Helpdesk Training Article
This article details the Cambridge English Speaking Test Speaking test set-up. These instructions are applicable for the Speaking Test only.
Before candidates start the test, the headset must be configured as shown in this guide to ensure the test runs correctly. We recommend checking the settings on each computer yourself before the candidates arrive to minimize the chance of anything being set incorrectly.
Failure to do this may mean the candidate’s Speaking responses are not recorded.
1. Browser Compatibility
The Cambridge English Skills Test Speaking test uses HTML5 so a compatible browser must be used to run the test.
| Web Browser | Cambridge English Skills Test Compatible Browser? |
|
Google Chrome |
✔ |
| Mozilla Firefox | ✔ |
| Newer versions of Microsoft Edge (version 93+) | ✔ |
Microsoft Internet Explorer is not compatible with HTML5 so cannot be used for the Speaking Test.
2.1 Headset Setup for Windows 10/11
Ensure you only have one headset enabled. You must ensure only the headset the candidate will be using for the test is enabled on the computer, and no other headphones or microphones. It is common for laptops to have built-in speakers and microphones. These will need to be disabled for the test. Please find steps for checking this for Windows 10 here:
Follow these steps to ensure only the headset is enabled:
1. Ensure the headset to be used for the test is plugged into the computer.
2. In the Windows Task Bar, click the sound icon, This will display a list of the audio playback devices on this computer.
3. Right-click on the sound icon and select Open sound settings.
4. In the right hand side, select Sound Control Panel.
5. In the Playback tab, right click on any devices that are not the headset the candidate will use, and click Disable.
Only the headset the candidate will use for the test should be left enabled.
6. Click on the Recording tab to see the recording devices on this computer. Similar to the above steps, if there are any other recording devices, they will need to be disabled before the test.
To disable playback devices in Windows 11, please follow these steps:
Open Sound Settings
1. Right-click the sound icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar).
2. Select Sound settings from the context menu.
3. Access the Playback Devices List
In the Sound settings window, scroll down to the Advanced section.
4. Click on More sound settings. This opens the classic Sound Control Panel.
In the Playback tab, you’ll see a list of all audio output devices (e.g., speakers, headphones).
5. Right-click the device you want to disable.
6. Select Disable from the context menu.
Click Apply, then OK to save your changes and close the window.
Re-enabling devices
1. If you need to re-enable any other devices after the test, right-click in the window and click Show Disabled Devices.
2. Right Click on the required device and click Enable.
Adjust PC and Headset Volume
There are two places where the volume of the test can be controlled. You will need to ensure the volume is turned up in all of these locations and remains at a suitable level throughout the test:
- PC's / Laptop's volume - ensure this is set to a suitable level before starting the test
- Volume controls physically on the headset - ensure this is set to a suitable level before starting the test
Check the headset is not muted
The headset will need to be unmuted throughout the test to work.
Check the headset can record
You can check the headset itself is working correctly by recording your voice in another program. For example, the Sound Recorder program in Windows.
Microphone Position
Ensure the microphone is neither too far or too close from the candidate's mouth.
Recording Start
Ensure candidates are aware they need to wait for the recording to start before they speak their answer. The test will prompt them when the recording starts.
Third-party Sound Controller Applications
Please note if you have any Third Party Sound Controller Applications installed, the settings on there can conflict with your browser and prevent the headset from working. If this is the case, you will need to ensure the settings are correct or disable this application.
This is an example screenshot of one of these applications:
2.2 Headset Setup for Apple Mac OS
1. Open Settings then the Sound option
2. Select any microphones that will not be used for the test and mute them by sliding the Input volume to the left. Once this is done you should only have the microphone of the headset required for the test enabled.
3. Select the headset you will use for the test and set the Input volume to maximum.
Adjust PC and Headset Volume
There are two places where the volume of the test can be controlled. You will need to ensure the volume is turned up in all of these locations and remains at a suitable level throughout the test:
- Macbook / Laptop's volume - ensure this is set to a suitable level before starting the test
- Volume controls physically on the headset - ensure this is set to a suitable level before starting the test
Check the headset is not muted
The headset will need to be unmuted throughout the test to work.
Check the headset can record
You can check the headset itself is working correctly by recording your voice in another program. For example, Quicktime on a Mac.
Microphone Position
Ensure the microphone is neither too far or too close from the candidate's mouth.
Recording Start
Ensure candidates are aware they need to wait for the recording to start before they speak their answer. The test will prompt them when the recording starts.
Third-party Sound Controller Applications
Please note if you have any Third Party Sound Controller Applications installed, the settings on there can conflict with your browser and prevent the headset from working. If this is the case, you will need to ensure the settings are correct or disable this application.
3. Sound Check
1. Once the Headset settings are correct, you can check the audio is working by clicking the Play Sound button. This will play a short audio clip so candidates can check they can hear it, and the volume level is suitable.
2. Ensure the microphone volume is at least half way up.
3. Next they can click on Start Recording to test the microphone. They can say "Hello, I am taking a speaking test on a computer." when prompted.
4. The recording will then be played back to you so you can ensure it has worked, is clear and of a suitable volume.
If it is okay, you can then click on the Right Arrow in the bottom right to proceed to the test.
Recording Failed
If the recording has failed and you receive an error like the below image, please move to 4. Speaking Test Setup - Troubleshooting Guide.
4. Technical Check
At the bottom of any page on Metrica is a link to the Technical Check.
This can be used at any time to check the Operating System, Browser and internet speed and whether the headphones and microphone are compatible and setup correctly.
You can find out more about the technical check in this article.
5. Speaking Test Setup - Troubleshooting Guide
If the recording is not successful, you may see an error such as:
Or like this:
If you are getting an error or otherwise having problems getting the microphone to work, please check each of the following:
The headset is set up correctly
The following points need to be checked:
- Ensure you only have one headset enabled
- Adjust PC and Headset Volume
- Ensure the headset is not muted
- Check the headset can record
- Ensure the microphone is neither too close nor too far from the candidate's mouth
- The settings in any Third Party Sound Controller Applications are correct, or the application is disabled
Once you have checked each of the above settings and they're all set correctly, you can try the recording check on the test again to check it is now working okay.
If the error still occurs, please try closing the test browser window and loading it up again.
Compatible Browser
Ensure you are using a HTML5 compatible browser:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Newer versions of Microsoft Edge (version 93+)
Upload Failed
The Cambridge English Skills Test requires a constant Internet connection throughout the test as questions and responses are uploaded and downloaded as the test progresses. If the Internet is disconnected for any reason, the test will not run correctly. Once the Internet connection has been restored, you may need to close the test window and open it again for the test to resume. It will then resume from the next question the answer had not been uploaded.
If you are unable to get the recording to work after following these steps, please contact us for further assistance on: +44(0) 1223 553997
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