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Missed Your PTE Appointment? Understanding Late Arrival & No-Show Policies

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If you miss your Pearson Test of English appointment, you will have to reschedule your test. On top of that, it's unlikely that you can get a refund. However, there are exceptions to this, which we cover in this post, along with information about how to reschedule your test if you know that you can't make it.

Table of Contents

  1. What Happens If You Miss Your PTE Appointment?
  2. PTE Late Arrival Policies
  3. No-Show Policies for PTE Exams
  4. How to Reschedule or Cancel Your PTE Test
  5. Tips to Avoid Missing Your PTE Appointment

What Happens If You Miss Your PTE Appointment?

Pearson, missing the exam without prior notice typically results in no refund. This situation requires you to book a new test date, potentially delaying your plans for studying or working abroad.

However, Pearson makes exceptions for family and medical emergencies. You need to fill out a form explaining the situation and then a member of the Pearson team will review your case and make a decision. Pearson makes clear that you should submit the form as soon as the situation arises.

PTE Late Arrival Policies

If you're late, you might not be allowed to enter the exam room. Although test centers may have slight variations in their rules, they generally do not admit latecomers once the test has started. This policy ensures a fair and distraction-free testing environment for everyone.

No-Show Policies for PTE Exams

A no-show occurs when you fail to attend your scheduled PTE exam without canceling or rescheduling in advance. No-shows incur penalties, including the loss of the full test fee. You'll need to pay again to secure a new test date. To avoid these penalties, always check the specific rules at your test center.

How to Reschedule or Cancel Your PTE Test

Need to reschedule or cancel your PTE test? Follow these simple steps:

  1. Log in to your PTE account on the Pearson website.
  2. Select the test you wish to change and choose the reschedule or cancel option.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
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Important: You must reschedule or cancel at least 14 days before your test date to avoid extra fees. If you reschedule within 14 days, additional charges may apply.

Tips to Avoid Missing Your PTE Appointment

  • Plan to get there early in case anything, like traffic, happens on your way to the test center.
  • Set reminders on your phone or calendar to stay on track.
  • Plan your route to the test center well in advance.
  • Double-check the test time and date to avoid confusion.
  • Prepare your documents the night before to ensure a smooth test day.

For more preparation tips, explore the other valuable resources on our blog, such as PTE Exam Day Tips and How to Manage PTE Test Anxiety.