How much is the PTE exam fee in the USA in 2026?

PTE Academic Online is the same test taken at home. Pearson describes it as suitable for study applications to institutions that recognise PTE Academic, but says it is not currently accepted by governments for visa applications. Pearson suggests it mainly when you cannot easily reach a test centre.

That rules it out for several US audiences. Nurses applying for a VisaScreen certificate need a centre-based test, because TruMerit does not accept at-home versions of English tests (IELTS for nurses in the USA). If you are applying for Canadian, Australian or UK immigration from the US, book PTE Core, PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI at a test centre instead.

IELTS on computer costs USD 325 at most US centres and IELTS for UKVI USD 340 (IELTS fee in the USA). PTE Academic is therefore USD 50 cheaper, and PTE Academic UKVI USD 65 cheaper. For UK family and settlement routes the order flips: IELTS Life Skills costs USD 200 against USD 230 for PTE Home. PTE also has far more US centres, while IELTS for UKVI is only offered in Arlington, Virginia.

If you are moving to Canada, compare IELTS General vs PTE Core; for the test itself, see IELTS or PTE: which is easier?.

Pearson applies the same rules in the USA as everywhere else (cancellation and rescheduling policy and refund policy). You can reschedule free while more than 14 full calendar days remain, up to six times per booking. Inside 14 days the Reschedule button disappears, so you must cancel and book again. Pearson's own example: for a test on 17 April at 2:00 PM, cancel before 3 April at 2:00 PM for 100% back, up to 10 April at 1:59 PM for 50%, and after that nothing.

For illness or a family emergency, Pearson may allow a free reschedule if you send the Request Emergency Reschedule form with evidence no later than 72 hours after your appointment; acceptance is at its discretion.

To book, create a myPTE account, choose the test, pick a centre and a slot at least 24 hours ahead, and pay (Pearson's booking guide). Pearson takes credit and debit cards (its booking guide names American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa) plus Google Pay and Apple Pay, and does not accept PayPal; payment must be made in full in the currency shown (payment policy). You can sit PTE up to 12 times in any 12 months (retake policy).

Pearson warns against anyone who offers a test well below the official fee or a guaranteed score, and says it cannot recover money paid to third parties outside official channels (booking safely). Book on pearsonpte.com with your own email address and card. Each attempt costs USD 275, so check your level with a free PTE mock test first.