PTE Home A1

What the A1 English test PTE Home A1 is

GOV.UK says a first application for a partner, spouse or parent family visa needs A1 speaking and listening at minimum (GOV.UK), and many applicants take the test abroad. The test is on the GOV.UK list for tests taken in the UK and for tests taken outside the UK, with a minimum grade of Pass, effective from 21 May 2020 (UK list, outside-UK list). A result is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded (GOV.UK). Test rules and route rules can change, so check GOV.UK for your situation.

PTE Home is made by Pearson. We are not connected to Pearson. We name it only so you know which test we mean. Information on this page is as of 9 November 2026.

What happens in the test, step by step

1. Book and travel. You take PTE Home at a test centre. Rooms have no more than 15 seats, and each person has a headset and a microphone (Pearson handbook).
2. Sit at the computer. There is no human examiner. A computer scores your answers (Pearson).
3. Listen and speak. Other test takers speak at the same time as you, so you will hear a low background noise.
4. One go only. You cannot replay the audio. You cannot record an answer again.
5. Finish and wait. Pearson says results usually come within 48 hours and can take up to 5 days. The score report includes your SELT URN (handbook).

Pearson gives two different time figures. The overview table says 22 minutes. The level page and the handbook say the test lasts no longer than 30 minutes (overview, handbook). Plan for up to 30 minutes and read your booking email for the exact time.

The tasks you will do

Pearson lists three task types at A1 (Pearson A1 page). Each one has a fixed number of questions.

• Repeat Sentence, 22 times. You hear a sentence and say it back.
• Describe Image, 5 times. You get 25 seconds to look at a picture, then you describe it.
• Conversation: Listen and Answer, 5 times. You hear a short conversation, then answer a question about it.

How to practise for PTE Home A1

You cannot rely on seeing a task twice, so practise with one attempt only. Here is a simple plan.

1. Say short sentences aloud after hearing them once. Use everyday sentences such as: "The bus stops near my house." Do not look at the words while you repeat.
2. Look at any simple picture for 25 seconds, such as a kitchen or a park. Then say what you can see: people, things, colours and where they are.
3. Ask a friend to read a two-line conversation once. Then answer one question about it, for example "Where is the woman going?"
4. Practise speaking clearly and steadily. Pearson says pausing and poor pronunciation can lower scores, so aim for a smooth, clear voice.
5. Practise with other noise around you, because other test takers will be speaking in the room.

You can practise these tasks with an AI examiner on this site. Our feedback is always an estimate, not a real result. Pearson also offers a free one-hour online course for A1 on its preparation page.

Who takes the A1 test

GOV.UK says a first application for a partner, spouse or parent family visa needs A1 speaking and listening at minimum, and you may take a higher test (GOV.UK family visa). Many people take the A1 test in their own country, and PTE Home is on the outside-UK list (GOV.UK). Other A1 tests exist. Read A1 English test and English test for spouse visa to compare. Not sure of your level? Take the free level check, no sign-up, at our level check.

Marking and results

The result is Pass or Fail only. A computer scores it (Pearson). Pearson says that unnatural pausing or hesitation, poor enunciation, or not following the directions may be reflected in your scores (handbook). Detailed scoring criteria for PTE Home are not published on the pages we reviewed, so we do not guess them.

Results usually come within 48 hours but can take up to 5 days. Read SELT test results to compare providers.

Fee, booking and changes

Pearson allows a free reschedule or cancellation 14 or more days before the test. You get a 50% refund 13 to 8 days before. There is no refund under 7 days (Pearson). The fee in pounds is not confirmed in our research because Pearson shows prices only through a location-based price finder. See SELT test fees and check the booking page.

Related guides

• PTE Home pass mark, format and cost
• How long is a SELT English test valid for?