What kind of recording device do we need? Can we use a phone?

We do not state any requirements for the type of recording device. It all depends on the equipment already owned by the Centre and their ability to operate it. The only guidance we give is about testing the equipment in the room where the speaking tests will take place. We also ask Centres to ‘check audibility levels to avoid adjusting the volume during the speaking test and ensure there is no extraneous noise in the examination room.'

Please refer to Section 3.4.9 of the Cambridge Handbook 2025, which states:

Check that you have good-quality recording equipment, for example, a digital voice recorder with a separate microphone. The test may be recorded on a mobile phone as long as it does not belong to the candidate; see section 3.4.9(b). The mobile phone should have notifications disabled, to avoid interrupting the recording. Before the test, you must check equipment is working correctly.