Thirty seconds about yourself that are not scored. Use them to hear your own voice through the headset, settle your breathing and check the recording status box, because the next item is scored.
Glossary term
Personal Introduction
The Personal Introduction is the unscored first item of both PTE Academic and PTE Core: 25 seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to speak about yourself, recorded and attached to your score report for institutions to hear, but contributing nothing to any score. It is the microphone and nerves check before Read Aloud begins.
The recording is sent with your score report to institutions you send scores to. No score is attached to it and it does not affect the overall or any skill.
What it is for
Pearson describes it as familiarisation. It is the first time in the test you speak into the microphone, see the recording status box change from preparation to recording, and hear the timing of the progress bar. Institutions can listen to it, so it should sound like you, but nothing you say in it changes a number anywhere on the report.
The prompt asks you to introduce yourself: your background, why you are taking the test, your plans. A few plain sentences are enough.
How to use the 55 seconds
Use the preparation time to check the headset is seated and the microphone is in front of your mouth, not under your chin. When recording starts, speak at the volume and pace you intend to use on Read Aloud and watch the status box: if it shows recording and the bar is moving, the setup works. Say two or three sentences you prepared in advance, so that the first scored item does not also carry the first improvisation of the day.
Do not use it to test the three-second silence rule or to shout; treat it as the first Read Aloud without the text.
The numbers that matter
| Preparation | 25 seconds |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 30 seconds |
| Score contribution | None, in both tests |
| Position | First item, before Read Aloud |
| Who hears it | Institutions that receive your score report |
Worked example
A candidate uses the 25 seconds to adjust the headset and breathe. They speak three prepared sentences at a steady pace, watch the recording box, and stop. Read Aloud begins two seconds later and they start on the first word without hesitation, because they already know what their voice sounds like in the room.
What it shows: The introduction is the only rehearsal the test gives you. Take it.
Tasks where it applies
Frequently asked questions
Is the PTE Personal Introduction scored?
No. It contributes nothing to any score in PTE Academic or PTE Core. It is recorded and sent with your score report to institutions.
What should I say in the Personal Introduction?
A few plain sentences about who you are, your background and why you are taking the test. Prepare them in advance so that the first scored item is not also your first improvisation.
Can I skip the Personal Introduction?
The item runs regardless. Speaking through it is worth doing because it is the only chance to hear your voice through the headset and see the recording status change before Read Aloud is scored.
More PTE terms
AI ScoringAppropriacyCEFRCLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)Communicative SkillsCompetent, Proficient and Superior EnglishConcordance (PTE to IELTS)ContentDevelopment, Structure and CoherenceEmail ConventionsEnhanced PTE Academic (August 2025)Express EntryFormGeneral Linguistic RangeGrammarGSE (Global Scale of English)Human ReviewIntegrated TaskMock TestmyPTENegative MarkingOne Skill RetakeOverall ScorePartial CreditPronunciationPTE CorePTE HomeReschedule and Cancellation PolicyRescoreScore BandScore Report CodeScore ValidityScoring TraitsSELT (Secure English Language Test)Sending ScoresShared Clock (Reading and Listening)Skills ProfileSpellingUKVIURN (Unique Reference Number)Vocabulary