Pearson has updated the PTE Academic test, with significant changes taking effect on August 7, 2025. These updates are designed to make the exam more practical, fair, and a better reflection of real-world English language skills. For students planning to take the test, it’s crucial to understand these new changes and how they will impact your preparation.
What Remains the Same
Good news for test-takers: some of the most popular features of the PTE Academic test are staying put. The exam will still be 100% computer-based, covering the same four sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. You can also still expect fast results within two business days, and the test continues to be accepted globally for study abroad and visa applications.
Key Changes to PTE Academic 2025
The most notable updates are in the test format and scoring. Here’s a breakdown of the new features:
- New Speaking Tasks: Two new tasks have been added to the speaking section: “Respond to a Situation” and “Summarise a Group Discussion.” These tasks aim to test your ability to use English in more realistic, communicative scenarios.
- Increased Number of Questions: The total number of tasks has increased from the previous 52-64 to a new range of 65-75 questions.
- Slightly Longer Test: The overall test duration is now approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, a slight increase from the previous version.
- Improved Scoring: The new scoring system is designed to be more accurate and transparent. It now includes a combination of human review for certain tasks, single-skill scoring (providing more specific feedback on each skill), and a detailed score scale for better insights into your performance.
- Better Interface: Pearson has also rolled out an updated, cleaner, and more accessible test interface to improve the overall test-taking experience.
What This Means for Students
These changes make the PTE Academic 2025 a more accurate and student-friendly exam, but they also mean that your preparation strategy needs to evolve. The new speaking tasks, in particular, require a different approach than the previous format. Focusing on communicative skills and the practical application of English will be key to success.
At Professional Education Consultancy, our updated PTE preparation classes are specifically designed to help students adapt to this new format. We’ll guide you through the latest task types and scoring methods to ensure you are fully prepared to achieve your study abroad goals.
