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PTE Certificate Guide: What It Is and How to Use It

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Once you’ve completed the Pearson Test of English (PTE), you’ll receive your PTE certificate—but what exactly is it, and how do you use it?

Whether you’re applying to a university, migrating to a new country, or sending results to a potential employer, your PTE certificate acts as your official proof of English proficiency. It is, in other words, your PTE Score Card. In this post, we’ll walk through what it contains, how long it’s valid, and how to send it securely to institutions and immigration offices.

Table of Contents

What is the PTE Certificate?

The PTE certificate is your official score report issued by Pearson after you complete the PTE Academic or PTE Core test. It includes:

  • Your overall score (on a scale of 10–90)
  • Scores for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
  • Your test date, candidate ID, and reference number
  • A Score Report Code (SRC) used for verification

You’ll receive it digitally in your MyPTE dashboard. Pearson does not issue printed certificates. To learn more about what is on your PTE official score report take a look at our PTE Scoring guide!

Example of a PTE Score Certificate/Report
Example of a PTE Score Certificate/Report 
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Take a look at our blog post on PTE Score Validity to learn more about how long your PTE Certificate is valid!

How to Use the PTE Certificate (Sharing Scores)

Unlike other English Proficiency Tests, you don’t need to print or physically mail anything. Pearson makes the sharing process entirely digital.

Here’s how to use your PTE certificate:

Step 1: Log In to Your MyPTE Account

Go to www.pearsonpte.com and sign in. Under your test history, select "Send Scores."

Step 2: Choose Your Institution or Agency

You can search and select from a list of approved universities, employers, and immigration bodies (e.g., IRCC, UKVI, or Australian Home Affairs).

Step 3: Submit

Pearson sends your score electronically—along with your Score Report Code (SRC)—to the institution for verification.

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You can also copy your SRC and provide it directly to schools or agents, who can verify your score using Pearson’s official verification portal.

Common Questions about the PTE Certificate

Can I download or print the certificate?

Yes. You can download a PDF copy from MyPTE. However, only the digital version shared through Pearson is officially valid.

What if my certificate is expired?

After 2 years, it’s removed from your account and can’t be shared through the portal. Some immigration programs (like Australia PR) may still accept your SRC for manual verification if the score was valid at the time of invitation.

How many times can I share my score?

Unlimited. You can send your score to as many institutions or agencies as needed—for free.

Is my PTE certificate secure?

Yes. All digital score reports are encrypted and verified through Pearson’s backend, preventing fraud or alteration.

Conclusion

Your PTE certificate is your official English proficiency document—used for everything from graduate school to permanent residency.

It’s valid for 2 years, fully digital, and easy to send through Pearson’s secure portal. Just remember:

  • Always send your scores through MyPTE
  • Keep your SRC code for backup verification
  • Plan ahead if your score is close to expiring

Need help preparing for the PTE? Use Arno’s tools like the PTE Vocabulary Builder to study smarter.