Key PTE Exam Tips – What No One Tells You

1. The Reality of the Test Centre (Navitas English, Sydney)

• I chose this centre because it was nearby, without checking reviews beforehand.

• After reading mixed reviews a day before my exam, I got nervous, but my experience was positive—the centre was clean and well-organized.

• Registration was smooth, and lockers were provided for belongings.

• No water is available on the test floor—you need to go one level down to get it.

2. The Keyboard Matters – Are You Used to Mac?

• The writing section relies heavily on typing speed and accuracy.

• I usually use a MacBook, but the centre had an old Logitech keyboard with stiff keys. This affected my typing speed and increased spelling mistakes.

• Tip: If possible, practice typing on an older keyboard before the exam.

3. Test Your Speech Recognition Before the Exam

• PTE is AI-evaluated, meaning the system must accurately understand your accent.

• Tip: Test this by using dictation software (e.g., Notepad on Windows, built-in speech-to-text on Mac).

• I practiced this and scored 90 in speaking.

4. Recommended Study Resources

• Best Free Practice Site: My Exam English – covers all sections and question types.

• Best YouTube Resource: Jay from E2 PTE. His strategies for writing and speaking were extremely helpful.

  • Search for "PTE with Jay" or "PTE Retell Lecture with Jay" on YouTube.

  • With no coaching, I scored 90 in speaking using his tips.

5. Important Exam-Day Tips (Quick Read)

✅ The test room is loud—everyone speaks at the same time. Don’t rush—take your time.

✅ No water inside the test room—stay hydrated before you start.

✅ Check your microphone properly—make sure it works before the test begins.

These real-life insights would have helped me a lot before my first PTE attempt—hope they help you! 🚀

Shared by Srilekha