Sitting the test
On the day of the test
On the day of your test, make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time. It is
preferable that you arrive at least 35 minutes before the start time for your test.
It is advisable to read the relevant information for candidates in the Test takers
confirmation pack before arrival.
During the test
It is important that test takers follow the invigilator’s instructions. If you are
in doubt or have any queries, raise your hand and an invigilator will assist you.
If you have been given the wrong test or are unable to read from the computer screen
for any reason please let the invigilators know as soon as possible.
Invigilators will not explain the questions to you.
It is not possible to speak to or lend anything to any other candidate.
Each section of the test has a set time limit. You should plan your answers and
organise your time efficiently.
If you are ill on the day of your test, it is advisable that you speak to the invigilator
before you take your test. If the illness is considered very likely to affect your
performance, the invigilator will make a note of this and inform the Test Centre.
You must not under any circumstances:
- Cheat or attempt to copy another test taker’s work
- Disrupt or interrupt the test in any way
- Use a dictionary, pager, spell-checker, electronic recorder or mobile phone. You
will be disqualified for any use of these pieces of equipment
- Talk or communicate in any manner with another test taker once the test has begun
- Smoke, drink or eat in the examination room/laboratory
- Reproduce or duplicate any part of the test. This will lead to you having your test
results disqualified and you will be liable to prosecution and legal action
- Take any of the materials from the examination room/laboratory. This includes, but
is not limited to, any written test papers, answer papers and working paper
- Leave the examination room/laboratory without permission from the invigilators
If you break any of the aforementioned rules, your test result will be disqualified
and your receiving institution or professional body will be notified accordingly.
MarTEL test tips
Here are some handy tips for practicing for your MarTEL Maritime English Test
1. Practice
It is essential that you practice before taking your MarTEL test. MarTEL has created
study guidelines and a study Unit for each phase of the test. These also include
a recommended list of other publications or internet learning resources that may
be beneficial to you.
- Read, speak and listen to English as much as possible
- Practice reading any maritime books, newspapers and magazines
- Practice writing in English as much as possible as well as taking sample grammar
and SMCP exercises. (There are a number of these in the Study Unit and a few are
also in the study guidelines)
- Practice speaking English with your friends and if possible with a native speaker
- Watch and listen to films in English, TV and programmes to get used to the correct
pronunciation of the English language and to familiarise yourself with a variety
of English accents
2. Arrive on time to your test
- Always check the time and date of your test and allow plenty of time to travel to
your test centre
- If you are late, you may not be allowed to sit the test
3. Understand the test format
- Make sure you understand and have familiarised yourself with the test format, instructions
and study guidelines
- We recommend that you try some of the sample test questions available on the website
and in the MarTEL study Units
4. Read the questions carefully and follow the instructions
- Listen to the invigilator and follow his/her instructions on how to take the test
- Read the questions carefully
5. Be aware of the clock!
Each section has a number of parts and each part has its own time limit. Allow yourself
enough time to answer each section.