If you are thinking about studying in Canada, then you must have proof of English language proficiency in all cases. In fact, Did you know that the Pearson test of English (PTE) is now accepted for SDS visa applications in Canada?
As announced on 27th May of 2023, Pearson received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the acceptance of PTE Academic for all SDS (Student Direct Stream) applications, PTE Academic will be recognized and accepted by the IRCC for SDS applications from August 10, 2023.
If you are planning to study in Canada, preparing for the PTE exam is critical in order to develop the language abilities necessary for success. We will discuss what this exam entails as well as strategies to increase your chances of success when taking it. In this article, we’ll also look into ways of passing it with flying colours. Let’s dive in!
What Is PTE Academic?
PTE Academic is an international computer-based language proficiency test accepted by universities, colleges and governments worldwide. The test measures your English skills across four areas – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Designed specifically to test your English efficiency in terms of communication academically. The test scores range on a scale from 10-90 and are accepted at thousands of institutions around the globe, including Canada.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is designed and administered by Pearson Education Ltd, one of the premier global education companies. For over 150 years, this company has built up an outstanding reputation for offering top-quality educational products and services, including their PTE Academic exam, which is accepted around the globe.
Hopefully, you have got complete clarity about what PTE academics is; now, let’s understand what the PTE exam has in store for you.
PTE Exam Pattern
The PTE exam pattern involves a three-hour computer-based exam consisting of three major sections – Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening (all conducted concurrently) in a secure test centre environment. Speaking and Writing sections will take place first before moving on to Reading and then Listening sections as detailed in the PTE exam pattern below:
– Speaking and Writing (54-67): This section includes six tasks designed to assess your ability in speaking and writing English, respectively. You are allowed 77-93 minutes for completion.
– Reading: In this section of the exam, there will be five tasks designed to assess your ability to comprehend academic English while reading passages from academic textbooks. You should allow 29-30 minutes for this portion.
– Listening: In this section of the exam, there will be eight tasks designed to test your ability to listen and comprehend academic English. You should allow 30-43 minutes for completion.
Now that you are clear about the pattern let’s assess the syllabus below to get prepared without any hassle.
PTE Exam Syllabus
The PTE exam syllabus covers an expansive list of academic English topics. The examination assesses your ability to interpret, comprehend and use academic vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures effectively in academic settings. Some topics covered within the PTE exam syllabus are as follows:
- Reading and writing academic texts
- Listening to academic lectures and discussions,
- Writing summaries and essays
- Understanding academic vocabulary,
- Using grammar & syntax with confidence,
- Comprehending idiomatic expressions.
PTE Coaching
Preparing for the PTE Academic exam can be daunting if you don’t understand its structure and syllabus. With professional PTE coaching and guidance from certified coaching centres and online resources, things can certainly become easier. You can find several platforms offering PTE exams, coaching materials, and coaching classes.
With this, the chances of attaining high scores increase significantly. With these tools at your disposal, you can understand exam patterns better. It helps you enhance your language skills and perfect test-taking strategies – all critical accessories necessary for success when sitting for this examination.
PTE Exam Preparation
When it comes to PTE exam preparation, it takes a lot out of your system. To make it easy for you, we have listed down some of the effective pointers to ace your exams. Check it out:
- Understand exam syllabus and pattern wisely
- Regularly practice language skills
- Make sure to take mock tests to assess the progress
- Enhance your test-taking strategies
- Consider taking guidance from a professional PTE coach or mentor
Test Scores Needed for SDS Eligibility
To become eligible for the SDS program, certain criteria must be fulfilled, including attaining a minimum score on an approved language exam (IELTS or TEF previously were only accepted; recently, however, the Canadian government added PTE Academic to their list). To become eligible for this program, you must achieve at least 6 on every skill area of a PTE examination – speaking, listening, reading and writing (SLRW).
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Pearson Test of English Academic is an effective option for anyone attempting to secure an SDS Visa in Canada. It is today recognized and accepted by thousands of universities and colleges globally and by the Canadian government alike. With proper preparation and coaching, you may increase your odds of securing an excellent score that could pave the way towards studying, working or settling down in Canada. You can always connect with the D-Vivid consultant and get all the assistance related to it. We have been in this field for years and have helped many with their specific PTE needs. Good luck!
