AI Scoring
A computer, not a human, marks your whole test — so practise for the algorithm: speak clearly, keep to word limits, and don't rely on examiner goodwill.
View termReference
PTE glossary
Plain-English definitions of the PTE terms that affect your score and your prep — from scoring traits to results and test types.
CEFR
If a requirement is written as B1, B2 or C1, check which exact PTE score your institution or visa route equates it to — the mapping is theirs to define.
View termCLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)
Check the CLB table for each skill, not just your overall — one weak skill can drop your whole CLB level and your Express Entry points.
View termCommunicative Skills
Your target usually applies to each skill separately, so train your weakest skill first — a high overall won't rescue one low skill.
View termContent
Answer what's actually asked and include the main ideas — a beautifully written response that misses the point scores poorly on content.
View termFluency
Keep talking at a steady pace — a smooth answer with small mistakes usually beats a perfect answer full of pauses and restarts.
View termForm
Learn the word limits cold and check the counter before you submit — form marks are the easiest points to lose and the easiest to keep.
View termGrammar
Write accurate, well-controlled sentences rather than showy complex ones — the scorer rewards correctness you can sustain.
View termGSE (Global Scale of English)
Every PTE number you see lives on this 10–90 scale — learn where your target sits on it and track your practice scores against that exact point.
View termIntegrated Task
Practise skills in combination, not isolation — most PTE marks come from tasks where listening, reading, speaking and writing overlap.
View termMock Test
Sit at least one timed, AI-scored mock before booking — it's the cheapest way to find your real level and avoid paying for extra attempts.
View termmyPTE
Manage everything through myPTE and diarise the 14-day mark — that's when free rescheduling and full refunds both disappear.
View termNegative Marking
On the three multi-answer tasks, only pick options you're confident about — guessing extra answers actively subtracts marks. Everywhere else, always attempt.
View termOne Skill Retake
If you miss one PTE skill by a whisker, you must re-sit the whole test — factor that into how much margin you build in practice.
View termOverall Score
Don't chase the overall number alone — check the per-skill minimums your university or visa route demands, because those are what usually trip people up.
View termPartial Credit
Always attempt every item — partial answers earn real marks. Just be selective on the three multiple-answer tasks, where wrong picks subtract.
View termPronunciation
Aim for clear, stress-accurate speech the machine can transcribe — accent doesn't matter, but mumbled or flat delivery does.
View termPTE Core
Choose Core for Canadian immigration and general migration routes, Academic for study — and check your destination accepts the one you book.
View termPTE Home
PTE Home is pass/fail speaking-and-listening only — check exactly which level (A1, A2 or B1) your UK visa route requires before you book.
View termRescore
Only pay for a rescore if you truly believe the machine misjudged you — scores can drop, and a near-miss is usually better fixed by a re-sit.
View termScore Band
Ignore talk of 'bands' on results day — your report shows exact numbers. Use common targets like 58, 65 or 79 only to set your study goal.
View termScore Report Code
Never email screenshots of your report — send scores officially through myPTE, and for UK visas quote the URN from your SELT report.
View termSELT (Secure English Language Test)
Before booking for a UK visa, confirm the test version is a SELT at an approved centre — the standard test won't count.
View termSkills Profile
Use the Skills Profile as your private study map — no admissions officer sees it, so treat it as free diagnosis, not something to fear.
View termSpelling
Pick one spelling convention — British or American — and use it consistently; mixing the two in a single answer costs marks.
View termUKVI
Book the specific UKVI version of the test at an approved centre — an ordinary PTE Academic score can't be used for a UK visa, however high it is.
View termURN (Unique Reference Number)
Keep your URN safe and copy it exactly into your visa application — it's the number the Home Office checks, not your PDF.
View termVocabulary
Use words you fully control — a common word used correctly scores better than an impressive one used wrongly.
View termTurn the theory into a score
Knowing the terms is the start. Practise each task with AI-scored feedback and a complete mock test to see where your score actually stands.