What is the PTE score scale?
The PTE score scale runs from 10 to 90, reported as one overall score plus separate scores for speaking, writing, reading and listening, in one-point increments aligned to the Global Scale of English. Universities commonly ask for 58–65, competitive programs 65–79, and 79+ is the expert band. Per Pearson's published concordance, PTE 65 corresponds roughly to IELTS 7.0 and PTE 79 to IELTS 8.0.
Reading the bands
| PTE band | Typical meaning | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 50–57 | Competent English | Some college admissions, entry visa thresholds |
| 58–64 | Good English | Many university requirements sit here |
| 65–78 | Very good English | Competitive programs; skilled-migration points |
| 79–90 | Expert English | Top visa points; competitive graduate programs |
Why the overall score can mislead
Two candidates with the same overall can have completely different profiles — an even 65 across skills versus a 75/75/75/50 split. Requirements increasingly bind per skill (visa streams and CLB conversion always do), so the per-skill line on your score report matters more than the headline. This is why diagnosis starts with a full mock: PTE Monster's score reports break every skill down to the task level, so you know which specific tasks are holding a band under its line.
Frequently asked questions
Is 90 the maximum PTE score?
Yes — the scale tops out at 90 overall and per skill, and 10 is the minimum. Scores are reported in one-point increments, so there are no half bands as in IELTS.
What is a good PTE score?
Context decides: 58–65 satisfies most university requirements, 65+ earns skilled-migration points in several systems, and 79+ is the expert band competitive programs and top visa points ask for. Always check your specific institution or visa stream's current requirement.
How does the PTE scale compare to IELTS?
Per Pearson's published concordance: PTE 50 ≈ IELTS 6.0, PTE 65 ≈ IELTS 7.0, and PTE 79 ≈ IELTS 8.0. The mapping is approximate — institutions publish their own accepted equivalents, which is the figure that binds.
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