Planning to Take the PTE Exam in 2025?

If you're planning to appear for the PTE Academic on or after August 7, 2025, there are some important updates you must know. Pearson, the test provider, has introduced changes that make the exam more practical, focusing on real-world English communication instead of memorized or rehearsed responses.

In this blog, you’ll learn what’s new in the exam, why the format has changed, and how to prepare effectively for success.

Why Has the PTE Format Changed?

Pearson received feedback from thousands of test takers who wanted a more natural and fair testing experience. In response, the new format focuses on measuring how well you use English in real-life situations, not just your ability to remember fixed answers.

The goal is simple: to test your ability to communicate clearly, politely, and fluently  just like you would in everyday life.

What’s New in PTE Academic (Effective August 2025)?

1. Two New Speaking Tasks

These tasks are designed to evaluate your ability to speak naturally and listen actively in realistic scenarios:

• Respond to a Situation
  You’ll hear a short scenario (like someone asking for help), and you'll be asked to respond politely and appropriately. The focus is on everyday, practical speaking skills.
  
  

• Summarize a Group Discussion
  You’ll listen to a short conversation involving two or more people. Then, you’ll summarize the discussion in 20–30 seconds, highlighting key points in your own words.

2. Beep Sound in Repeat Sentence Task

A beep will now signal when it's time to speak during the "Repeat Sentence" task. This small change helps eliminate confusion and improves timing clarity.

3. User Interface (UI) Enhancements

To improve the overall test experience, Pearson has made several updates to the on-screen layout and system tools:

• Double microphone check for better voice input
  
  

• No more keyboard check to speed up onboarding
  
  

• Circular progress bar showing time and task status
  
  

• Adjustable font size for better readability
  
  

• Real-time audio waveform showing your speech clarity and volume

4. Slightly Longer Test Duration

The updated PTE Academic will now take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, about 15 minutes longer than the previous version due to the new speaking tasks.

5. Human Scoring for 7 Key Tasks

To ensure more accurate and natural assessment, Pearson has introduced human evaluation for the following tasks:

• Describe Image
  
  

• Retell Lecture
  
  

• Respond to a Situation
  
  

• Summarize Group Discussion
  
  

• Summarize Written Text
  
  

• Write Essay
  
  

• Summarize Spoken Text
  
  

This shift reduces the effectiveness of memorized templates and rewards authentic, well-structured responses.

How to Prepare for the New PTE Format

1. Practice Speaking Naturally

Get comfortable responding to common real-life situations in English—like accepting an invitation, giving advice, or offering help. Use polite language and natural tone.

2. Improve Listening and Summarizing Skills

Listen to podcasts, interviews, or group discussions. Then, try to summarize what you heard in your own words. This will help with both new speaking tasks and existing listening sections.

3. Use Updated Practice Platforms

Choose tools like Gurully or AlfaPTE, which already offer mock tests based on the 2025 format. Practicing with the latest interface and task types is essential.

4. Avoid Overusing Templates

Templates aren’t banned, but overusing them can hurt your score—especially in tasks reviewed by human scorers. Aim to sound clear, confident, and original.

Summary of the 2025 Changes

• Two new speaking tasks added
  
  

• Beep sound in Repeat Sentence for better timing
  
  

• Improved user interface (mic check, font size, audio display)
  
  

• Test duration now ~2 hours and 15 minutes
  
  

• Human scoring for 7 important tasks
  
  

• Greater focus on fluency and real communication

Final Thoughts

The PTE Academic 2025 update is a major step toward more realistic, fair, and effective English testing. These changes are designed to showcase your real communication ability—not your ability to memorize scripts.

With the right preparation—focusing on natural speech, active listening, and updated practice tools—you’ll be ready to succeed in the new format.

FAQs: PTE 2025 Format Changes

1. Is the PTE scoring system changing?
No. The scoring remains on the 10–90 scale and still includes both AI and human scoring.

2. Do these updates affect PTE Core?
No. These changes apply only to PTE Academic and UKVI Academic tests.

3. Is the test now longer?
Yes, by around 15 minutes, due to the two new tasks.

4. Can I still use old study materials?
Some parts may still help, but it’s better to practice with materials that reflect the 2025 exam format.

5. Are templates banned?
Not officially, but repetitive, robotic answers may receive lower scores during human evaluation. Speaking naturally is key.

Source: PTE Academic August 2025 Update