How PTE is scored
The 10–90 scale, partial credit, and negative marking.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Start here
You receive an overall score from 10 to 90, and a score from 10 to 90 for each of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
Tasks are scored in three ways:
- Correct or incorrect — for example, multiple choice with one answer.
- Partial credit — a mark for each correct part, as in Fill in the Blanks, Re-order Paragraphs (each correct pair) and Write from Dictation (each correct word).
- Partial credit with negative marking — multiple choice with several answers, and Highlight Incorrect Words: a wrong choice takes a mark away, but never below zero for that task.
Speaking and writing tasks are scored on content, form (such as length), and the quality of the language: fluency and pronunciation when you speak; grammar, vocabulary and spelling when you write.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: What is the PTE score range?
- 10 to 90
- 0 to 9
- 0 to 100
Show the answer
A: 10 to 90 — You get an overall score and a score for each skill, all from 10 to 90.
Quick check: In multiple choice with several answers, what does a wrong choice do?
- Nothing
- Takes a mark away, but never below zero for that task
- Wipes out the whole section
Show the answer
B: Takes a mark away, but never below zero for that task — Highlight Incorrect Words works the same way.
Quick check: How is Write from Dictation scored?
- All or nothing
- On spelling only
- A mark for each correct word
Show the answer
C: A mark for each correct word — It is partial credit, so a nearly right sentence still earns most of the marks.
Quick check: What are speaking and writing tasks scored on?
- Content, form, and the quality of the language
- Speed, length and handwriting
- Accent, volume and confidence
Show the answer
A: Content, form, and the quality of the language — Fluency and pronunciation when you speak; grammar, vocabulary and spelling when you write.