PTE: what does it mean? PTE stands for Pearson Test of English which is basically a highly academic multi-level exam like other major English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, etc. It is designed by the Pearson PLC group to assess and validate the English usage of non-native english speakers. It is a scenario based exam which tests reading, writing, listening, speaking and includes PTE academic and PTE general, formerly known as London tests of English. The Pearson Test of English Academic: PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test which is designed to assess non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests reading, writing, listening, speaking. These tests are often clubbed together such as listening-reading or reading-speaking. The whole test is of 3 hours done in a single session, and is taken sitting at a computer in a secure test environment. The test is then recorded and sent for marking. The results are automated so they usually take 5 days to arrive. PTE Academic analyses whether a student is able to communicate in an academic environment.