What to expect on test day
Everything you need to know about what to expect on the day of your PTE test.
Everything you need to know about what to expect on the day of your PTE test
PTE tests are taken on a computer at one of our test centers, where there are usually about 10–15 people taking their test together. You will need to arrive half an hour before your test to check in securely and get ready for your test.
What to expect on test day
1. When you arrive
When you arrive at the test center you will be greeted by a PTE Test Center Administrator.
They will guide you through the check-in process and make sure that you understand and are comfortable with all the rules and procedures.
To confirm your identity, they will:
request to see your ID and check the details on your ID exactly match your booking (you should check to ensure these details are correct before test day)
take a digital photograph of you
ask for your digital signature
scan the palm of your hand
Once complete, the administrator will give you a safe place to store your personal items, and ensure you are ready for your test.
Find out what it's like to visit a Pearson VUE test center.
2. During the test
Test Center Administrator will guide you to your test seat in a partitioned booth, which will have a computer, keyboard, audio headset, chair, and notepad and pencil.
Most of our test centers are small, with around 10 seats in each center. There may be other test takers in booths near to you – and you may hear your neighbors speak as they take their test. Don’t worry – our microphones won’t pick up what they are saying, and you will be responding to different questions, so this won’t affect your test result.
Your computer will use a QWERTY keyboard; if you are not used to this type of keyboard, we recommend that you practice with one before your test day.
You will have two hours to complete a PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI or a PTE Core test, and 30 minutes to complete a PTE Home test.
Acceptable ID
PTE tests are taken in highly secure test centers, so it’s very important that we confirm the identity of all of our test takers.
When you arrive to take your test, you must provide an acceptable identification document (ID). This should be your valid passport.
Please refer to our identification policy for more information.
Test day checklist
Getting ready for your test day? Don’t forget the following:
- Make sure you bring acceptable ID – this should be your passport. Without it, you can’t take your test.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test, to check in and pass security
- Double check that the details – name(s), date of birth, gender and country of citizenship – on your test booking are identical to the details on your ID; contact customer support if you have any issues