Pearson PTE Academic Test for Nurses Coming to the US
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based language test that provides an unbiased and secure proof of your English skills for university, professional and migration applications. PTE Academic test is taken in a single 2-hour session with results typically in 2 days. PTE scores are very accurate and granular on a 10-90 scale. PTE Academic can be taken in 140 different countries at over 400 test centers (very possibly the same Pearson center you took the NCLEX). You can even register for a PTE test seat on the next day!
Why do nurses prefer the Pearson PTE test?
Pearson claims the single two-hour session is a more test taker friendly experience.
Just as every person learns differently, each person tests differently as well. Test anxiety, test availability and duration of the process are all key themes to why PTE test has become the test of choice for nurses needing to demonstrate their English language abilities. Most tell us they prefer PTE because the experience was very smooth and fast; 98% of PTE test takers got their score back in less than a day in 2022! Other people have test anxiety and prefer an unbiased computerized experience.
What Pearson PTE Academic Test Scores do I need?
This can be a little dicey as there are different requirements in play. HRSA has set their minimum scores in line with most of the individual states accepting PTE test outside of CGFNS, Josef Silny & Associates, International Education Evaluations, and other credentialing bodies. Most states have their minimum scores set for PTE as 55 overall with no section below 50.
Minimum Scores for VisaScreen and CP with CGFNS: 55 Overall, with no section below 50.
Minimum Scores required for Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) for Nursing Boards requesting CGFNS convey scores: 55 Overall with minimum in Reading, Listening, Writing of 50 and Speaking 63
*Delaware, South Dakota, West Virginia
As of March 17, 2023 the below State Nursing Boards accept PTE. Please verify with the individual board as requirements can change.
US Nursing Boards Accepting PTE Test via Licensure by EXAMINATION
Alabama *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Arkansas *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Arizona *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Colorado *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Delaware *55 Overall with minimum in Reading, Listening, Writing of 50 & Speaking 63
District of Columbia (Washington DC) *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Idaho *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Kentucky *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Louisiana *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Massachusetts *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Montana (no test required)
Nebraska *Overall 55, with no section below 50
New Hampshire *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Nevada *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Ohio *Overall 55, with no section below 50
Pennsylvania *Overall 55, with no section below 50
South Carolina *Overall 55, with no section below 50
South Dakota *55 Overall with minimum in Reading, Listening, Writing of 50 &Speaking 63
Texas *Overall 55
West Virginia *55 Overall with minimum in Reading, Listening, Writing of 50 & Speaking 63
Wyoming *Overall 55, with no section below 50
US Nursing Boards Accepting PTE Test via Licensure by ENDORSEMENT
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia (Washington DC)
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Montana (no test required)
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Ready to Take the PTE Exam?
There are many ways to go about preparing for your English exam. Our international nursing agency provides English Exam Resources on our website and free live classes on our Connetics College Shows on our social media channels. In addition, we also partner with companies around the world to provide FREE review course through our Connetics English Exam Scholarships. There are also a number of free resources on the PTE website, as well as The Official PTE Academic app that prioritizes the key practice activities every test-taker needs to focus on and includes a study planner to help get organized.
Depending on how comfortable you feel in your English journey you might want to explore the question bank or spend some time in the English Booster to help you prepare. The question bank contains over 300 authentic PTE Academic test questions with answers and sample responses to help you build skills and strengthen performance. English Booster is a digital application that gives you hundreds of self-study activities and practice questions to help you prepare.
The Scored Practice Test is a fantastic tool to gauge how you might score if you took the PTE test at the current time. There are 5 versions available with different content for even deeper practice. Tip: Remember to screenshot your results as they won’t be officially delivered!
RELAX! Confidence is key in how you perform at almost any task. Speaking isn't different!