5 Common Mistakes Migrants Make in the PTE Exam

Jihane Sato
May 14
2 min read

Updated: Jun 1

Are you preparing for the PTE exam as part of your Work or Residency Visa application in New Zealand? If so, this post is for you.

With over 32 years of excellence in English education, LSNZ (Language Schools New Zealand) now offers the Online PTE Masterclass – a course specifically designed for migrants living in New Zealand on a work visa.

Even if your English is strong, many candidates still make mistakes that hurt their scores. Here are the five most common PTE exam mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Format of the Exam

The PTE exam is 100% computer-based and features integrated tasks that assess multiple language skills simultaneously. Many test-takers underestimate the importance of knowing the structure of the test, losing marks simply due to a lack of familiarity.

2. Focusing on English – Not a Strategy

Having good English is just the start. To succeed in the PTE, you need to understand specific test strategies: time management, using templates, and knowing which tasks carry more weight in the scoring.

3. Skipping Mock Tests

Mock tests are essential. Practising in a test-like environment helps reduce stress and prepares you for the timing and pressure of the real exam. Many migrants take the test without ever completing a full mock, and regret it.

4. Neglecting Speaking Practice

Speaking clearly into a microphone, under time pressure, is very different from a casual conversation. Poor pronunciation, hesitation, or speaking too fast can hurt your speaking score, even if your English is otherwise strong.

5. Leaving Preparation Too Late

Some test-takers wait until the last minute, assuming their everyday English will be enough. Unfortunately, this leads to disappointing scores and costly retakes. Give yourself time to learn the structure, practise strategies, and receive personalised feedback.

Teacher Aniko - Christchurch Campus - Teaching IELTS preparation classes to multinational students