PTE Concordance Report: Are the Changes better for you?

The PTE Academic Standards and Measurement team has released their report comparing the PTE Academic with IELTS Academic tests. The overall score of the PTE provides a general measure of a test taker’s ability to deal with English in academic settings. The score range is from 10 to 90 points.

Nothing has changed to the PTE exam itself, how it is scored, or the scores that one needs to achieve for one’s Australian, New Zealand, and UK visa or for university admissions. According to Pearson, PTE Academic remains the most accurate and reliable test of academic English.

As there is no change to PTE Academic scores or how the test is marked, all test results remain valid. At this time, no universities, professional bodies, or governments have changed their scores. For example, a candidate who scored 79 will continue to score a 79, and their level of English Proficiency will remain the same.

What are the changes?

In the mid-range, where the test is typically used for academic admissions purposes, the updated concordant scores have been minimally adjusted.

At IELTS 7.5 and above, the concordant PTE Academic scores, while in the same range, are at some points higher on the scale.

At IELTS 6.5 and below the concordant PTE Academic scores, while in the same range, are at some points lower on the scale. See below:

What does this mean?

As PTE Academic measures performance against a range, the equivalent range for an IELTS 6.5 in the new concordance has changed from 58-64 to 56-65. This is a lower score, however the equivalent range for an IELTS 7.5 in the new concordance has edged up from 73 to 76.

What to do?

For the time being, your PTE score is not affected. However, Contact us for more information about testing scores and any other information you may require.