Rules, comparisons and data

Will other test takers talking affect my PTE speaking score?

Pearson says no. You may hear people near you speaking during the test, but its microphones will not pick up what they say, and they are answering different questions. Most PTE centres are small, around 10 seats, with each test taker in a partitioned booth with a headset. If a technical problem did affect your speaking, you can request a technical review.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What Pearson says about the test room

Pearson's test day page says most centres are small, with around 10 seats, and there are usually about 10–15 people taking a test together. Other test takers may be in booths near you and you may hear them speak. Pearson says its microphones won't pick up what they are saying, and you will be responding to different questions, so this won't affect your result (Pearson).

Your booth

Each booth has a computer, keyboard, audio headset, chair, and notepad and pencil. The keyboard is QWERTY, so practise on one if you normally use another layout (Pearson). Video and audio are recorded throughout (test centre rules).

ItemDetail (Pearson)
Seats per centreMost centres around 10
BoothPartitioned, with computer, keyboard, headset, chair, notepad and pencil
KeyboardQWERTY
Test lengthTwo hours for PTE Academic, Academic UKVI and Core; 30 minutes for PTE Home

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If something did go wrong

Our advice: tell the Test Administrator on the day. Afterwards, if you believe a technical issue affected your speaking score, you can request a technical review (Pearson help centre). See how a PTE rescore works.

Our tip: speak at your normal volume and keep the microphone where the administrator sets it. Raising your voice to compete with neighbours tends to hurt fluency more than it helps.

Frequently asked questions

Can the PTE microphone pick up other candidates?+

Pearson says its microphones won't pick up what other test takers are saying.

How many people take PTE in the same room?+

Pearson says usually about 10–15, with most centres having around 10 seats.

Do other test takers get the same questions?+

No. Pearson says you will be responding to different questions.

What if noise affected my recording?+

You can request a technical review if you believe a technical issue affected your speaking score.

Keep reading

Related

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.

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