PTE Score Validity and How to Send Scores

How Long is Your PTE Score Valid?

Standard validity: 2 years from your test date.
Australian skilled migration: 3 years for some visa subclasses (the Department of Home Affairs accepts a longer window).
Most universities: 2 years.
Most professional bodies: 2 years (occasionally 1 year for healthcare registrations — verify with the body).

"Validity" means: at the time the institution PROCESSES your application, your score must be within the validity window. A score taken on 1 May 2024 is valid for applications submitted up to 30 April 2026.

How to Send Your Score

Your PTE score is held in your Pearson account. You send it to institutions by adding "score recipients" — Pearson then transmits an electronic copy directly.

Log in to your Pearson account at pearsonpte.com.
Go to "View Score Reports".
Click "Send Scores" next to the test you want.
Search for your institution, university, or visa authority.
Submit. Pearson sends within 48 hours.

Cost of Score Sends

At booking: 5 free score sends if you select institutions before your test.
After receiving scores: additional sends cost ~$10 USD per institution.
Bulk sends: some discount applies for 10+ at once.

Sending to Australian Department of Home Affairs

The DHA pulls your score directly from Pearson when processing your visa application — you don't actively need to "send" it. Just provide your test reference (TRF) number on the visa form.

Sending to UK Home Office (UKVI)

For PTE Academic UKVI, your score is automatically linked to your Home Office account via your TRF number. Provide the TRF on your visa form.

Sending to Canadian IRCC

For PTE Core (Canada Express Entry), your score is electronically transmitted to IRCC via your account. You input the test code on your Express Entry profile.

Sending to Universities

Each university has a recipient code in the Pearson system. Search by university name or country.

What if Your Score Expires?

You must retake the entire test. There is no "renewal" of an expired score. Plan your application timing accordingly — book the test within 2 years of when you expect to submit.

Practice on ClearMyPTE

Get your PTE score right the first time. Take a free mock exam to gauge readiness before booking your real test.