PTE Home A2

What the A2 English test PTE Home A2 is

GOV.UK says a family visa extension after 2.5 years needs A2 speaking and listening if the first visa used A1 (GOV.UK). 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 25 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 A2 (Pearson A2 page).

• Repeat Sentence, 22 or 23 times. You hear a sentence and say it back.
• Describe Image, 4 or 5 times. You look at a picture and describe it.
• Conversation: Listen and Answer. Pearson does not state how many. The A2 page describes this task in a way that reads like a story retell.

Important: the exact A2 task design is not confirmed. The A2 page text looks inconsistent with the A1 and B1 pages, and may contain an error. Read Pearson's A2 page and handbook before you book.

How to practise for PTE Home A2

Because the A2 task design is not confirmed, practise in the A2 style. That means you prepare for all three task families and for speaking after a listening part.

1. Repeat longer sentences than at A1. Hear each one once, then say it. Example: "I usually walk to the shop, but today I am taking the bus."
2. Describe a picture in full sentences: who is there, what they are doing, where they are, and what the weather is like.
3. Listen once to a short spoken text, a conversation or a very short story. Then say what happened, in order, and answer one question about it.
4. Record yourself and listen back. Pearson says unnatural pausing, hesitation and poor enunciation may be reflected in scores.
5. Practise with noise in the room. Other test takers will speak at the same time as you.

You can practise in the A2 style with an AI examiner on this site. Our feedback is always an estimate. Pearson also offers free online courses linked from its preparation page. Not sure A2 is your level? Take the free level check, no sign-up, at our level check.

Who takes the A2 test

GOV.UK says a family visa extension after 2.5 years needs A2 speaking and listening if the first visa used A1. An existing A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 result can be reused if the certificate has not been withdrawn (GOV.UK family visa). Applicants who were exempt the first time must now pass A1. Check GOV.UK for your situation. See also A2 English test.

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
• A2 English test for a spouse visa extension