Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is widely chosen by students who want a transparent and efficient English proficiency test. Since the test is fully computer-based, many candidates assume scoring is done only by artificial intelligence (AI). While it is true that PTE uses AI scoring for all question types, the overall scoring system is designed with a strong human foundation.

PTE scoring works on a combined model where AI performs scoring, while trained human experts play a critical role in building the scoring standards, reviewing certain responses, and validating content in select tasks. This approach ensures both consistency and reliability at scale.

This blog explains how the PTE scoring system functions, where human experts are involved, and how score points are awarded.

1. Is PTE Fully Scored by AI?

Yes. All PTE question types are scored by AI. The test is computer-delivered and the scoring engine automatically evaluates test taker responses.

However, it is equally important to understand that PTE’s AI scoring does not work in isolation. Human expert scorers are used to train the scoring engine using real responses from test takers. The system then applies those human-defined scoring standards consistently across test responses.

In simple terms:

=> AI does the scoring in the live test.

=> Human experts create and validate the scoring standards that the AI follows.

This model reduces human bias and helps ensure consistent scoring across different candidates.

2. Role of Human Expert Scorers in Training the Scoring Engine

Human expert scorers are used to train the PTE scoring engine for Speaking and Writing. They rate responses on every Speaking and Writing question. These human ratings become the benchmark for how the AI should judge performance.

The scoring engine is trained to replicate the standards established through these human ratings. After the system learns the patterns, it can evaluate speech and writing with high consistency.

This is why PTE is known for stable scoring across test centres, countries, and test dates.

3. Human Expert Review in Live Test Responses

Even though AI scores all question types, human expert scorers are involved in two important cases for live test responses:

A. Scoring of anomalies

Anomalies refer to responses that the AI cannot reliably score. These responses are unusual or technically unclear. For example:
=> The response is too quiet
=> The response is unclear due to audio issues
=> The system cannot confidently evaluate the speech quality

In such cases, human expert scorers check and score the response to ensure the candidate receives fair evaluation.

B. Additional scoring of specific question types

Some PTE tasks always include a human expert review of Content before the final score is finalized. This ensures the response meaningfully and appropriately answers the prompt, particularly where content accuracy matters.

4. Question Types That Include Human Expert Content Review

While all question types are scored by AI, the following question types also include a human expert review of Content before the final score for the task is confirmed:

=> Describe Image
=> Retell Lecture
=> Respond to a Situation
=> Summarize Group Discussion
=> Summarize Written Text
=> Write Essay
=> Summarize Spoken Text

This review helps ensure that the final scoring reflects not only the language quality but also the relevance of the response to the task prompt.

5. Additional Expert Review for Write Essay

Among all tasks, Write Essay receives the highest level of expert attention.

In addition to Content review, Write Essay includes expert review for:

=> Development
=> Structure and Coherence
=> General Linguistic Range

These areas are important for evaluating whether the essay is well-organized, properly developed, and demonstrates appropriate vocabulary and grammar variety.

Candidates who focus only on grammar and ignore structure often lose marks here. A strong essay is not just correct English, but a clear and well-developed response.

6. How PTE Score Points Are Awarded

PTE scoring depends on the nature of each question type. Some tasks are marked using simple accuracy scoring. Others use a more detailed scoring model that includes correctness, formal requirements, and quality of language.

PTE uses two main scoring methods:

Method 1: Correct or incorrect scoring

Some questions are scored strictly as correct or incorrect.

=> Correct response: 1 score point
=> Incorrect response: 0 score points

No partial score is provided in such tasks.

Method 2: Partial credit scoring

Other questions allow partial credit. In these tasks, a response can be:

=> Correct (full marks)
=> Partially correct (some marks)
=> Incorrect (zero marks)

This approach benefits candidates who provide partially accurate answers rather than losing the entire score.

7. What Does Content Mean in PTE?

For many Speaking and Writing tasks, Content is a key scoring factor.

Content refers to how appropriate and relevant the response is in relation to the prompt. Even if your grammar is good, you can lose marks if the response does not answer the task properly.

Content scoring helps maintain response authenticity and prevents scoring of irrelevant, incorrect, or memorized material.

8. What Does Form Mean in PTE?

Form refers to formal characteristics of a response such as:

=> Meeting the required word count
=> Following task length rules
=> Writing within the expected format

Form is most relevant in writing tasks. Candidates often lose marks when they write too little or ignore basic task requirements.

9. Important Rule: Content or Form Score of Zero

This is a key scoring rule in PTE:

If a response is scored as 0 for Content or 0 for Form, then no score points for the response will be given.

This is why candidates should not rely only on templates or memorized content. The response must match the prompt and follow the form requirements.

10. Examples of Responses That Receive Zero Score Points

The following examples explain cases where candidates may lose all marks for a response:

These mistakes are avoidable. Candidates should focus on responding directly to the question and meeting all length requirements.

Conclusion

PTE Academic is scored primarily using AI, but it is not a system without human involvement. Human expert scorers are a core part of the scoring design. They train the AI scoring engine using real responses, review responses that AI cannot reliably score, and validate content for selected question types.

To summarize:
=> All PTE question types are scored by AI.
=> Human experts train the scoring engine for Speaking and Writing.
=> Human scoring is applied when anomalies occur.
=> Specific tasks include mandatory human Content review.
=> Write Essay additionally includes expert review for Development, Structure and Coherence, and General Linguistic Range.
=> Score points are awarded using correct/incorrect and partial credit methods.
=> Content and Form rules can lead to zero points if not followed.

If candidates understand this scoring system and respond accurately to prompts with proper word count and structure, they can significantly improve their performance in PTE.

At Storm EduGo, we train students with proven strategies and expert guidance to achieve a perfect 90/90 score in PTE.