Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
During the test
The Test Taker Handbook says the test guides you through an equipment check so your headphones and microphone work, and if there are any issues you must immediately raise your hand and tell the administrator.
During the test, raise your hand if hardware or software problems or distractions affect you, or if your whiteboard or pen runs out. The administrator cannot answer questions about test content.
Other candidates speak at the same time, so Pearson recommends keeping your headset on for the whole test and speaking at a normal conversational level.
After the test: technical review
From Pearson's rescore and technical review policy:
| Detail | Rule |
|---|---|
| What it checks | Your speaking audio recordings, for technical issues |
| Fee | US$50, paid before the review starts |
| How and when | Call Customer Support within 15 business days of receiving your results |
| Outcome | Within 15 business days of Pearson receiving payment |
| Fault found | Test fee refunded (a free credit voucher if you paid by voucher) and review fee refunded |
| No fault found | No refund of either fee |
| Effect on score | None; only a rescore can change a score |
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Rescores, appeals and cancelled sessions
A rescore is a separate service: US$160, requested by phone within 14 calendar days, with a human rescoring the whole test (rescore policy). If you think Pearson did not follow its procedures on a review, you can appeal within 15 business days (appeals policy).
If Pearson cancels or reschedules a test, its terms give you a refund or a rescheduled test at your option. In Australia, the terms add rights under Australian Consumer Law, including a re-test or refund for a major failure.
Pearson updates its policies from time to time. Check the linked page before you act. This guide is general information, not official PTE advice.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my PTE microphone stops working?+
Raise your hand immediately and tell the test administrator. If you think it affected your score, request a technical review after your results.
How much is a PTE technical review?+
US$50, requested by phone within 15 business days of your results.
Can a technical review change my PTE score?+
No. It can refund your test fee if a fault is found; only a rescore can change the score.
How long does a PTE technical review take?+
Pearson shares the outcome within 15 business days of receiving your payment.
Can the administrator help with a question I do not understand?+
No. Pearson says the administrator cannot answer questions about test content.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE rescore and technical review
- Will other test takers affect PTE speaking?
- PTE test day rules
- How to make a PTE complaint
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy