If you're planning to take the PTE Academic on or after August 7, 2025, it's important to understand the new exam format. Pearson has introduced several changes to shift the test’s focus from memorized responses to real-world English communication. These updates affect the speaking section, user interface, test structure, and scoring method.

Why These Changes?

Pearson designed the updates in response to extensive feedback from test-takers and educators. The aim is to make the exam more authentic, fair, and reflective of real communication skills. Instead of rewarding scripted or rehearsed answers, the test now assesses how naturally and effectively candidates communicate in practical situations.

What’s New in the PTE Academic?

1. Two New Speaking Tasks

• Respond to a Situation
  Test-takers will hear a common real-life scenario and respond naturally within a short time. These might include situations like apologizing for a delay or politely declining an invitation.
  
  

• Summarize a Group Discussion
  Candidates will listen to a brief conversation involving multiple speakers and provide a 20 to 30-second summary capturing the main points and key ideas.
  
  

2. Repeat Sentence Update

• A beep sound now indicates exactly when to start speaking in the "Repeat Sentence" task, reducing confusion and improving timing.
  
  

3. User Interface Improvements

• Double microphone check to ensure better voice capture
  
  

• No keyboard check during the setup process
  
  

• Circular progress bar for better time tracking
  
  

• Smaller font size for clearer presentation
  
  

• Audio waveform display to visualize speaking input in real-time
  
  

4. Exam Structure and Duration

• Total item types: 22
  
  

• New test duration: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
  
  

• Onboarding is faster, with fewer system checks before the test begins

Human Evaluation for Key Tasks

To improve scoring accuracy and detect over-reliance on templates, Pearson has introduced human evaluation for the following seven tasks:

• Describe Image
  
  

• Retell Lecture
  
  

• Respond to a Situation (new)
  
  

• Summarize Group Discussion (new)
  
  

• Summarize Written Text
  
  

• Write Essay
  
  

• Summarize Spoken Text
  
  

This move helps ensure that test-takers who use natural, fluent communication are rewarded accordingly.

How to Prepare Effectively

• Practice everyday speaking scenarios, such as refusing politely, making requests, or offering help
  
  

• Listen to group discussions or podcasts and practice summarizing the main arguments and differing opinions
  
  

• Avoid memorized templates—focus on clear, natural expression
  
  

• Take updated practice tests that reflect the new tasks and test interface

Quick Recap of the Changes

• Two new speaking tasks: Respond to a Situation and Summarize a Group Discussion
  
  

• Seven tasks are now evaluated by human scorers
  
  

• User interface updated with new features like beep prompts, circular timers, and audio waveform displays
  
  

• The exam is slightly longer: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
  
  

• Stronger focus on fluency and practical communication
  
  

Final Thoughts

The August 2025 changes to the PTE Academic represent a major step forward in making the test more relevant, fair, and practical. By focusing on real-world communication skills, Pearson encourages test-takers to prepare meaningfully rather than relying on scripted responses. If you adapt your preparation strategies accordingly, these changes can actually work to your advantage.

FAQs

1. Has the PTE scoring system changed?
No. The scoring still uses the same 10–90 scale, with a combination of AI and human scoring.

2. Will these updates affect PTE Core?
No. The updates apply only to PTE Academic and UKVI Academic tests.

3. Is the test longer now?
Yes, the updated version is about 15 minutes longer than the previous format.

4. Are old preparation materials still useful?
Some are. However, it’s recommended to use updated practice tools that include the new tasks and format.

5. Are templates banned?
Templates are not banned, but overuse may lead to lower scores, especially on tasks evaluated by human reviewers.

Source: Angel EduNext - PTE Academic August 2025 Update