Frequently asked questions
Answers about the exams, our courses, payments and the Student Portal. Can't find yours? Use the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the page.
Choosing your exam
What's the difference between PTE Academic and PTE Core?
| PTE Academic | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | University and college study, professional registration, and work and migration visas in many countries | Canadian immigration: permanent residency and citizenship (accepted by IRCC) |
| Content | Academic English (lectures, study texts) | Everyday and workplace English |
| Question types | 22, including Write Essay, Re-tell Lecture and Highlight Correct Summary | 19, including Write Email instead of an essay |
| Test length | About 2 hours | About 2 hours |
| Scores | 10–90 overall and per skill | 10–90 per skill, converted by IRCC to CLB levels |
| Results | Typically within 48 hours | Typically within 48 hours |
Can I use PTE Core for university admission?
PTE Core is designed for Canadian immigration (permanent residency and citizenship). For study, choose PTE Academic and check your university's requirements.
Is the score scale the same?
Both tests report scores from 10 to 90. For PTE Core, IRCC converts each skill score to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level.
Where do I take the test?
Both tests are taken on a computer at a Pearson test centre and last about two hours. You book your test directly with Pearson.
How quickly do results arrive?
Pearson typically releases results within about 48 hours, often sooner.
Courses
How long are the courses?
Group courses run for 6 weeks. Private full courses and skill-focused private courses have a flexible duration that fits your schedule.
How big are the groups?
Group courses have 5–7 students, with weekly live classes of 1.5 hours.
Are classes online?
Yes. Classes are delivered live online, and students practise on our Student Portal between classes.
Can I focus on just one skill?
Yes. The private skill-focused course lets you choose 1, 2 or 3 skills: 75 USD for one skill, 125 USD for two and 170 USD for three. Choose your skills.
Do I get a mock exam?
Yes. Our Student Portal includes full mock exams that follow the real PTE Academic or PTE Core format and timing, and your trainer gives you a full performance review afterwards.
Payments
How can I pay?
By Visa or Mastercard on our secure payment page, or by CliQ or bank transfer. See the Payments page.
Is card payment secure?
Yes. Card payments are processed on our payment provider's secure page. PTE Decode Academy never sees or stores your card details.
What happens after I pay?
Send us your receipt on WhatsApp. We'll confirm your place, your class schedule and your personal Student Portal access code.
Do prices include the Pearson exam fee?
No. Course prices cover our training only. You book and pay for your PTE test directly with Pearson.
Student Portal
How do I get access?
Enrolled students receive a personal access code and invite link. Open it in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a computer with a microphone.
How does feedback work?
After answering a question, click “Submit for teacher feedback”. Your trainer reviews it and replies with a score, written comments and sometimes a voice message, shown under “My work & feedback”.
Are the automatic scores official?
No. They are estimates to guide your practice. Only Pearson issues official PTE scores.
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