on test day

What is the test experience like?

PTE Academic is 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 your name matches the name on your booking
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.

2. During the test

A 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 the 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).

In most cases, this ID will usually be your passport. If you do not have a passport, you may be able to use an alternative, depending on your chosen PTE test.

Choose a test type below for more information, or check our ID rules.

Test day checklist

Getting ready for your test day? Don’t forget the following:

✔ Make sure you bring acceptable ID – this is usually 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 your test booking is identical to the name in your ID; contact customer support if you have any issues

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