PTE Academic · Task guide 3 · 3 min read
PTE Personal Introduction: format and tips
The unscored PTE Academic Personal Introduction: what you see, how long you have, what to say and a sample routine.
What you see and do
The Personal Introduction is the first thing you do in PTE Academic. The screen shows a short instruction asking you to introduce yourself, with a few suggested points such as your interests, your plans for study or work, and why you are taking the test.
You read the prompt, wait for the microphone to open, and speak for up to about half a minute. There is no image, audio or text to respond to: it is simply you talking about yourself.
Timing
| Stage | About how long |
|---|---|
| Read the prompt and prepare | about 25 seconds |
| Record your answer | about 30 seconds |
The on-screen timer and status box show exactly when recording starts and how long is left.
How it is scored
The Personal Introduction is not scored. It does not count towards any of the four communicative skills or your overall score.
It is, however, sent to the institutions that receive your score report, as a short audio sample of you. Treat it as a first impression rather than a test item.
It also serves a practical purpose: it is your chance to settle into the headset and microphone before the scored items start.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring it. Because it is unscored, some candidates mumble or say very little. An admissions officer may still hear it.
- Reading a memorised script in a flat voice. A natural, steady delivery sounds better than a rushed recital.
- Speaking too close to or too far from the microphone. Use this item to find a comfortable position.
- Running over time. If you are mid-sentence when recording stops, it sounds unfinished.
- Sharing personal details you would rather not. Keep to general information: there is no need for addresses, phone numbers or anything private.
A short routine
- Read the prompt and pick two or three of the suggested points.
- Plan a simple order: who you are, what you do or study, your goal.
- Breathe, sit back, and check the microphone is level with your mouth, not touching it.
- Start speaking as soon as the status box shows recording.
- Finish with a clear closing sentence a few seconds before the end.
Exam tip: prepare a flexible outline in advance, not a word-for-word script. Knowing your three points lets you sound natural and still finish on time.
Illustrative example
This example was written for Fable Tests. It is not taken from any official material.
Hello, my name is Daniel. I am a civil engineer, and for the past four years I have worked on bridge maintenance projects. In my free time I enjoy cycling and cooking for friends. I am taking this test because I hope to begin a master's degree in structural engineering next autumn, and I would like to specialise in earthquake-resistant design. Thank you.
That is about 65 words, which a calm speaker can say comfortably in 30 seconds.
Key points
- The Personal Introduction comes first and is not scored.
- You have about 25 seconds to prepare and about 30 seconds to speak.
- The recording is shared with institutions that receive your scores.
- Use it to settle into the microphone before the scored items begin.
- Keep it brief, natural and positive, and finish before the timer ends.
For the official current format, see pearsonpte.com. More guides are on the PTE hub.