PTE score calculator

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a computer-based English language test trusted by universities, colleges, and governments around the world. It evaluates your English proficiency across four communicative skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

Scores are graded against the Global Scale of English, providing a granular score ranging from 10 to 90. Unlike tests that use whole bands, PTE's granular scale gives institutions a highly precise measurement of your true English capability. Your Overall Score is calculated based on your performance across all test items, and while it heavily correlates with the average of your four communicative skills, it is calculated using a complex algorithm that factors in enabling skills such as grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, and spelling.

Both PTE Academic and IELTS are widely accepted for academic admissions and global migration. In late 2020, Pearson published an updated concordance report to better align PTE scores with IELTS bands. Note that as of August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs updated their PTE requirements, moving away from a flat overall score to specific thresholds for each of the four communicative skills.

When applying for Australian Permanent Residency or skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190 or 491), the Department of Home Affairs awards points based on your English language ability:

• Superior English: awards the maximum 20 points. Minimum scores: Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88.
• Proficient English: awards 10 points, and is the recommended baseline for competitive visa streams. Minimum scores: Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76.
• Competent English: awards 0 points, but is the minimum threshold to lodge an Expression of Interest. Minimum scores: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54.

If you are aiming for Canadian immigration such as Express Entry, your English scores are measured against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Canada has approved PTE Core for economic immigration pathways, though PTE Academic remains the standard for the Student Direct Stream.

Hitting a CLB 9 across all communicative skills is widely considered the magic number for Express Entry, as it unlocks significant bonus points for skill transferability. To reach CLB 9, test-takers generally need scores corresponding to the IELTS 7.0–8.0 bands. Always check current IRCC guidelines for whether PTE Academic or PTE Core applies to your stream.