The PTE Academic is a 100% computer-based test offered by Pearson since 2009. Throughout the years, it’s been proving its credibility as one of the most trusted English proficiency tests among others such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and DET.
To maintain its value and integrity, The PTE Academic has several rules that test-takers need to follow strictly if they want to get certified results.
The PTE Academic has two test versions: at test centres and at home (online version). We will be exploring each version's rules in detail to ensure your future success.
PTE Academic at test centres rules
No phones, electronic devices, and Digital watches: Test-takers may use these devices to get support from outside. So make sure you NEVER bring them into your testing room, if the PTE Academic Team see any, you will be required to leave the room immediately.
No jewellery thicker than ½ cm, Wallets/ Purses, Hats, Coats: These objects are capable of hiding pieces of paper, so there is no way that test-takers can bring them into their testing room to prevent cheating on the test.
No books or Notes: The PTE Academic Team does their best to stop the “foreseeing service” out there as many dishonest people (or even companies) try to get advantages from this. They said that they know what are the upcoming questions in the PTE Academic, but it doesn’t hold the truth. As a result, test-takers should be really careful to not fall into these traps of scams. On top of that, the PTE Academic Team will deliver markers and papers to students to take notes, so you should not worry about this.
No Eating/ Drinking/ Chewing gum, Smoking, Chatting/ Disturbing others: To create the best testing environment, students need to follow these requirements. Not only for themselves but for other test-takers as well.
cre: Pearson
PTE Academic Online rules
Taking the PTE Academic Online is stricter than at test centres because students pick their favourite place to do the test. Thus, make sure to act in accordance with the following rules to ensure your certified results later.
No other people in the room: For sure, we take the test to prove our English proficiency skill that we’re able to study in an English speaking country. Hence, if there is anyone in your testing environment (even if they inadvertently enter your room), your result will be uncertified.
No earphones with in-line microphone: This rule prevents test-takers from receiving support from other sides.
No handwritten notes: There is an “online notes” available right on the screen, so students simply use it to take any kind of notes they want.
No eating/ drinking: Because students may put “things” inside containers to help them take the test, eating and drinking are also highly forbidden as well.
No books or papers within arm’s reach: Definitely, books and papers are clues of cheating on the PTE Academic because the PTE proctor doesn’t know what is in them. But what is the point of keeping books or papers near you if we already have the “online notes”?
Do not leave the webcam view: We have a proctor who’s always observing the test. If students leave the webcam view, the proctor will immediately notice. Depending on the severity of the violation, test-takers may not get their certified results.
No photograph or recording: This rule limits test-takers from sharing PTE Academic questions with others to maintain its integrity.
No smartwatches: We admit it! It’s super easy to cheat on the PTE Academic if we wear smartwatches. Hence, Pearson also prohibits students from using this device while sitting for the test.
cre: Pearson
If we take the PTE Academic at test centres, we do not need to prepare any kind of equipment. Nonetheless, because we do have the PTE Academic Online, test-takers need to prepare the following things:
A Windows or Mac desktop or laptop computer: We strongly recommend test-takers use their personal computers to take the test, not work ones. Students need to install a strict application before taking the test, and this application will stop all other problems while we sit for the test.
A webcam (whether external or in-built): The PTE Academic proctor will observe our tests from the beginning to the end. So make sure you check your webcam properly before your test day.
A reliable and stable internet connection: It’s a live-computer test, so the next questions will appear on the screen immediately after the previous ones. If students don’t have a stable internet connection, their tests may be delayed or cancelled without a refund.
A wired headset with an overhead band and microphone: This device is used to listen to audio recordings and answer speaking questions, so be careful to test your devices before taking the test.
A laptop charger: Because the test lasts for two hours, and it uses a significant amount of energy during this 2-hour period. Hence, it’s best to always put in the laptop charger to keep your laptop functioning all the time.
A mobile phone for checking in to the test: Yes, we can use our mobile phone before taking the test for checking in, but right after that, we need to put it away out of our arm’s reach.
cre: Pearson
And here are three prohibited devices that students CANNOT use during their test at home.
cre: Pearson
Always remember to adhere to all rules strictly for your certified results. Depending on the severity of our violations we may not be able to take the test, even again. Therefore, be careful and NEVER think of cheating on the test as the consequences are extremely devastating. To get to know the consequences, take a look at this article: “How to cheat on the PTE”.
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