Guide to Pearson English International Certificate - Level 3 - Upper Intermediate

Oct 20, 2026

A regulatory and preparation guide for the Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) at Level 3, targeting upper-intermediate learners. It explains ESOL International qualification regulation by Ofqual and other UK regulators, the purpose of the qualification for non-native English speakers, and how CEF language proficiency levels align with UK NQF levels. It also outlines the written test framework and item types, including listening, reading, writing, and combined listening-and-writing sections, with mapped session guidance by paper reference and level.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Ofqual Regulation

Introduction to the guide

1. Introduction to Pearson English International Certificate

2. Test structure

4. Test Format

5. Description of item types: Written test

Section 1: Listening

Section 2: Listening and writing

Section 3: Listening

Section 4: Reading

Section 5: Reading

Section 6: Reading

Section 7: Reading

Section 8: Writing

Section 9: Writing

Summary: Written test item type information

6. Description of item types: Spoken test

Section 10: Speaking

Section 11: Speaking

Section 12: Speaking

Guide to Pearson English International Certificate PTE General Level 3 Upper Intermediate Paper Reference: 4063 © March 2021 Version 7.3 DCL1 Prepared by Carla Fernandez Authorised by Jane Bledsoe Ofqual Regulation Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) tests are regulated as ‘ESOL International’ qualifications by the regulators of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ofqual, the Welsh Assembly Government and CEA respectively) . ESOL International qualifications are designed for candidates who are not native speakers of English and who wish to achieve a high quality, internationally recognized qualification in English that is available and recognized world-wide and, at the highest level (NQF level 3/ CEF C2), candidates who are preparing for entry to higher education or professional employment in the UK or elsewhere. ESOL International qualifications are designed to reference the descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) . The levels in the CEF have been mapped to the levels in the National Qualifications Framework for England Wales and Northern Ireland (see, Pathways to Proficiency: the alignment of language proficiency scales for assessing competence in English Language, DFES / QCA, 2003) . In the process of regulation, the six levels of International Certificate have been allocated to levels of the National Qualifications Framework. International Certificate tests are regulated under the following titles in the UK: | Pearson English International Certificate/PTE General level
Regulated Title Regulation
number | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) A1 | Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 1) (CEF A1) (English International Certificate) | 500/1903/X | | Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) Level1 | Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) (English International Certificate) | 500/1962/4 | | Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) Level 2 | Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CEF B1) (English International Certificate) | 500/1961/2 | | Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) Level 3 | Pearson Edexcel Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFB2) (English International Certificate) | 500/1926/0 | | Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) Level 4 | Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFC1) (English International Certificate) | 500/1964/8 | | Pearson English International Certificate PTE General Level 5 | Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (CEFC2) (English International Certificate) | 500/1963/6 | CONTENTS Ofqual Regulation ...............................................................................................................................................2 Introduction to the guide ...................................................................................................................................4 1. Introduction to Pearson English International Certificate .......................................................................5 2. Test structure ..............................................................................................................................................7 4. Test Format ..................................................................................................................................................8 5. Description of item types: Written test .................................................................................................. 10 Section 1: Listening ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Section 2: Listening and writing...

FAQs

Who is the Pearson English International Certificate (PTE General) designed for?

It is designed for non-native English speakers who want an internationally recognized qualification in English, including learners preparing for entry to higher education or professional employment in the UK or elsewhere.

How is the PTE General qualification regulated in the UK?

It is regulated as ESOL International qualifications by external qualification regulators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including Ofqual and other named regulators.

What topics are covered in the written test for Level 3?

The guide describes written test item types across listening, listening-and-writing, reading sections, and writing sections, with a summary of written test item type information.

Oct 20, 2026

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