Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The PTE scale
PTE Academic gives an overall score and Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing scores, all from 10 to 90 (Score Guide). PTE Core is also scored from 10 to 90, with 90 the maximum (PTE Core FAQ).
The overall score is not an average of the skill scores (Score Guide).
What 85–90 means
Pearson calls 85–90 the highest level of English it can measure. At this level a test taker understands virtually everything heard or read, can summarise information from several sources into a coherent presentation, and expresses themselves fluently and precisely (Pearson).
Pearson's IELTS alignment puts overall 86–89 at IELTS 8.5 and 90 at IELTS 9.0. In speaking and writing, 90 already aligns with IELTS 8.5 (Score Guide).
| IELTS | PTE overall | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 79–85 | 69–74 | 70–74 | 88–89 | 85–89 |
| 8.5 | 86–89 | 75–80 | 75–80 | 90 | 90 |
| 9.0 | 90 | 81–90 | 81–90 | – | – |
Know your target? Check where you stand
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Does anyone need a 90?
Australia's highest level, Superior English, needs 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking on tests from 7 August 2025 (Home Affairs). Pearson says 76–84 is generally not required for undergraduate courses, so a 90 is rarely an entry requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Is 90 the maximum PTE score?+
Yes. The overall and each skill score range from 10 to 90.
What is the lowest PTE score?+
10, on the same 10–90 scale.
Is PTE 90 equal to IELTS 9?+
Pearson's table aligns overall 90 with IELTS 9.0 and 86–89 with IELTS 8.5.
Do I need 90 for Superior English?+
No. On tests from 7 August 2025 it needs 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking.
Keep reading
Related
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- How the PTE score is calculated
- PTE score chart
- What is a good PTE score?
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