Are AI scores final, or can a human review them?

Are AI scores final, or can a human review them?

Mostly final, with one important exception. PTE Academic offers a paid "Score Verification" service, but only for the Reading and Listening modules. The fee is approximately $80 USD and the request must be submitted via your Pearson account within 21 days of your test date.

If the verification finds a scoring error in your favour, your score is updated and the fee refunded. If no error is found, your score is unchanged and the fee is not refunded. In our experience, score changes from verification are rare — Pearson's Reading and Listening AI is largely deterministic (multiple choice, fill in the blanks, write from dictation are all marked by exact-match rules).

Can I get Speaking or Writing re-scored?

No. Pearson does not offer human re-scoring for Speaking or Writing under any circumstances. The AI scores those modules and that score is final. The official rationale is consistency — every test taker is judged by the same model, with no examiner subjectivity.

Should I bother with verification?

Only if your Reading or Listening score is dramatically lower than your other modules and you genuinely suspect a technical error (e.g. the audio cut out for one question). Otherwise the $80 is better spent on a re-test.

Still have questions? Contact our support team.