Technical Requirements for Running a Test

Computer requirements

Processor Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or equivalent
RAM 512 MB
Free Hard Drive Space 4GB
Screen Resolution 1280 x 1024
Operating System Windows 7 or later

Apple MacOS 10.12.6 (Sierra) or above (Using Google Chrome browser)

Note: The Cambridge English Test portal and any tests run through it are not currently supported on:
  • iOS devices
  • Android devices or any tablets
  • Chrome OS
Internet Bandwidth 2 Mbps per candidate

The minimum bandwidth requirements are for each computer running the test. When running multiple tests concurrently on the same internet connection you should ensure this bandwidth is available to each computer. If less than 2 Mbps is available for each candidate, the test may take longer to run.
Web Browser The Speaking Test uses HTML5 and so a compatible browser must be used to run the test.

Windows Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are compatible and supported browsers.

Microsoft Internet Explorer is not compatible with HTML5 so cannot be used for the Speaking Test.

Mac
Google Chrome is compatible and is the supported browser.
Adobe Reader Latest version (must be able to read PDFs)
Sound Card Yes
Headphones Over-ear and closed back – the earpieces of the headphones should cover the entire ear, preferably with good padding for comfort.
Microphone A microphone should be attached to the headset, via a ‘boom’ (in other words, on the end of a flexible stalk). The microphone should be noise-cancelling (at a minimum, directional), to increase sound pick-up and to minimise noise pollution on the recordings.

Please do not allow the use of your computers’ built-in microphones, these should be disabled, because they are not of the appropriate type nor of sufficient quality. In addition in Chrome if a candidate mutes their headset mic, Linguaskill will continue recording if there‘s more than one mic enabled on the machine.
Headphone And Microphone Connections There is no preference on plugs (that is, USB or standard stereo) but please note that the use of USB means that appropriate drivers must be installed and confirmed as working before the test day.