All computers at your Test Centre must meet these system requirements.
The IT Representative must ensure that all computers meet these system requirements.
Important: These requirements may be updated at any time.
System requirements for the Oxford Test of English
CPU
Quad-core
Operating system
The most recent and previous version of Windows. This is currently Windows 11 or Windows 10. The latest version is recommended.
Please note: Windows 8.1 and versions before this are no longer supported by Microsoft.
Memory
4 GB RAM (minimum)
Monitor
Minimum 14-inch colour display
Screen resolution: 1280 x 768 minimum
Internet connection
A reliable wired Internet connection of 10 Mbps minimum capacity at all times. When more than 10 test takers take the test at the same time, you will need:
- 1 Mbps download speed per test taker
- 0.5 Mbps upload speed per test taker
For example, if 100 test takers take the test at the same time you will need a download speed of 100Mbps and an upload speed of 50 Mbps.
The performance of the test may be affected by the quality of your bandwidth.
Please note: Wireless (Wi-Fi) connections are not supported.
Security/Firewall
The firewall must allow the Oxford Test of English to function as intended.
Microphone and headphones
| Microphones | Headphones |
|---|---|
| Noise-cancelling microphone: Condenser type* | Noise-cancelling headphones |
| Polar pattern: Omni-directional | Speaker: 27 mm dynamic type |
| Impedance: low (2.2k recommended) | Impedance: 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity: -62dB (-38dB recommended) ±3dB | Sensitivity: 101dB ± 4dB (98dB±3dB recommended) |
| Frequency: 50~16000 Hz | Frequency: 100’1500Hz (15Hz~25kHz recommended) |
| In-line microphones are not supported | Max input power: 100 mW |
*Noise-cancelling microphones are required for the Speaking module.
Sound card
Each computer must have a sound card installed which has been tested with the headphone and microphone specifications above.
Training test
Please note: computers that do not meet minimum specs and fail the training test will be asked to be upgraded.
If unwilling/unable to upgrade, but you have passed the training test, the Test Centre can still be Approved on the understanding that free licenses cannot be offered in the case of any technical issues that impact test takers.