Test information

Overview

Level A1 
Foundation		 1 
Elementary		 2 
Intermediate		 3 
Upper 
Intermediate		 4 
Advanced		 5 
Proficient
Format
  • A single paper-based test assessing listening, reading comprehension and writing skills
  • An oral test assessing candidates' English communicative abilities
Content

Communicative contexts with realistic themes and authentic sources (e.g. books, magazines, newspapers, websites, radio broadcasts, recorded messages and podcasts

Consistent with the education trend
Duration Written: 
1 hr 15 mins		 Written: 
1 hr 35 mins		 Written: 
1 hr 35 mins		 Written: 
2 hrs		 Written: 
2 hrs 30 mins		 Written: 
2 hrs 55 mins
Oral: 
5 mins		 Oral: 
5 mins		 Oral: 
7 mins		 Oral: 
7 mins		 Oral: 
8 mins		 Oral: 
8 mins
Administration sessions Available twice a year in Hong Kong (around May and December)
Results
  • Typically available in 12 weeks after the test date
  • Grades: Distinction, Merit, Pass, Fail
Fee (HKD) Refer to HKEAA's website

PTE General score concordance with PTE Academic and CEFR*

PTE General A1
Foundation		 1
Elementary		 2
Intermediate		 3
Upper
Intermediate		 4 
Advanced		 5
Proficient
PTE Academic score 10–29 30–42 43–58 59–75 76–85 >85
CEFR* level A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Suggested level of candidates P5 – F1 F1 – F2 F2 – F3 F3 – F5 Senior Secondary – University
Qualification of English proficiency level for F1 application Qualification of English proficiency level for university application

*CEFR refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, published by the Council of Europe. It is an internationally recognized framework describing language ability in a scale of levels which range from A1 fro beginners to C2 for those who have mastered a language. For more information, click here.

How is PTE General better?

It is an internationally recognized test that allows you to build a portfolio of your language ability for travel, further education or to improve employment prospects - ensure success over time!

Comparison PTE General Another test of General English
Exam type

Progressively graded General English assessment program

Ensure smooth progression

 A general English suite made up of individual exams (not graded)
Benchmarked

Whole suite is theoretically and empirically aligned to the CEFR*

Useful for comparison to the international standard

 The suite as a whole has not been subjected to CEFR* alignment
Syllabus

It tests candidates’ ability to use English to communication and be understood in natural English contexts, matching most general English courses

Ensure smooth transition

 It requires candidates to work on tasks that are not naturally used in general English lessons
Marking
  • Written paper is sent to the UK for central marking via an online marking system, e-Pen
  • Written paper is marked by professional markers in the UK
  • Oral paper is carried out by professional local invigilators and is sent to the UK for marking

Ensure quality and uniform standard of marking

 Written and oral papers are marked by local examiners