PTE Retake Policy 2024: Important Updates You Must Know!

Pearson recently announced its new PTE retake policy 2024 on August 8th.

This blog by PTE Magic covers important changes and tips for avoiding mistakes during the retake process. Check them out below! 

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Key Takeaways

• Pearson’s new policy now allows test-takers to retake the PTE test if they didn’t get their desired scores.
• The updated policy allows test-takers to take the test up to 12 times in 12 months.
• Test-takers must avoid four things to stay within the exam attempt limits. See below for more details.

Related:

• The only PTE coaching course you need to achieve your dream scores
• How to prepare for your next PTE test

Important Changes in the PTE Retake Policy

Pearson’s new policy now allows test-takers to retake the PTE test if they didn’t get their desired scores. This is a great opportunity for candidates who want to improve their scores. However, the PTE exam changes in 2024 come with strict rules as follows:

Retakes Under Conditions

• Wait for your score: You must wait for your result before retaking the test. This helps you see your performance on the previous test and identify areas for improvement for your next attempt.
• Book one test only: You can only book one retake test at a time. This means you are not allowed to book several retake tests simultaneously. For example, if you have already booked a retake test for next month, you must complete that test before booking another. This maintains fairness in the system, as everyone will have an equal chance for test slots.
• Plan ahead: You can book a retake test six months in advance. Candidates who have busy schedules or want to plan their retake early will find this helpful. If you are available six months in advance, book your test to ensure the most convenient slot.

Restricted Number of Retakes

The updated policy allows test-takers to take the test up to 12 times in 12 months. The new limit helps prevent candidates from retaking the test too many times in a short period. 

Accordingly, you can retake the test 11 times within the year if you aren’t satisfied with your first test. However, retaking repeatedly without preparation won’t improve your scores. Focusing on your study is crucial to make the most of your retake opportunity.

If you think you need more than 12 retakes, you can contact Pearson for special permission. However, they don’t always approve these requests. If Pearson accepts your request, you must submit a form stating your reason. This process keeps the policy fair and equal to all test-takers by giving additional chances only for genuine retake purposes.

No Multiple Accounts Allowed

stated that test-takers can only create one account to break the test limit within a single account. Candidates who try to book another test slot with a different account are considered cheating and will face the punishments mentioned in the malpractice policy.

So, what exactly happens if you break the rule? Here are the consequences:

• Test results delayed: Pearson may delay your PTE result while they investigate the situation. This means you might not receive your score within 5 days after taking the test, which is inconvenient for candidates who need their results urgently.

• Test scores cancelled: Pearson may also cancel test takers’ scores if they find that they weren’t honest in their booking process.

• Ban from future tests: Cheating candidates might also face this penalty, which will badly affect your future goals.

• Reporting to authorities: In the worst case, Pearson will report the situation to the authorities. This means that the issue has gotten out of their control and needs the involvement of an authorised third party.

4 Things to Avoid to Stay Within the Exam Attempt Limits

Rushing to Retake the Exam

As people always say, “Haste makes waste”, rushing to retake your PTE exam without preparation will lead to indifferent results. Rushing also prevents you from fully understanding your strengths and weaknesses. 

Moreover, constantly retaking the test will increase your stress. Spending time preparing and studying to boost your confidence and performance on your retake test is much more valuable.

Therefore, wait for your test result before scheduling another test to focus on your higher score goal. Identify your areas for improvement when receiving the result and create a detailed study plan accordingly. Don’t rush – if you need more time to improve, study with a realistic goal.  

Skipping the Instructor’s Approval

PTE Magic instructors can help you easily identify your strengths and weaknesses by supervising your practise performance. Ignoring their advice might cause you to miss your weak areas that need more practise. 

For example, if the instructors haven’t approved your intention to retake because they see that you need to improve your pronunciation, skipping their approval will lead to repeated mistakes in the PTE Speaking section.

PTE Magic suggests that test-takers review their performance with their instructors after each test. This helps you thoroughly identify the tasks you are not good at and ensures that your retake test won’t make the same mistakes. Therefore, ask your instructor for approval before deciding to retake the test.

Didn’t Use Mock Tests for Self-Assessment

Mock tests are extremely beneficial for your PTE preparation. They mimic the actual PTE tests and help you familiarise yourself with the test’s format, scoring system, and duration. 

Skipping mock tests will make you unprepared for the exam. Additionally, not practising with mock tests means you won’t understand your current skill level. Some test-takers think they are ready to retake the test, but it’s hard to achieve higher scores if you don’t fully understand what needs improvement – which mock tests can help resolve.

PTE Magic offers various free mock tests for learners to test their English skills. Our mock tests use AI-scoring systems and are designed to be closely similar to the real PTE tests. These study materials will help you feel more confident and perform better on your retake day. 

Create Multiple Accounts

Creating more than one account to bypass your retake limits for the PTE test is forbidden, as this affects Pearson’s process of tracking test-takers’ progress. Pearson has a system that can track multiple accounts. You may face the consequences mentioned above if Pearson discovers you have created two or more accounts.

Therefore, always use the same account for every PTE test you book. Contact Pearson directly if you need more retakes rather than creating more accounts. Pearson offers special permission for those who have realistic reasons for wanting more retakes. However, breaking their policy by creating multiple accounts can badly damage your PTE test record and future goals. 

The Bottom Line

Understanding the latest PTE retake policy in 2024 helps candidates know what to do and what not to do when applying for a retake test. Following the rules and avoiding making the same mistakes is key to achieving a higher PTE score. 

Check out PTE Magic blogs frequently to get the latest updates on the PTE tests!

Last updated on 21/10/2024