Research Initiatives

Pearson Language Tests (PLT) is conducting a research programme, using independent researchers, to inform the development and validation of Pearson Test of English. A Technical Advisory Group, comprised of experts from both language testing and psychometrics, also provides feedback, advice and critical assessment. Current research includes:

  • Development of the Pearson International Corpus of Academic English (PICAE)
  • Standard setting with the Common European Framework (CEF)
  • Vocabulary development reflecting CEF as a function of PTE test scores
  • Sensitivity Review of PTE items
  • Concordance study with other major English language tests