What happens on the day?

Paper testing

Time needed for testing (paper tests)

This is not a timed test – students should be given as long as they need to complete it. If the test is to be taken in one session, the time taken will depend on the level. As a guide, Levels 5 and 6 should take about 55 to 60 minutes, and Levels 7 to 14 should take about 60 to 75 minutes.

The testing can be broken into two or more sessions as appropriate. The first part of the test (English skills) generally takes less time than the second part of the test (reading comprehension).

General arrangements for testing

  • Make sure that the testing room is comfortable.
  • Place a ‘Testing – Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door.
  • Try to prevent any interruption of the testing session by visitors or announcements.

Material needed for testing (paper test)

  • Each student will need a Pupil Booklet/Student Booklet and a pen or pencil (and eraser) as appropriate.
  • The use of a dictionary is not permitted.
  • You will need these instructions and your own copy of the Pupil Booklet/Student Booklet for the testing session.

Getting ready for testing

  • Explain to the students why the test is being given, as well as describing the conditions under which testing generally takes place. You might wish to add some words of reassurance to allay any possible fears, for example the purpose of the test is ‘to help find out what you can do and where you need more help’ or ‘it will help your teacher next year to know what you can do’.
  • Ask students to fill in the information required on the front cover, giving help if required. Alternatively, the school can complete these details.
  • Tell the students the following, in your own words:
    • You will read all instructions and explain what is involved.
    • Students will be allowed as much time as they need to complete each section.
    • They should write clearly. If they make a mistake, they should rub/cross it out neatly and write the correct answer clearly. (The method adopted is left to you, but please ensure all pupils have easy access to erasers, if they are to be used.)
    • If there is anything they don’t understand, they should ask. (Additional information on procedure may be given, but no other help should be provided by you.)

Starting the tests

Instructions are given at the start of each test. If there are specific instructions to be read aloud, they are highlighted in bold.

Work through practice questions with the students, explaining what they have to do and how to indicate their answers. Give them time to respond and check that everyone has understood and has chosen the correct answer before continuing. Explain what is required of the students in your own words, if necessary. 

At the start of each set of questions, please check to ensure students are looking at the correct page of the Pupil Booklet/Student Booklet.

Monitoring student progress during a test

The teacher or invigilator should actively ensure that students are working their way through the test with intent and that there is no talking or opportunity to copy from another’s work.

While the students are taking the test, the teacher or invigilator should walk around to check that they are progressing appropriately and that they are not having difficulty with the methods of answering.

Ending the test

At the end of the test, please collect the Pupil Booklets/Student Booklets. Fill in the Batch Header Sheet (BHS) and data file, and prepare the batch to be sent to GL’s Scoring & Reporting division.

Please use the relevant At A Glance Guide which is provided with the tests.

Digital testing

Please read the information in the ‘Getting Started’ section of Testwise help.

Time needed for testing (digital tests)

Allow approximately 30 minutes for part one of PTE and 50 minutes for part two of PTE (to include settling time for the students). 

The order in which PTE is taken is fixed, and students must work through Part 1 and then Part 2. It is possible to take a break between parts. Testing can be completed over one or two sessions and may be carried out on one or two days.

Please see Testwise: Sittings for more information.

Material needed for testing (digital test)

  • A copy of the administration instructions.
  • A computer or laptop, fully charged and in good working order, headphones and a mouse, for each student.
  • Ensure that equipment meets the minimum system requirements.

General arrangements for testing

  • Make sure the testing room is comfortable.
  • Place a ‘Testing – Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door.
  • Try to prevent any interruptions of the testing session by visitors or announcements.
  • Set up the computers in advance.

Administering the digital test

The test must be administered in a formal test environment. Students should be made aware that they are taking a test and that the usual expectations of behaviour and constraints of a test session will be in place. 

Please introduce the test in your own words. For example, you could say: ‘Today you are going to take an English test. All instructions are given through the voice over and you should listen carefully to make sure you understand what you have to do. There will be some examples of the types of questions in the test, so listen carefully – you can repeat these examples if you need to.’

Students must work in silence but, if they have a query, they should raise their hand and wait for the teacher or invigilator to approach them. Please explain to students that you cannot help with any of the test questions. All directions, examples and practice items are part of the test and are delivered via the audio.

Starting the test

At the beginning of the first part of PTE there is a series of examples to show the students how to answer the different types of questions. Here is the first example:

Screenshot of PTE example question

Students can view the examples at their own pace and go back to see again what they need to do. When testing younger students (for example those taking PTE 7 and PTE 8), you may want to oversee this part of the process.

Monitoring student progress during a test

The teacher or invigilator should actively ensure that students are working their way through the test with intent and that there is no talking or opportunity to copy from another’s work.

While the students are taking the test, the teacher or invigilator should walk around to check that they are progressing appropriately, that they are not having difficulty with the methods of answering and, importantly with digital tests, that they have not rushed through any part of the test without attempting to answer some questions.

Ending the test

At the end of the first part of the test the following screen will appear:

Screenshot of PTE End Screen

Students should click on ‘End Test’ to end the test. Students can then continue through the test onto PTE Part 2. Students use the 'Next’ and 'Back’ buttons to navigate through the questions.

In the reading comprehension sections, they can go back to the story (or text) by clicking on the ‘Back to story’ (or ‘Back to text’) button which appears as part of every question. The audio tells the students this but you may want to check as you invigilate that they understand how to do this. Here is an example:

Screenshot of PTE Back to story button

At the end of Part 2, the following screen will appear:

Screenshot of PTE End Screen

Once students have exited Part 2, their results will be saved and stored automatically. Students must not try to exit the test or close the screen by clicking on the cross at the top right-hand corner as this will cause results to be lost.

If you have any problems using Testwise, please see the Testwise support.

Please also see the crib sheet for digital test for invigilators.

Video: PTE - How to administer the test