Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the rules cover
From Pearson's terms and conditions and malpractice policy:
| Activity | Pearson's position |
|---|---|
| Sharing items or answers from your test | Not allowed under the confidentiality clause |
| Using them in free study guides or practice sessions | Not allowed; non-commercial use is included |
| Harvesting or trying to collect test content | Malpractice |
| Publishing or distributing test content | Malpractice and an infringement of Pearson's intellectual property |
| Receiving confidential content you did not ask for | You must report it to Pearson immediately |
Penalties
Proven malpractice can lead to a revoked score, permanent disqualification and suspension of accounts linked to malpractice, and Pearson can share the decision with visa authorities and institutions that accessed your score (malpractice policy).
The Test Taker Handbook says an on-screen non-disclosure reminder appears before the test starts. Pearson also says candidates are responsible for knowing the sanctions for passing on or receiving confidential material, even if it was not requested.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
What you can see instead
Pearson does not share content currently used in PTE tests outside a test session, or samples of responses to those questions (scoring help). Your Skills Profile gives personalised recommendations instead; see can you see your PTE answers.
To report suspected malpractice, Pearson asks you to use its Test Security form.
Pearson updates its policies from time to time. Check the linked page before you act. This guide is general information, not official PTE advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to share PTE questions?+
Pearson treats it as a breach of its terms and as malpractice, with penalties including revoked scores and bans. Pearson also says publishing or distributing test content infringes its intellectual property rights.
Can I post my PTE essay topic online?+
Pearson's terms ban sharing any items or answers from your test with others.
What if someone sends me real PTE questions?+
Pearson says you must report it immediately; sanctions can apply even if you did not request the material.
Will Pearson show me my test questions after the exam?+
No. Pearson does not share live test content or response samples outside a test session.
Keep reading
Related
- Can you see your PTE answers?
- PTE score delayed or cancelled
- Official PTE Scored Practice Test
- PTE test day rules
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy