How do you know PTE Academic’s computer marking works?

PTE Author
PTE Author
Video thumbnail for the video, 'Learn how PTE Academic uses AI to mark tests'
Reading time: 2 minutes

How do we know automated scoring works

Are you thinking of taking PTE Academic, or have you recently taken it, but you are wondering how it is that a computer can mark your test?

Well, firstly the test has been designed by humans, all leading experts in their field. Our human experts design and write the questions, quality assure them, and then score them. At this point, computers are trained to use the patterns of highly trained language experts to attribute scores to questions. When the computer marks correlate highly with the human scores, we then allow the computer to mark test scripts from across the world.

As a result of our processes and technology, the computer behaves like an expert human examiner – but without any possible bias, lack of concentration, or variation between individual examiners.

The scoring criteria are exactly the same as human scoring – test takers are marked on their delivery, clarity, relevance, the accuracy of grammar, and appropriateness of vocabulary.

Want to hear more?

Take a couple of minutes and listen to one of our leading independent advisors, Dr. Alistair Van Moere, a member of Pearson’s Technical Advisory Group, as he explains how it all works.

Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...

About the Author

Dr. Alistair Van Moere is the Chief Product Officer at MetaMetrics Inc. where his role is to drive innovation in assessments and learning and to help individuals and organizations make sense of measurement and test scores. Through the Lexile® Framework for Reading, Alistair’s work extends to over 35 million learners in 180 countries, who get connected with learning resources at their level and have their progress monitored against standards. 

Learn more about the PTE Technical Advisory Group.

Related Content

  • [Asset] Canada flag man running
    Choosing the right General English test: How PTE Core compares
    By PTE Author

    PTE Core, our brand new general English test, is approved by the Canadian Government (IRCC) for all economic visa categories, including citizenship and permanent residency.  

    Choosing the right English test for you is important. A core factor in your decision will be how the test meets the score requirements set by the IRCC.   

    We have carried out comprehensive research to ensure that PTE Core correlates to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). You can take a closer look in our alignment report (PDF, 833KB).

    However, there are many other things to consider when finding the best test for you. For example, how quickly you need to receive your results? Are you in a rush to take your test? Do you want your speaking skills to be assessed by a human examiner or not?  

    So, to make it easier for you to decide which test is right for you, we have put together a handy summary of how PTE Core compares to IELTS General and CELPIP.  

    Booking a test

    PTE Core is the fastest way to prove your English language skills. Book quickly, up to 24 hours in advance. There are frequent test dates and 475+ test centers around the world.

  • PTEA-test-center-opening-thailand.png
    Pearson test of English demand in Thailand soars
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Two new test centers opening in Chang Mai and Chon Buri

    Bangkok, THAILAND, July 6 2022: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, is meeting renewed demand from Thai students for English language testing for scholarships and international study visas with the opening of two new test centers in universities in Chang Mai and Chon Buri.

    UK Honorary Consul of Chiang Mai, Mr. Ben Svasti Thomson MBE today officially opened the Pearson test center at the Payap University Language Enhancement Center (LEC) in Chang Mai.

  • What you need to know about Working Holiday visas in Australia - Thumbnail asset
    What you need to know about Working Holiday visas in Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Working Holiday/Work and Holiday visas (subclass 417 & subclass 462) 

    Are you looking for a visa that provides an incredible opportunity for self-discovery, growth and learning? Travel to Australia and you'll meet new people, learn about a variety of cultures and develop new skills and interests. 

    The Working Holiday and Work & Holiday visas allow people from 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) to have an extended holiday in Australia and work to help fund their trip (not accompanied by dependent children). 

    As part of your visa application, you will need to provide proof of your English language skills. PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories, including Working Holiday Maker program visa applications. 

    The cost of applying for either the Working Holiday visa or the Work and Holiday visa is AUD 650. If you choose to extend your visa (for up to a second or third year), you must pay another AUD 650 each time. Note: Extensions are available if you meet specific work requirements in regional Australia.

    Learn more about the Working Holiday Maker Program and the visas:

    If you're Malaysian, check here for more information on the Australian Work and Holiday Visa and the application for the Certificate of Good Conduct from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    If you are in Thailand, please refer to the Department of Children and Youth for more information on the application process.

    *Price as of publication in December 2024. Please check the Australian Government website for latest information.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.