PTE Test Centre Rules and Conduct

Pearson Takes Test Integrity Seriously

Every PTE test is monitored — biometric ID check, video recording, room monitor, audio recording during speaking sections. Knowing the rules in advance avoids any accidental violation.

Check-In Process

Show passport at reception. Staff verifies match with booking.
Provide a digital signature.
Photograph taken (used on your score report).
Palm-vein scan or fingerprint biometric (depends on centre).
Belongings stored in a locker.
Escorted to your assigned computer.

During the Test — Allowed

Take notes on the provided erasable booklet.
Adjust headset volume (icon on screen).
Use the on-screen calculator (where shown — not for any PTE section).
Drink water if a bottle is on your desk.
Raise your hand to call the proctor (technical issues only).

During the Test — NOT Allowed

Talking to anyone except during designated Speaking responses (when the recorder is active).
Looking at another candidate's screen.
Removing the headset (unless instructed).
Leaving the desk (except during the optional 10-minute break).
Taking notes out of the test room — booklet stays at the desk.
Bringing in any device.
Discussing test content during or after the exam.

The Optional 10-Minute Break

Offered between the Reading and Listening sections (typically).
You can use the toilet, drink water, eat a snack from your locker.
Phone access is NOT allowed during the break.
Re-check-in (passport + biometric) on returning to the test room.
Skipping the break is fine and saves ~10 minutes — but most candidates benefit from the rest.

What Counts as Cheating

Bringing notes, phone, or any device into the test room.
Looking at another candidate's screen or notebook.
Talking with another candidate about test content.
Taking photos of the test screen.
Posting test content online afterward (Pearson watches social media).
Using a different person's passport (impersonation).

Consequences of Violations

Test cancelled, score withheld, no refund.
Banned from future Pearson tests (1+ year).
Test score retroactively cancelled even after release if violation discovered later.
Notification to immigration authorities for serious cases (impersonation).

Microphone & Speaking Conduct

Speak naturally and clearly — don't shout.
Stay within microphone range (don't turn your head away).
If you cough or sneeze during a recording — keep going. Pearson scoring tolerates incidental noise.
Don't whisper — system may not register your voice.

Test Anxiety

Feeling nervous is normal. The biometric and monitoring sounds intimidating but in practice the test is quiet and self-paced. Focus on your screen — the proctors stay at the side and only intervene if you raise your hand.