes. Finally, the last part of the test is the Listening section, which has about 8 tasks, and is for 29-36 minutes.
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