PTE Changes in 2025: What’s New & What to Expect
If you're planning to take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) in 2025, there are some important updates you should know about. Starting August 7, 2025, Pearson is rolling out a refreshed version of the PTE Academic that includes two new Speaking tasks, user interface upgrades, and a more balanced scoring system that combines AI with human oversight.
These changes are designed to make the test more aligned with real-world English communication while keeping the fast, computer-based experience that PTE is known for.
Whether you're applying for study, work, or immigration, understanding these updates will help you prepare smarter—and feel more confident on test day.
Table of Contents
PTE New Speaking Task Formats
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the introduction of two new Speaking tasks:
Respond to a Situation
In this task, you'll hear a real-life scenario, like someone asking for advice or making a request. You’ll have 10 seconds to prepare, followed by 40 seconds to respond. This mirrors situations like phone conversations or work interactions—giving you a chance to demonstrate how you'd communicate in everyday life.
Take a look at the PTE’s official video on the respond a situation task!
Summarize Group Discussion
Here, you'll listen to a conversation between three to five people discussing a topic. After a short preparation time, you'll be asked to summarize what they talked about, highlighting key ideas and differing opinions.
Take a look at the PTE’s official video on the summarize group discussion task!
These new tasks are more interactive and practical, helping test-takers show how well they understand and communicate in complex social situations. They replace older, less dynamic tasks—making the test more engaging and relevant.
PTE Enhanced Scoring: Human Oversight
PTE has always stood out for its AI-powered scoring system—known for being fast, fair, and free from human bias. But in 2025, Pearson is introducing a new layer of human review for select Speaking and Writing tasks.
What’s Changing?
Now, a small number of responses will be flagged for human review. These might include:
- Answers that use templates or memorized phrases
- Responses that the AI model isn’t confident scoring
- Cases where pronunciation, grammar, or coherence are unclear
This human oversight does not replace AI scoring—it supports it. The goal is to improve fairness by ensuring no one is penalized for technical issues or misunderstood answers.
Why It Doesn’t Compromise Fairness
- AI still scores the majority of tasks instantly and consistently
- Human checks only apply to edge cases or unusual responses
- Your score will always reflect your real English ability, not test-day quirks
- Multiple reviewers will review your answer
- Your information like name and location will not be provided to the reviewer
This hybrid model ensures PTE remains the fastest and fairest English test available—now with an added layer of accuracy when needed.
Conclusion
The PTE in 2025 is smarter, more realistic, and still incredibly efficient. With new Speaking tasks focused on real-world communication and a more balanced approach to scoring, the test is evolving to match the needs of students, professionals, and immigration applicants.
Even with the new changes in 2025, Arno’s free Vocabulary Builder will help you prepare and be ready for the PTE!