By Score Smart Team · 2025-01-28
With LanguageCert Academic now officially accepted for Australian visas, many students are asking: Should I take PTE Academic or LanguageCert Academic?
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down both tests to help you make an informed decision.
PTE Academic – At a Glance
- Fully computer-based test
- Sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
- Scored by AI on a scale of 10–90
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Widely accepted for Australian visas, universities and professional registration
2. Be Familiar with the Whole Format
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the format, flow, and sequence of tasks in the PTE Listening Module. It doesn't matter how great your English is – if you can't convert it into a great score, your skills become futile. The more familiar you are with the exam pattern, the less time you'll waste figuring out the right approach for each task.
Important Warning:
The Highlight Incorrect Words task involves negative marking (-1) for each incorrect answer. If you're not aware of this, you could make costly mistakes!
LanguageCert Academic – At a Glance
- Assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Written component + Spoken component (separate)
- Duration: around 2 hours 34 minutes for the full test
- Officially accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes (test-centre mode)
⚠️ Important: For Australian visas, online "at-home" versions of English tests are not accepted; you must take them at an approved test centre.
Test Format Comparison
| Aspect | PTE Academic | LanguageCert Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Test Mode | Fully computer-based | Written + Spoken components |
| Speaking | Into a microphone (AI scored) | Separate spoken component |
| Duration | ~2 hours | ~2.5 hours |
| Results | 1-5 days | Few days |
| Scoring | 10-90 scale (AI) | CEFR levels (B1-C2) |
Which Is Easier?
PTE May Feel Easier If You:
- Are comfortable with computers, typing and headsets
- Prefer speaking into a microphone rather than to a person
- Like short tasks and clear templates
- Want fast results
LanguageCert May Feel Easier If You:
- Prefer a slightly more traditional split: written exam + separate speaking test
- Like clear academic-style tasks
- Feel more confident with classic exam papers plus an oral exam format
Score Requirements for Australian Visas
| English Level | PTE Academic | LanguageCert Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | 50+ each | L:36, R:36, W:51, S:42 |
| Proficient (10 pts) | 65+ each | L:58, R:58, W:69, S:69 |
| Superior (20 pts) | 79+ each | L:80, R:83, W:89, S:89 |
How Score Smart Can Help
At Score Smart, we prepare students for both PTE Academic and help them understand LanguageCert as an alternative. We can:
- Assess which test format suits your strengths
- Provide targeted preparation for your chosen test
- Offer mock tests and detailed feedback
- Guide you through the visa requirements
Book a free consultation to find out which test is right for you!