If you're planning to take the PTE Academic on or after August 7, 2025, you need to be aware of the significant changes being introduced. Pearson is shifting the focus of the test from memorized responses to practical, real-world English communication. This update includes changes to the speaking section, user interface, exam structure, and evaluation methods.

Why Is the PTE Academic Changing?

Pearson's decision to revise the exam stems from feedback gathered from thousands of test-takers worldwide. The goal is to create a more authentic, fair, and skill-based assessment that emphasizes the ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations, rather than relying on rehearsed or templated answers.

What’s New in the PTE Academic (2025)?

1. New Speaking Tasks

• Respond to a Situation
  You’ll be presented with everyday scenarios (e.g., making an apology, giving a polite refusal) and asked to respond naturally and appropriately.
  
  

• Summarize a Group Discussion
  This task involves listening to a short group conversation and then delivering a 20 to 30-second spoken summary highlighting key points and opinions.

2. Enhanced "Repeat Sentence" Task

• A beep sound will now indicate when to begin speaking. This small but effective change helps improve timing and reduces uncertainty.

3. User Interface Improvements

To enhance usability and test experience, several interface updates have been introduced:

• Double microphone check to ensure optimal audio input
  
  

• No keyboard check required during system setup
  
  

• Circular progress bar for more intuitive task tracking
  
  

• Adjustable font size for better readability
  
  

• Real-time audio waveform display to monitor your speech input

4. Updated Exam Structure and Duration

• Total item types: 22
  
  

• Total test duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
  
  

• Faster onboarding due to fewer system checks and streamlined setup

Human Evaluation for Key Tasks

To increase scoring accuracy and minimize the impact of overused templates, Pearson is introducing human scoring 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 blended scoring approach (AI + human evaluation) ensures a fairer assessment of spontaneous, natural English skills.

Smart Preparation Tips

Here’s how you can get ready for the new format effectively:

• Practice speaking naturally in everyday contexts like making offers, explaining opinions, or refusing politely
  
  

• Listen to group discussions, debates, or podcasts and practice summarizing their key points
  
  

• Use updated platforms such as Gurully or AlfaPTE, which offer mock tests that align with the 2025 changes
  
  

• Avoid relying on templates—human scorers will value fluency, clarity, and spontaneity

Quick Recap of the Changes

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

• Human evaluation now applies to 7 specific tasks
  
  

• Improved user interface with clearer instructions and better functionality
  
  

• Total test time increased to approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
  
  

• Emphasis on real English fluency over memorized responses

Final Thoughts

The PTE Academic 2025 update is designed to measure what truly matters: your ability to use English in real-life situations. These changes will benefit candidates who prepare wisely and prioritize clear, natural communication over rigid templates. By staying informed and adapting your practice strategy, you can turn these changes into a significant advantage.

FAQs

1. Has the PTE scoring system changed?
No. The test still uses the 10–90 point scale and AI-powered scoring, now supplemented with human evaluation for select tasks.

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

3. Is the test longer now?
Yes, the exam duration has increased by approximately 15 minutes.

4. Are older preparation materials still useful?
Some parts may be outdated. It’s best to use preparation tools that have incorporated the 2025 updates.

5. Are templates banned?
No, but excessive use of templates can negatively affect your score, especially on tasks now reviewed by human scorers.

Source:  PTE August 2025 Update