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.

Is it almost time for your test?

Make sure you are fully prepared by learning more about what you should do on test day.

Related Content

  • [Asset] Girl looking out over cityscape background
    Convenience matters: how to pick an English test that works for you
    By PTE Author

    When your schedule is packed and deadlines are approaching, choosing an English test that works around your life can make all the difference. You need a test that fits your timeline without creating extra admin, travel, or waiting around.

    A convenient English test isn’t just “short.” It’s a test you can book quickly, take in a way that suits your life, and get results fast while still meeting the requirements of your university, employer, or visa pathway. PTE is designed around that real-world need: fast, fair, and simple.

    Five practical questions to guide your choice

    Before you book, ask yourself:

    1. Will my score be accepted where I want to apply?

    2. How easy is it to book a test date that works for me?

    3. Can I take the test in a location that fits my life?

    4. Is the test design simple and intuitive?

    5. How long will I wait for results?

    Use these questions to compare your options and choose a test that fits your timeline, not one that forces you to change it.

  • Higher-Education-Students-in-the-UK
    New DHA visa requirements for PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    The Australian Department for Home Affairs (DHA) recently updated their score requirements for all accepted tests of language proficiency. The new score requirements take effect from 7 August 2025.

    What are the new score requirements? 

    From 7 August, anyone who takes the test for DHA visa purposes will need to meet updated score requirements.

    The table below shows the old and new score requirements for each score.

    We have also created a more accessible version of this table at the end of this article.

  • PTE changes 2025: everything you need to know
    By PTE Author

    We’ve made a few updates to the PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI tests. To make sure you’ve got the facts, we’ve created a short video that walks you through everything you need to know.

    Hosted by Jarrad, one of our product managers, this video covers what’s being updated, what’s staying the same, and how it all benefits you as a test taker.

    What’s covered in the video? 

    • The original 20 question types are still in the test.

    • We are adding two new speaking question types to give you even more chance to demonstrate your skills.  

    • Tips on how to prepare for the new speaking question types.

    • There are no changes to pricing, ID requirements, or score delivery time.

    • There are no changes to the way the test is taken (including the Speaking section).