PTE General Test Levels 2026: Complete Breakdown & CEFR Alignment
Unlike PTE Academic, which uses a sliding 10 to 90 point scale, the PTE General is divided into six distinct proficiency levels. You must choose which level to take before you sit for the exam.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the six PTE General test levels, their format, duration, and how they map directly to international standards.
What is the PTE General (PEIC) Exam?
The PTE General is an assessment solution designed to evaluate and accredit general English language ability. It is provided in partnership with Edexcel Limited, the UK's largest awarding body.
Format: It consists of a single paper-based written test (assessing listening, reading, and writing) and a face-to-face oral test (assessing speaking).
Themes: The content relies on realistic, communicative contexts rather than university-level academics. You will interact with everyday materials like magazine articles, recorded messages, and travel scenarios.
Validity: The most significant advantage of the PTE General certificate is that it never expires. It has lifetime validity.
The 6 PTE General Test Levels Explained
The six levels of the PTE General are directly linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the global standard for rating language ability.
1. Foundation Level (CEFR A1)
Target Audience: Absolute beginners in English.
Duration: Written paper is 1 hour 15 minutes. Oral test is 5 minutes.
Expectation: You are expected to understand and use very basic everyday expressions, introduce yourself, and answer simple questions about personal details.
2. Level 1 – Elementary (CEFR A2)
Target Audience: Basic users handling routine tasks and simple communication.
Duration: Written paper is 1 hour 35 minutes. Oral test is 5 minutes.
Expectation: You should be able to describe immediate needs, understand simple aspects of daily life, and communicate regarding familiar topics like hobbies, home, and transport.
3. Level 2 – Intermediate (CEFR B1)
Target Audience: Independent users planning to travel, study in non-academic settings, or handle entry-level professional roles.
Duration: Written paper is 1 hour 35 minutes. Oral test is 7 minutes.
Expectation: You must be able to produce simple connected text, understand the main points of clear standard input, and handle most situations likely to arise while traveling in an English-speaking area.
4. Level 3 – Upper Intermediate (CEFR B2)
Target Audience: Students entering higher education or individuals pursuing professional certifications.
Duration: Written paper is 2 hours. Oral test is 7 minutes.
Expectation: At this level, you can interact with fluency on familiar topics, follow complex lectures with some support, and write clear, detailed text.
5. Level 4 – Advanced (CEFR C1)
Target Audience: Candidates applying for competitive undergraduate admissions, specialized professions, or corporate roles requiring complex communication.
Duration: Written paper is 2 hours 30 minutes. Oral test is 8 minutes.
Expectation: You must use English flexibly and effectively in academic and professional contexts, understanding demanding, longer texts and recognizing implicit meaning.
6. Level 5 – Proficient (CEFR C2)
Target Audience: Candidates pursuing postgraduate study or highly specialized, advanced professional roles.
Duration: Written paper is 2 hours 55 minutes. Oral test is 8 minutes.
Expectation: This is the highest level of proficiency. You must understand virtually everything you hear or read, summarize information coherently from different sources, and express highly nuanced ideas precisely.
How Are You Graded?
Unlike the PTE Academic, which gives you a granular score (e.g., 65 out of 90), the PTE General uses a categorical grading system. Upon completing the exam, you will receive one of the following grades:
Distinction: Outstanding performance.
Merit: Strong performance.
Pass: Met the minimum requirements for that specific level.
Fail: Did not meet the requirements.
Results are typically available around 12 weeks after the test date.
Are you ready to build a lifelong portfolio of your English ability?
Whether you are aiming for Level 2 for personal travel or Level 5 for an advanced career, consistent practice is key. Download the PTE Guide App today to evaluate your current English standing and discover which PTE General level is right for you!
