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VisaScreen PTE Speaking Score 63 Explained

If you are applying for VisaScreen using PTE Academic, you must achieve a minimum speaking score of 63 if your application is submitted on or after 1 December 2024.

If you are applying for VisaScreen using PTE Academic, you must achieve a minimum speaking score of 63 if your application is submitted on or after 1 December 2024. This applies to the following healthcare professions:

Key takeaways

  • The VisaScreen PTE Speaking minimum is 63 for applications submitted from 1 December 2024.
  • This score applies to nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and laboratory professionals using PTE Academic for VisaScreen.
  • Only in-person versions of PTE Academic are accepted; at-home versions are not valid for VisaScreen.
  • Exemptions exist for some applicants with qualifying US work history or education, but these are separate from the PTE route.
  • Always confirm the latest requirements with CGFNS VisaScreen before booking a test or submitting an application.

In this guide: Decision table: VisaScreen PTE Speaking 63 requirement | Who must meet the PTE Speaking 63 rule | How the PTE Speaking score is set and used | Exceptions and exemptions | Scenario: Applying with a PTE Speaking score of 62 | Action checklist: Meeting the VisaScreen PTE Speaking 63 rule | How we researched | Sources

Decision table: VisaScreen PTE Speaking 63 requirement

Route Minimum Speaking Score Accepted Test Versions Exemption Possible? Applies To
PTE Academic 63 In-person only Yes, for some with qualifying US work Nurses, PTs, OTs, PAs, audiologists, SLPs, lab professionals
IELTS Academic Varies by profession In-person only Yes, for some Same as above
TOEFL iBT Varies by profession In-person only Yes, for some Same as above

For a full breakdown by profession and test, see VisaScreen English Scores by Healthcare Profession 2026.

Who must meet the PTE Speaking 63 rule

  • Registered nurses
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physician assistants
  • Audiologists
  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Laboratory professionals

CGFNS does not accept at-home or online versions of PTE Academic for VisaScreen. Only scores from in-person test centers are valid. If you are using another English test, refer to the specific minimums for that test and your profession.

How the PTE Speaking score is set and used

The PTE Academic Speaking score is determined by Pearson's automated scoring system. For VisaScreen, CGFNS requires a minimum of 63 in the Speaking section for applications submitted from 1 December 2024 onward. This threshold is set by CGFNS, not by Pearson or any employer.

CGFNS uses the official score report sent directly from Pearson. The score must meet or exceed 63 in the Speaking section; other sections may have different minimums or requirements depending on your profession. Always check the current CGFNS VisaScreen requirements before booking your test.

Exceptions and exemptions

Some applicants may qualify for an exemption from the English test requirement. The most common exemption is for those who have completed at least 27 months of qualifying US employment, including at least nine months immediately before VisaScreen renewal. This exemption is not automatic and requires documentation.

If you do not qualify for an exemption, you must meet the published PTE Speaking minimum. There is no published exception for applicants who score 62 or below in Speaking. Discretionary reviews are possible in rare cases, but these are not public rules and should not be relied upon without written confirmation from CGFNS.

For more on exemptions, see VisaScreen English Test Exemptions Explained 2026 and VisaScreen Renewal English Exemption for US Work.

Scenario: Applying with a PTE Speaking score of 62

Suppose you are a registered nurse who took PTE Academic at an in-person test center and received a Speaking score of 62. Your application for VisaScreen is submitted after 1 December 2024. According to the published CGFNS rule, your score does not meet the minimum requirement. Unless you qualify for a documented exemption (such as the US work history route), you would need to retake the test and achieve at least 63 in Speaking to be eligible for VisaScreen certification.

Action checklist: Meeting the VisaScreen PTE Speaking 63 rule

  1. Confirm your profession is covered by VisaScreen and that you need to use PTE Academic.
  2. Book your PTE Academic test at an in-person test center (not at home).
  3. Prepare for the Speaking section with official PTE materials and, if needed, Start a free SpeakShark conversation for extra speaking practice.
  4. Take the test and ensure your Speaking score is at least 63.
  5. Have Pearson send your official score report directly to CGFNS.
  6. If your score is below 63, retake the test or review if you qualify for an exemption.
  7. Submit your VisaScreen application with all required documentation.
  8. Keep a copy of the current CGFNS requirements for your records.

How we researched

This guide is based on the latest published requirements from CGFNS VisaScreen, USCIS healthcare worker certification, and Pearson PTE scoring. We reviewed each source as of September 2026. SpeakShark is not affiliated with CGFNS or Pearson and cannot issue official evidence or guarantee outcomes.

Sources

  1. CGFNS VisaScreen, checked 2026-09-06.
  2. USCIS healthcare worker certification, checked 2026-09-06.
  3. Pearson PTE scoring, checked 2026-09-06.
  4. Council of Europe CEFR, checked 2026-09-06.

FAQ

Who must achieve a PTE Speaking score of 63 for VisaScreen?
Any applicant for VisaScreen using PTE Academic must achieve a minimum Speaking score of 63 if submitting their application on or after 1 December 2024. This applies to nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and laboratory professionals.
Are at-home PTE Academic tests accepted for VisaScreen?
No, CGFNS does not accept at-home or online versions of PTE Academic for VisaScreen. Only scores from in-person test centers are valid for this requirement.
What happens if my PTE Speaking score is 62 for VisaScreen?
If your PTE Speaking score is 62 and your application is submitted after 1 December 2024, you do not meet the published minimum. Unless you qualify for a documented exemption, you must retake the test and achieve at least 63 in Speaking to be eligible for VisaScreen.
Is there an exemption from the PTE Speaking 63 requirement?
Yes, some applicants may qualify for an exemption based on US work history, such as at least 27 months of qualifying employment including nine months before renewal. This exemption is separate from the PTE route and must be documented according to CGFNS rules.
Can SpeakShark guarantee my VisaScreen outcome if I use its speaking practice?
No, SpeakShark is a speaking improvement tool and cannot issue official evidence or guarantee VisaScreen outcomes. For official requirements and evidence, always refer to CGFNS and the test provider.

Curious how it works? Explore SpeakShark's features or see plans and pricing.

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