PTE Test-Day Checklist: What to Bring and What to Expect

When you go to take the PTE exam, there are some important things you need to bring and know to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s a simple checklist, and what to expect on the day of your exam:

What to Bring to the Test Centre:

• A Valid ID (Passport): The most important thing you’ll need is an official identification. You must bring a valid passport. The ID should be in good condition and not expired. This is required to verify your identity before entering the exam.
• After you register for the PTE test online, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the details of your exam—like the test time, location, and your registration number. You will either need to print this out or have it ready on your phone to show at the test centre.

What to Expect on Test Day:

1. Arriving Early:
   • Plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This gives you enough time to go through the check-in process and settle in before the exam starts.
   • Tip: Plan your route the night before and check how long it takes to get there.
2. The Check-in Process:
   • ID Verification: You’ll show your passport for verification.
   • Photo, Fingerprint and Digital signature: The centre will take your photo for identification purposes and scan your fingerprint for security reasons. You are also required to sign digitally on the given digital pad.
3. Security Rules & Restrictions:
   • No Phones, Bags, or Personal Items: You won’t be allowed to bring any bags, phones, or personal items into the testing room. You’ll need to leave them in a secure locker or storage area provided by the PTE official at the test centre.
   • No Watches or Smart Devices: If you wear a watch, make sure it’s removed before entering the test room, as smartwatches are not allowed.
4. The Test Room:
   • Once you’re inside the test room, you’ll be seated at a computer with a headset and microphone for the speaking section.
   • The room will be quiet, and you’ll be surrounded by other test-takers.
5. The Exam Duration:
   • The PTE exam takes about 2 hours in total. It is divided into three sections: 1) Speaking and Writing, 2) Listening, 3) Reading. These are designed to test your overall English proficiency.
   • The test is fully computerised, and you’ll be interacting with the computer for all sections. For the speaking part, you’ll record your answers on the microphone.
6. After the Test:
   • Once you’ve completed the exam, you’ll be able to leave the test centre.
   • Results: PTE results are typically available online within 5 business days. You can log in to your PTE account to view your scores.