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System Requirements 

When you go to our Register page, we automatically verify your computer meets our requirements in terms of
  • internet browser
  • operating system

If we notice anything that will affect you using your computer to take the practice test, you will see a message and advice.  However, you should also check the information in the red box below to see if your computer meets the full system requirements.

Full System Requirements

Java Virtual Machine
  • For the scored practice test you will need Sun Microsystems Java version 1.6.0_21 (Note that earlier Java versions 1.6.0_19, 1.6.0_20 etc or later Java versions 1.6.0_22, 1.6.0_23 etc will not be suitable). 
  • You can check your version of Java from this java test page.
  • You can download Java 1.6.0_21 from the sites below. Be aware that going back to an earlier version of Java may affect other applications on your computer. Pearson takes no responsibility for any adverse results of uninstalling Java and installing an earlier version. If you are not taking the test on your own computer, please make sure you have permission to download and install Java onto the machine you are using for this test.

    You can download Java 1.6.0_21 direct from this link- oldapps.com. Your download should start automatically. If not, click on the link where you see the text "If not please click here: Java 6 Update 21 (15.55 MB)"

    Alternatively you can download Java 1.6.0_21 from the official Java site by going to this page and follow the instructions titled "The J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) allows end-users to run Java applications".

    After you have downloaded Java 1.6.0_21, you will need to uninstall the later version of Java.  On a PC, go to Start then Control Panel, then Add or Remove Programs and then choose and uninstall the appropriate Java version e.g. Java (TM) 6 Update 29. 

    When the later version has been uninstalled, double click on the downloaded Java 1.6.0_21 to complete the installation process.
Internet Connection
  • You will need a good internet connection of 0.5Mb or higher
  • Broadband of 1Mb or higher is preferred
Supported Operating Systems
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 7 
  • Mac 10.5.6
  • Mac 10.6 
Supported Web Browsers
  • Internet Explorer 7 or 8
  • Firefox 3.5.6 or Firefox 3.6
We do not support Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox 4, Firefox 5, Firefox 6, Internet Explorer 6 or Internet Explorer 9.

Pop-Up Web Pages

PTE Academic Practice Tests use Pop-Up messages. If you have pop-up messages blocked on your computer please allow them.

Screen Resolution

Our practice tests are best viewed on a screen resolution of:

  • 1024 X 768 for Windows
  • 1280 X 960 for Mac 
Hardware
  • soundcard
  • headphones/headset or speakers. USB headsets are recommended
  • microphone

Sound and Recording

  • We advise you to run this system check to check your settings for the practice test audio player and recorder called Wimba. If you find that Wimba Media Player is blocked, you may need to switch off your virus checker software while you are taking the test.

 
 
 
 
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