Difference between PTE Academic and PTE General
PTE Academic | PTE General |
It is designed for students to pursue their studies in an English-speaking country. In terms of language skills and the ability to understand the course material, many institutions and universities require proof of English proficiency. Countries like Australia and New Zealand recognise the test results. Moreover, the primary purpose of the test is to support work and immigration visa applications for New Zealand and Australia. Hundreds of colleges and universities accept the PTE Academic test results, amongst which are some of the most highly reputed institutions.
| The same as the PTE Academic test, it is also used as proof of English language skills for work and educational purposes. However, the test results are more likely to be accepted by non-English speaking countries, for example, European Countries. The governments and ministries accept the PTE General test as proof of English proficiency in Albania, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. |
• PTE Academic - The PTE Academic test has four modules – reading, listening, speaking, and writing. All the test modules are computer-based. A headset and microphone are included to help with the speaking and listening module. The test is scored by artificial intelligence designed using thousands of human-marked tests.• PTE General - It is not a computerized test and splits into two parts – a written paper and an interview. The written paper includes the reading, listening, and writing sections, and the interview consists of the speaking section.
| PTE Academic | PTE General |
Registration
| Register online at the Pearson official website. | Register online using the Edexcel online system. |
Test Process
| Pearson Language Tests conduct it. The test is supported by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and associated with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF/CEFR). | Pearson Language Tests were also conducted in the PTE General. However, for this test, Edexcel Limited is also the partner. |
Test Validity | The validity of the test is two years. After two years, the test result expires, and the applicant cannot use the test results for an institution or university. So, applicants must decide their timeframe to appear for the PTE Academic test. | Unlike the PTE Academic, PTE General test results are valid forever. Once the applicant appears for the test, there is no need for them to retake it. Regardless of the time, one can use these certificates for admissions. If the applicant is unsure about their travel plans and needs an English proficiency test, this could be the test. |
Test Dates | The test dates are available annually; there are multiple centers, practically around 200. The accessibility of the test makes it easier to plan between work and study schedules. | It is not readily available. With three sets of exam timeslots in May, June, and December, one must prepare and book his/her test days in advance. |
Duration | It is a 3-hour computer-based test. | It depends on the level of test the applicant is taking; otherwise, the minimum timing is 90 minutes and the maximum timing is 3 hours. |
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