Planning to take the PTE Academic exam in 2025? Good news—PTE offers way more flexibility than most other English proficiency tests. You can book your test almost any day of the year, and results come back in just 48 hours.
But here's what you need to know: exam slots fill up fast, especially in popular cities and during peak admission seasons. If you wait too long, you might not get your preferred date or location.
This guide covers everything about PTE exam dates in 2025, how to register, what it costs, and how to find test centers near you.
PTE Exam Dates in 2025
Unlike tests with fixed dates, PTE Academic is available year-round. You can take the test almost any day, including weekends.
Key points:
- Tests are available 365 days a year at most test centers
- You can book a slot as early as 24 hours in advance (subject to availability)
- Most centers offer multiple time slots per day—morning, afternoon, and sometimes evening
- Peak months (January-March, August-October) book up faster due to university application deadlines
Pro tip: If you're applying to universities with specific deadlines, book your PTE exam at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you time to retake if needed and still meet your application deadline.
How to Register for PTE Academic 2025
Registration is done entirely online through the official Pearson PTE website. Here's the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Create Your PTE Account
Go to pearsonpte.com and create an account. You'll need:
- A valid email address
- Your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- A working phone number
Step 2: Choose Your Test Type
Select PTE Academic (unless you're specifically applying for a UK visa, in which case you need PTE Academic UKVI).
Step 3: Find a Test Center
Enter your city or postal code to see available test centers near you. The system will show:
- Center names and addresses
- Available dates
- Time slots
- Current availability
Step 4: Select Your Date and Time
Pick a date and time that works for your schedule. You'll see real-time availability, so if a slot shows available, you can book it immediately.
Tip: Morning slots (8-10 AM) tend to be quieter with fewer test-takers, which some people find less distracting during the speaking section.
Step 5: Fill in Your Details
Enter your personal information:
- Full name (must match your ID)
- Date of birth
- Passport/ID number
- Contact information
- First language
Double-check everything—errors here can cause problems on test day.
Step 6: Make Payment
Pay using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods. Once payment is confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email with:
- Your test appointment details
- Test center address and directions
- What to bring on test day
- Test day rules and regulations
Step 7: Receive Confirmation
Save your confirmation email and note down your test date, time, and center address. You'll need to arrive at least 30 minutes early on test day.
PTE Exam Fee 2025
PTE Academic fees vary by country, but here's what you can expect:
Standard exam fee: Approximately $205 USD (NPR 28,200)
The exact amount depends on:
- Your country
- Local taxes
- Exchange rates at the time of booking
Additional costs you might encounter:
Late booking fee: If you book within 48 hours of your test date, expect an extra $20-$30
Rescheduling fee:
- Reschedule more than 14 days before test: Usually free
- Reschedule 7-14 days before: Around $45-$65
- Reschedule less than 7 days before: Around $110-$130
Cancellation fee:
- Cancel more than 14 days before: 50% refund
- Cancel 7-14 days before: Limited or no refund
- Cancel less than 7 days before: No refund
Score sending: Your first institution is free. Additional score reports cost about $10-$15 each
Tip: Book early to avoid late fees, and only book when you're sure about your date. Last-minute changes get expensive.
Finding PTE Test Centers in 2025
PTE Academic is available in over 360 test centers across 70+ countries. Here's how to find one near you:
How to Find Your Nearest Test Center:
- Go to the official PTE website
- Click "Find a Test Center"
- Enter your city, postal code, or country
- Filter by distance and availability
- Select your preferred center
What to look for when choosing a test center:
- Distance from home: Can you get there comfortably in 30-45 minutes?
- Reviews: Check online reviews from other test-takers about the center's facilities
- Slot availability: Does this center have good availability for your preferred dates?
- Accessibility: Is it easy to reach by public transport or car?
Best Time to Book Your PTE Exam in 2025
Timing matters. Here's when you should book:
Peak Seasons (High Demand):
January-March: Spring intake applications for universities July-September: Fall intake applications for universities November-December: Year-end rush for various deadlines
During these months:
- Slots fill up 2-3 weeks in advance
- Premium time slots (mornings, weekends) go first
- You might need to be flexible with dates
Off-Peak Seasons (Better Availability):
April-June October-November (early)
During these months:
- More slots available
- Can book closer to your preferred date
- Sometimes promotional discounts available
Recommendation: If possible, take your test during off-peak months. You'll have more flexibility and less competition for slots.
What Happens After Registration?
Once you've registered, here's what to expect:
7 days before test:
- Review your confirmation email
- Check test center location and plan your route
- Start your final preparation push
1 day before test:
- Check what you need to bring (passport/ID)
- Get a good night's sleep
- Prepare to arrive 30 minutes early
Test day:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time
- Bring your passport/government ID (must match the name on your registration)
- No phones, watches, bags, or study materials allowed inside
- You'll be photographed and palm-scanned for security
After the test:
- Results are usually available within 48 hours (often within 24 hours)
- You'll receive an email when your scores are ready
- Access your score report through your PTE account
- Send scores to institutions directly from your account
Tips for a Smooth Registration Process
Use your passport name exactly: If your name on the ID doesn't match your registration, you won't be allowed to test. No refunds.
Book early, especially during peak season: Don't wait until the last minute. Popular slots and dates fill up fast.
Choose your test date strategically: Allow time for a retake if needed. If your university deadline is March 1st, don't book for February 25th.
Check your spam folder: Confirmation emails sometimes go to spam. Add Pearson's email to your contacts.
Screenshot everything: Save your confirmation details, test center address, and booking receipt.
Know the rescheduling/cancellation policy: Life happens. Know the deadlines and fees in case you need to change your booking.
How to Prepare Before Your Test Date
Once you've booked your exam, use the time wisely:
4-6 weeks before:
- Take a diagnostic test to know your baseline score
- Identify weak areas (speaking, writing, reading, listening)
- Create a study schedule
2-3 weeks before:
- Practice all question types
- Focus heavily on your weak areas
- Take full-length mock tests
1 week before:
- Do daily practice questions
- Review common mistakes
- Focus on time management
Want structured practice? You can access unlimited PTE practice questions with AI-based scoring at openpte.com. The platform gives you instant feedback on all sections, so you know exactly what to improve before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take PTE multiple times? Yes, but you must wait at least 5 days between tests. Most people retake once or twice to improve their score.
What if I need to cancel? You can cancel, but refunds depend on how far in advance you cancel. More than 14 days = 50% refund. Less than 7 days = no refund.
How long is my PTE score valid? PTE scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Can I choose which scores to send to universities? Yes, you can select which test attempt's scores you want to send. But you must send all four section scores together—you can't pick and choose individual sections.
What's the minimum score I need? It depends on your institution and program. Most universities require 50-65 for undergraduate and 65-79 for graduate programs. Check your specific university's requirements.
The Bottom Line
PTE Academic in 2025 offers incredible flexibility—you can take it almost any day, get results in 48 hours, and send scores to unlimited institutions.
Quick summary:
- Book early: Slots fill up fast during peak seasons
- Fees: Around $220-$250 USD, with additional charges for late booking or rescheduling
- Test centers: Available in 70+ countries with year-round testing
- Registration: Fully online through pearsonpte.com
- Preparation: Start 4-6 weeks before your test date
Plan ahead, register early, and give yourself enough time to prepare properly. With the right preparation and timing, you'll walk into that test center ready to score your best.
Quick Action Checklist
✓ Create your PTE account at pearsonpte.com
✓ Check university deadlines and work backward
✓ Find test centers near you
✓ Book your exam 2-3 weeks in advance (or earlier during peak season)
✓ Start practicing immediately at openpte.com
✓ Mark your calendar with test date and arrival time
✓ Plan your preparation schedule
Ready to book? Head to the official PTE website and secure your spot. The sooner you book, the more options you'll have. Good luck!