PTE Core Question Types & Exam Format
Master all 19 PTE Core tasks with format breakdowns, scoring logic, and high-impact practice tips for Canada PR.
Test Format: Duration & Timing
Exam Structure
6 task types including Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write Email
5 task types including FIB, Reorder Paragraphs, MCQ
7 task types including WFD, SST, Highlight Incorrect Words
Question Types Overview
Quick reference for all 19 question types. Click to practice.
Speaking
Familiarisation only, not scored
Writing
Reading
Listening
Choose multiple answers
Choose one answer
Select missing word from audio
Highlight words that differ
PTE Core Question Types Table
Complete breakdown with timing, importance, and skill contributions.
| Code | Question Type | Qty | Prep | Answer | Importance | S | W | R | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking & Writing (46-67 mins) | |||||||||
| SI | Self Introduction | 1 | - | 25s | - | ||||
| RA | 6-7 | 30-40s | 40s | ||||||
| RS | 10-12 | - | 40s | ||||||
| DI | 3-4 | 25s | 40s | ||||||
| RTS | Respond to Situation Core Only | 2-4 | 20s | 40s | |||||
| ASQ | 5-6 | - | 10s | ||||||
Writing | |||||||||
| SWT | Summarize Written Text | 1-2 | - | 10min | |||||
| WE | Write Email Core Only | 2-3 | - | 9min | |||||
Reading (27-38 mins) | |||||||||
| FIB-RW | 5-6 | - | ~2min | ||||||
| MCM-R | Multiple Choice (Multiple) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | |||||
| RO | 2-3 | - | ~2min | ||||||
| FIB-R | 4-5 | - | ~2min | ||||||
| MCS-R | Multiple Choice (Single) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | |||||
Listening (30-37 mins) | |||||||||
| SST | 1-2 | - | 8min | ||||||
| MCM-L | Multiple Choice (Multiple) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | |||||
| FIB-L | 2-3 | - | ~2min | ||||||
| MCS-L | Multiple Choice (Single) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | |||||
| SMW | Select Missing Word | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | |||||
| HIW | Highlight Incorrect Words | 1-2 | - | ~2min | |||||
| WFD | 3-4 | - | ~2min | ||||||
Scoring Algorithm Explained
PTE Core scoring combines communicative skills with enabling skills. A few integrated tasks can lift multiple scores at once.
Communicative Skills
Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing are your core scores.
Enabling Skills
Grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary affect all skills.
Integrated Scoring
Tasks like RS and WFD contribute to multiple skills simultaneously.
Task Weighting
High-impact tasks (RA, RS, FIB-RW, WFD) influence the total score most.
High-Impact Signals
- Stay on-task and accurate; content errors reduce multiple skills.
- Consistency across skills lifts overall CLB.
- Weak enabling skills can cap your scores.
- Integrated tasks provide the fastest score gains.
Study Plan Generator
Pick a target CLB and weekly study time to get a focused plan.
CLB 9 Plan (6-10 weeks)
Estimated plan for 5 hours/week
- Daily RS + WFD drills to lift multiple skills.
- Alternate Reading FIB and Reorder practice.
- Weekly mock review to spot pronunciation gaps.
Booking & Fees Resources
Detailed guides for scheduling your test, understanding fees, and setting score targets.
Study Guide: Tips for Success
Quick Tips
- Master the format and timing first.
- Prioritize high-impact integrated tasks (WFD, RS, RA, SST).
- Practice daily with detailed AI feedback.
- Build typing speed and dictation accuracy.
- Take a full mock test 1 week before exam.