Helpdesk Training Article
The Technical Check must be used to check and confirm that the operating system, browser, internet speed, headphones and microphone meet the requirements
The following steps will help you to set-up the laptop/computer before running a Cambridge English test on Metrica. You may need to refresh the page as you progress through these checks, which can be completed at any time and there is no need to login.
Please remember to also follow the steps in the article Speaking Test Set-up article.
Navigate to https://www.metritests.com/metrica and click Technical Check in the bottom right corner:
This page provides an overview of the steps that will be completed along with information on each.
- Step 1: Operating System and Browser
- Step 2: Internet Speed
- Step 3: Audio Check
- Step 4: Microphone Check
Step 1: Operating System and Browser
Your operating system and browser set up will automatically be checked. Cambridge English tests on Metrica use HTML5 to run. Please use one of the supported HTML5 enabled browsers (Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge) to complete the test setup.
Step 2: Internet Speed
The minimum bandwidth requirements for each computer running the test are 5-10 Mbps upload and download per candidate, referring to local network speeds.
The more computers you are running concurrently, the more bandwidth you will require. Remember that the minimum 5 Mbps upload and download per candidate (local network speed) means the following minimum network speed is required when testing multiple candidates:
| Number of Candidates | Minimum network speed |
| 1-10 candidates | 50 Mbps |
| 11-25 candidates | 150 Mbps |
| 26-50 candidates | 200 Mbps |
| 51-100 candidates | 750 Mbps |
| 101-150 candidates | 1 Gbps |
The Speed Test checks the internet bandwidth which begins immediately once Technical Check is clicked.
When the Speed Test is complete the Test Results are provided as below.
When the internet speed test has been completed, a reminder will be displayed to check that the upload/download speed is always 5Mbps or above.
Step 3: Audio Check
Ensure that the headphones installed are over-ear and closed back, with the earpieces covering the entire ear. When ready click on I'm ready.
You can now test the headphone using the audio, by clicking on the play button as shown below.
You can adjust the volume as required.
Click on I can hear OK, when successfully completed.
If you can hear no sound then click on I have no sound. This provides the following advice to follow.
The following screenshot shows when the headphone check has been completed successfully.
Step 4: Microphone Check
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. Remember that the use of built in microphones is not permitted and these should be disabled. USB or standard stereo connections are required.
Bluetooth headsets should not be used.
Click on Start Microphone Check and talk into the microphone for five seconds.
It will then play the recording back to you. If you can hear the recording and the volume was okay, click Yes.
If you are unable to hear the recording or the volume was too quiet or too loud then click No. This provides the following advice to follow. You can re-check the microphone when the adjustments have been made.
When the Microphone check has been successfully completed you will receive the following message.
All checks have now been successfully completed.
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