Busting the myths about English test centers

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 5 mins

By: Dan Doyle, Vice President, Assessments & Certifications, Pearson English Language Learning

Every day, English tests help decide whether someone can start a new life abroad.

For those taking a language test as part of a visa or migration process, the stakes couldn’t be higher. These are moments that decide futures, whether it’s studying at university, reuniting with family, or landing a first job overseas. That’s why, for tests like PTE Academic and PTE Core, test centers offer a secure, accurate, and trusted experience that governments can rely upon.

But a few myths still persist, so let’s set the record straight.

Myth one: “Test centers aren’t that secure”

Reality: a test center environment provides security that starts before the test begins:

  • Biometric ID checks. Every test taker must show valid ID (like a passport) and confirm their identity with photos, palm-vein scans, and digital signatures.

  • Physical security checks. Trained staff check clothing and personal items before entry, stopping hidden notes or unauthorised materials from getting in.

Once the test has begun, test centers combine secure-by-design exams with digital and human supervision to create a secure, fair environment:

  • Unique exams. Every PTE test is different. No two test takers get the same questions, and proctors can’t access the content.

  • Secure systems. The test runs on software and hardware fully controlled by Pearson, so it can’t be tampered with.

  • Multiple cameras, full visibility. Test centers use wide-angle CCTV to monitor the entire room.

  • Proctors in the room. Trained staff can spot hidden notes, off-screen help, and respond to anything suspicious straight away.

Myth two: “Test centers rely on human proctors”

Reality: human proctors play a key role, but they’re just one piece of what makes test centers secure.

Test centers provide multiple types of security and supervision, all managed by the testing body — not the student — making them the most secure testing environment.

As well as cameras, test centers can provide identity verification, physical checks, and in-person supervision needed for a high-stakes test.

This real-time, multi-layered monitoring means if anything suspicious is flagged, a full investigation can be carried out centrally by Pearson, using CCTV footage, audio, AI checks, and human review.

Myth three: “Test centers can’t detect cheating afterwards”

Reality: Pearson carefully analyses every single test result using a combination of AI and trained human experts.

After the test is completed, it goes through fraud analytics to identify unusual patterns or behaviours. If anything looks suspicious, the result is placed on hold and reviewed in detail by our security experts before it’s released.

A quick summary: how test centers support high-stakes English testing

  • Biometric checks to confirm identity

  • Physical security checks to ensure no materials enter the test

  • Randomised computer-based test content for every candidate

  • Multiple cameras and full-room visibility

  • Real-time supervision by trained staff

  • AI and human experts working together to spot unusual patterns

  • A consistent environment and equipment for all test takers

These measures make sure that every candidate has the same opportunity to succeed, and every institution can rely on the result. Behind every test is someone with a dream of a new life abroad, and PTE has the great privilege of helping them get there.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our latest PTE security whitepaper.

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    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
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    Do you want to study in Malaysia?

    If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

    International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

    Do you need to take an English test?

    If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

    You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

    Who is exempt?

    You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

    • is from an English-speaking country

    • has an academic qualification from an institution that uses English as the medium of instruction

    • has completed their education in Malaysia and has decided to further their studies to a higher level

    Where is PTE Academic accepted?

    Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

    There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

    • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT)

    • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

    • Asia School of Business

    • Asia e University

    • Berjaya University College

    • Curtin University (Sarawak)

    • Cyberlynx International College

    • Disted College

    • Education Malaysia Global Services

    • Despark College

    • First City University College

    • HELP University College

    • Heriot Watt University Malaysia

    • Inti International College Subang

    • Malaysia University of Science and Technology

    • Monash University Malaysia

    • Multimedia University

    • MAHSA University

    • Pintar College

    • Segi University

    • Sunway College

    • Sunway University

    • Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

    • Taylor’s University

    • The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

    • UCSI University

    • University of Reading Malaysia

    • University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

    • Xiamen University (Malaysia Campus)

    We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

    You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

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    How to study in Malaysia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

    Now, let’s take a look at what one Asian country – Malaysia – has to offer international students. We’ll also go into what students should keep in mind as they plans their studies:

    Malaysia at a glance

    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

    • University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

    A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

    Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

    Getting your visa

    Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

    With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

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    Prepare online with E2Language
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    Are you preparing to take PTE Academic?

    Good news! We have added a new test preparation company to our existing list of providers. This will give you even more options and support in your test preparation.

    Try E2Language with a free trial

    E2Language is a global online tutorial and test preparation provider. They offer good quality practice services and materials for PTE Academic. E2Language offers online tuition through group and 1-1 learning, supported by a range of YouTube videos that share tips and advice. They offer a set of online preparation materials.

    We are always looking to expand and enhance the services we offer our test takers and we believe the addition of E2Language helps us achieve this goal.

    Give yourself the best chance of performing well on the day with E2Language – try for free.