During 2007 to 2008, Pearson Test of English Academic(PTE Academic) was field tested to over 10,400 test takers in 21 territories, including China, Japan, India and South Korea. Test takers were given the flexibility to schedule their test online and tests were delivered either by appointment or during special event days, via the Pearson VUE test center delivery network.
Field testing has enabled Pearson to gather information about the technical functioning of the test administration hardware and software, to gather comprehensive information and feedback about a range of innovative and integrated item types and to obtain direct feedback on test takers’ experience and perception of the test.
Additionally, information was collected on aspects such as, gender, age distribution, the amount of contact participants had already had with English and the distribution of participants over countries of birth and citizenship. Of the test takers who took the field test, 70% were aged between 20-30 and 87% were non-native English speakers from over 158 countries of birth. Native speakers were included as part of the validation process.
A detailed survey of test taker reactions and perceptions has shown a positive response to the test, overall, over 82% of test takers said they would recommend this test to their friends and colleagues.
For more information about the PTE Academic field test, download our white paper - PTE Academic global field test