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PTE Academic study plan: how to prepare in four weeks

Four focused weeks is enough for many people to reach their target band, as long as the time goes where the points are. This plan moves from learning the format to timed mocks, with extra work on the tasks unique to PTE Academic.

By the PTEfy coaching team

Week 1: how do you find your weakest skill?

Start by learning the exam format and every task type, then take a full practice test to see where each skill stands. The goal of week one is a clear picture of your weakest skill and the tasks that are pulling your score down. Pay special attention to Write Essay and Re-tell Lecture, since these are new if you are coming from PTE Core.

Week 2: how do you drill your weakest skill?

Spend most of your time on the skill with the lowest score. If Writing is weak, focus on the essay and Summarize Written Text. If Speaking is weak, drill Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence and Re-tell Lecture. Practise a little every day rather than cramming.

Week 3: how do you drill the essay and key tasks?

Some tasks feed two skills at once, so put extra reps into Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation and Summarize Spoken Text. Write a timed essay every day this week, and retell a short lecture daily, so both academic tasks become routine.

Practise under timeAlways write the essay and retell the lecture against the clock. Pace is part of the score, and test day should feel like a rehearsal you have already done.

Week 4: how do you finish your prep?

Sit full, timed mock tests to build stamina, then review every mistake. By now you should be passing your target band with a small buffer. Do not book the real test until your mocks are steady. Confirm the band your program needs in our PTE Academic university score guide.

PTE Academic study plan: frequently asked questions

Can I prepare for PTE Academic in four weeks?

Many people can, if the time goes to the weakest skill and the high-value tasks. Start with the format and a diagnostic, then drill, then finish with timed mocks.

Which PTE Academic tasks need the most practice?

Write Essay and Re-tell Lecture are new compared with PTE Core, and dual-scored tasks like Read Aloud and Write from Dictation give the most return.

How do I find my weakest skill?

Take a full practice test early and look at each of the four skills separately, then spend most of your time on the lowest one.

How often should I write a practice essay?

Write a timed essay every day in the third week and retell a short lecture daily, so both academic tasks become routine.

When should I book the real PTE Academic test?

Wait until your timed mock tests are steady and you are passing your target band with a small buffer in each skill.

PTE Academic coaching for your target band

PTEfy is online PTE Academic and PTE Core coaching built around the exact band your program asks for. We target the skills that move your score.

See PTE coaching plans

Keep reading: PTE Academic exam format · PTE Academic Write Essay · Improve your PTE Academic score