PTE Home B1

What the B1 English test PTE Home B1 is

B1 speaking and listening is the level GOV.UK lists for settlement (ILR) applications made before 26 March 2027 and for citizenship (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 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 four task types at B1 (Pearson B1 page).

• Repeat Sentence, 17 times. You hear a sentence and say it back. See PTE Home B1 Repeat Sentence.
• Describe Image, 4 or 5 times. You get 25 seconds to prepare, then you describe the picture. See PTE Home B1 Describe Image.
• Retell Story. You hear a story and retell it in 30 seconds.
• Story: Listen and Answer, 4 or 5 sets. After each story you answer 3 questions.

How to practise for PTE Home B1

At B1 you must speak for longer and keep your ideas in order. You get one go at each task.

1. Repeat sentences after one hearing. Say them smoothly, with the same stress and the same meaning.
2. Describe pictures with a simple plan: what is in the picture, what is happening, and what it shows overall. Start within the 25 seconds you are given to prepare.
3. Retell a short story in 30 seconds. Say who, what happened first, next and last. Do not stop to think for long.
4. After a story, answer three questions with one clear sentence each.
5. Practise with noise in the room, because other test takers will be speaking.

You can practise every B1 task type with an AI examiner on this site. Our feedback is always an estimate. Pearson also offers a free one-hour online course for B1 on its preparation page.

Who takes the B1 test

GOV.UK says settlement (ILR) needs B1 speaking and listening for applications made before 26 March 2027. For applications on or after that date the Immigration Rules ask for B2 for the routes listed in the rules (GOV.UK). British citizenship needs B1, B2, C1 or C2 (GOV.UK). Do not assume your route is covered. Check GOV.UK for your situation. Read B1 English test to compare the five B1 options, or 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
• Repeat Sentence practice