Rules, comparisons and data

Who is eligible for PTE, and is there an age limit?

Pearson's booking rules ask for no degree, marks or nationality. You need a myPTE account whose details exactly match your ID, usually a valid passport, and if you are under 18, consent from a parent or guardian. Pearson gives a minimum age of 16 for PTE Core and says PTE Home is only for over-18s; we found no stated minimum age for PTE Academic.
  • Checked against official sources · 13 October 2026
  • 5 sections
  • PTE

Eligibility rules at a glance

From Pearson's booking help, ID policy, PTE Core FAQ and PTE Home FAQ. None of the Pearson pages we read set an education, marks or upper age requirement.

RulePTE Academic and UKVIPTE CorePTE Home A1, A2, B1
Minimum ageNot stated on the Pearson pages we read16 or overOver 18 only
Under 18Parent or guardian consent needed to bookParent or guardian consent needed to bookNot available
Education or marksNone requiredNone requiredNone required
Main IDValid passportValid passport (or Canadian PR card, in Canada only)Valid passport (or UK eVisa, in the UK only)
WherePTE test centrePTE test centre onlyPTE test centre

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must give consent before you can book; Pearson explains how during booking (Pearson). The Test Taker Handbook calls this a Parental Consent Form and says that, once approved, it covers all your tests until you turn 18.

If you use a child passport that is still valid, the photo must match how you look now. Pearson will refuse entry if it does not.

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ID and account rules

Your myPTE name, date of birth, citizenship and gender must exactly match your ID. The ID must be the original physical document (no copies or digital versions), valid, issued no more than 10 years ago and in Roman characters. If you test outside your country of citizenship, only a passport is accepted for PTE Academic; within your own country an alternative ID may be allowed if it is on Pearson's exceptions list (ID policy). Without acceptable ID you cannot sit the test and you lose the fee.

Full detail, including the UK SELT and PTE Core document lists, is in PTE ID requirements. Booking steps are in how to book PTE.

Which PTE test should you take?

Eligibility is less about you than about the test your goal needs. Pearson's guidance (PTE Academic FAQ, PTE Core FAQ):

Your goalTest
University or college study anywhere, including Canada and UK degree-level studyPTE Academic
Australian or New Zealand visa and migration applicationsPTE Academic
Professional registrationPTE Academic
Canadian permanent residency or citizenshipPTE Core
UK work visas, UK study below degree level or at a non-university providerPTE Academic UKVI
UK family visas, extensions, settlement or citizenshipPTE Home A1, A2 or B1

Retakes and score needs

There is no pass mark to qualify for. Each university or visa sets its own minimum (PTE pass mark). If you miss your target, Pearson lets you book again once you have your last score, even within the same month (Pearson); the limits are in how many times you can take PTE.

Pearson updates its test and policies from time to time. Check the linked Pearson page before you book. This guide is general information, not official PTE advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a degree or 12th-class marks to take PTE?+

No. Pearson's booking rules ask for no qualification or marks. The university or visa you apply to may have its own academic rules.

What is the minimum age for PTE?+

Pearson states 16 for PTE Core. PTE Home is only for over-18s. We found no stated minimum for PTE Academic; under-18s need parent or guardian consent to book.

Is there an upper age limit for PTE?+

None is stated on the Pearson pages we read.

Can I take PTE without a passport?+

For PTE Academic outside your country of citizenship, no. In your own country, another ID may be accepted if it is on Pearson's country exceptions list.

Can a 17-year-old take PTE Academic?+

Yes, with consent from a parent or guardian, given during booking. Pearson's handbook says an approved consent form covers all tests until you turn 18.

Keep reading

Related

Verified against the linked official sources on 13 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.

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