Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What Pearson says
The Test Taker Handbook states that you will not be able to replay the video or audio clips during the test, and that you will hear international English speakers with a variety of accents. Pearson's Listening format page says the clips begin to play automatically, you hear each one once and you are allowed to take notes.
The rule is repeated task by task: Repeat Sentence says you are not able to replay the audio, and Respond to a Situation says you can only listen to the recording once (Speaking and Writing page). PTE Core says the same for its Answer Short Question, Repeat Sentence and Summarize Spoken Text (PTE Core).
How long each recording is
These are Pearson's stated prompt lengths for PTE Academic. Each plays once.
| Task | Recording length | Part |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat Sentence | 3–9 seconds | Speaking and Writing |
| Answer Short Question | 3–9 seconds | Speaking and Writing |
| Retell Lecture | Up to 90 seconds | Speaking and Writing |
| Summarize Group Discussion | Up to 3 minutes | Speaking and Writing |
| Summarize Spoken Text | 60–90 seconds | Listening |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 80–120 seconds | Listening |
| Fill in the Blanks (Type In) | 30–60 seconds | Listening |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 30–90 seconds | Listening |
| Select Missing Word | 20–70 seconds | Listening |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 15–50 seconds | Listening |
| Write from Dictation | 3–5 seconds | Listening |
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Using notes instead of a replay
You get an erasable whiteboard and two pens, and you can write on it once the test has started (handbook). Pearson's tips for Retell Lecture, Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation, Fill in the Blanks and Write from Dictation all say you can take notes while the audio plays.
For Highlight Incorrect Words, Pearson advises the opposite: do not take notes, but follow the transcript with the cursor and click words as they differ.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replay the sentence in Write from Dictation?+
No. Like every PTE recording it plays once. You can note words on the erasable noteboard as you listen.
Can I pause the audio in PTE?+
Pearson's pages say the clips play automatically and once. They describe no pause control.
Can I replay audio in PTE Core?+
No. The PTE Core format pages say you can only listen to each recording once.
Can I adjust the volume?+
Pearson's pages do not describe a volume control. Your headphones and microphone are checked at the start, and if there is a problem you raise your hand for the Test Administrator.
Keep reading
Related
- Can you take notes in PTE?
- Can you re-record your answer in PTE?
- PTE Write from Dictation scoring
- PTE Write from Dictation practice
- All 3112 guides
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