Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the handbook says
From the 'During your test' section of the Test Taker Handbook:
| Rule | Handbook wording, summarised |
|---|---|
| Volume | Speak at a conversational level; you do not need to raise your voice |
| Design of the system | Built to test normal conversational flow and volume |
| Other candidates | They speak at the same time as you; keep your headset on for the whole test |
| Equipment | An equipment check at the start tests your headphones and microphone; raise your hand if there is a problem |
| What can cost marks | Unnatural pausing or hesitation, poor enunciation, or not following directions |
Too quiet or unclear
The Score Guide says human experts score anomalies, unusual responses the machine cannot reliably score, giving responses that are quiet or unclear as examples. Clear, steady speech at normal volume avoids the problem in the first place.
Shouting does not help either. Pronunciation is judged on whether most regular speakers would easily understand you, not on loudness.
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Practical checks
Use the equipment check and the unscored Personal Introduction to settle on a comfortable volume. Keep the microphone in the same position throughout, and if noise or equipment affects you, raise your hand at the time rather than after the test.
Frequently asked questions
Should I speak louder than other test takers?+
No. The handbook says you do not need to raise your voice, and recommends keeping your headset on.
Will a quiet voice lower my score?+
Pearson says quiet or unclear responses the machine cannot score reliably are scored by humans. Speak at normal volume to avoid that.
Can I test my microphone before starting?+
Yes. The test guides you through an equipment check for your headphones and microphone first.
Does the same advice apply to PTE Core?+
The volume advice quoted here is from the PTE Academic handbook. Pearson's PTE Core pages give the same microphone, tone and three-second rules for their speaking tasks.
Keep reading
Related
- Will other test takers affect PTE speaking?
- How fast should you speak in PTE?
- Is the PTE Personal Introduction scored?
- All 3112 guides
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