PTE Test tip: Make sure you’re familiar with the test equipment

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - silhouette of a girl reading 800px x 451px
Reading time: 1 minute

PTE Academic is completed on a computer, including the speaking part of the test.

So make sure you are prepared by familiarizing yourself with the equipment you will use during your test. Reading these test tips and you will be fully prepared.

PTE Academic test equipment

Computer Check

Before the test starts you will do an equipment check to ensure your headphones and microphone are working correctly.

Microphones

Look at the pictures below to check your microphone is correctly positioned. The microphone should be positioned around 2 fingers distance from your mouth.

Headset

Keep your headset on throughout the test as there will be other test takers in the room and they will be speaking at the same time as you.

Speaking levels

Speak clearly without shouting or whispering. Responses should be spoken at a regular pace with natural pauses. There is no need to speak slowly or loudly.

Background noise

There may be background noise during the test including other test takers answering questions. Don’t worry, you will only be assessed on the responses you provide through your headset microphone.

Related Content

  • [Asset] Canada flag man running
    Choosing the right General English test: How PTE Core compares
    By PTE Author

    PTE Core, our brand new general English test, is approved by the Canadian Government (IRCC) for all economic visa categories, including citizenship and permanent residency.  

    Choosing the right English test for you is important. A core factor in your decision will be how the test meets the score requirements set by the IRCC.   

    We have carried out comprehensive research to ensure that PTE Core correlates to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). You can take a closer look in our alignment report (PDF, 833KB).

    However, there are many other things to consider when finding the best test for you. For example, how quickly you need to receive your results? Are you in a rush to take your test? Do you want your speaking skills to be assessed by a human examiner or not?  

    So, to make it easier for you to decide which test is right for you, we have put together a handy summary of how PTE Core compares to IELTS General and CELPIP.  

    Booking a test

    PTE Core is the fastest way to prove your English language skills. Book quickly, up to 24 hours in advance. There are frequent test dates and 475+ test centers around the world.

  • PTEA-test-center-opening-thailand.png
    Pearson test of English demand in Thailand soars
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Two new test centers opening in Chang Mai and Chon Buri

    Bangkok, THAILAND, July 6 2022: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, is meeting renewed demand from Thai students for English language testing for scholarships and international study visas with the opening of two new test centers in universities in Chang Mai and Chon Buri.

    UK Honorary Consul of Chiang Mai, Mr. Ben Svasti Thomson MBE today officially opened the Pearson test center at the Payap University Language Enhancement Center (LEC) in Chang Mai.

  • What you need to know about Working Holiday visas in Australia - Thumbnail asset
    What you need to know about Working Holiday visas in Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Working Holiday/Work and Holiday visas (subclass 417 & subclass 462) 

    Are you looking for a visa that provides an incredible opportunity for self-discovery, growth and learning? Travel to Australia and you'll meet new people, learn about a variety of cultures and develop new skills and interests. 

    The Working Holiday and Work & Holiday visas allow people from 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) to have an extended holiday in Australia and work to help fund their trip (not accompanied by dependent children). 

    As part of your visa application, you will need to provide proof of your English language skills. PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories, including Working Holiday Maker program visa applications. 

    The cost of applying for either the Working Holiday visa or the Work and Holiday visa is AUD 650. If you choose to extend your visa (for up to a second or third year), you must pay another AUD 650 each time. Note: Extensions are available if you meet specific work requirements in regional Australia.

    Learn more about the Working Holiday Maker Program and the visas:

    If you're Malaysian, check here for more information on the Australian Work and Holiday Visa and the application for the Certificate of Good Conduct from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    If you are in Thailand, please refer to the Department of Children and Youth for more information on the application process.

    *Price as of publication in December 2024. Please check the Australian Government website for latest information.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.