These updates will impact all candidates applying through the English Language Skills (ELS) pathway and will become effective from 23 April 2026. This notification is important if you are planning your AHPRA registration. Let’s focus on the PTE score changes now.
The first question that may come to your mind is: Why did AHPRA change the PTE score requirement?
Recent score-concordance research from English test providers forms the basis of these changes, which also align with updates introduced in 2025 by the Department of Home Affairs. AHPRA has clarified that:
- The required level of English proficiency remains unchanged.
- Only the way scores are mapped across different English tests has been updated.
The overall criterion has not changed, but the way PTE scores are interpreted has been revised.
Old vs New Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) Score Requirements
- Before 23 April 2026 (Old Criteria)
(Applicable to candidates who take tests on or before 22 April 2026)
- Overall Score: 66
- Listening Module: 66
- Reading Module: 66
- Writing Module: 56
- Speaking Module: 66
- From 23 April 2026 (New Criteria)
(Applicable to candidates who take tests on or after 23 April 2026)
- Overall Score: 63 (reduced)
- Listening Module: 58 (reduced)
- Reading Module: 59 (reduced)
- Writing Module: 60 (increased)
- Speaking Module: 76 (significantly increased)
If you are using two test sittings, each attempt must independently meet the required criteria based on the rules in effect at the time it was taken. This is especially important for candidates planning multiple attempts.
Key Interpretation
At first glance, the overall score has dropped from 66 to 63, which may appear to be a relief for candidates. However, this does not mean the exam is easier.
Although listening and Reading requirements have decreased slightly, the other modules show a clear shift:
• Speaking has increased significantly from 66 to 76
• Writing has increased slightly from 56 to 60
This highlights a stronger emphasis on communication skills, especially in clinical settings.
How to prepare?
For candidates, the main challenge is achieving a higher speaking score, so the preparation strategy should shift accordingly.
Candidates should focus more on:
• Spoken English practice through targeted mock tests
• Not relying only on overall score trends, but preparing for each module individually
