AI-driven language testing growing across Canada

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Pearson, the world’s learning company, today announced that five new colleges will be utilizing the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). With this announcement, PTE Academic is now recognized by 90 percent of all post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Unlike other tests, PTE Academic is a 100 percent computer-based test. Designed and monitored by people, the examination is administered and evaluated by leading Artificial Intelligence technology to ensure accuracy and lack of bias in its test results. Pearson’s PTE Academic test is now recognized at:

  • Holland College (Charlottetown, PEI)

  • Coast Mountain College (Terrace, British Columbia)

  • Focus College (Kelowna, BC)

  • Oulton College (Moncton, NB)

  • Northern Lights College (Dawson Creek, BC)

“We are looking forward to working with Pearson Canada and the PTE Academic test as a means for prospective students to meet the English Language Proficiency for access to the College. Having reliable results will enable us to better support our students as they begin their academic adventure at Coast Mountain College,” says Stephen Salem, Director, Institutional Research and Registrar.

Other leading Canadian institutions which recognize PTE Academic include the University of British Columbia and McGill University. The test is also recognized by more than 2,000 universities worldwide.

Pearson’s platform enables test-takers to schedule a test at their convenience, and test results are returned within five days, with 85 percent of results returned within a two-day period in 2018.

“We believe PTE Academic offers a huge advantage to test takers,” said Marlene Olsavsky, Managing Director at Pearson Canada. “Our use of leading AI technology means colleges can trust that students’ English proficiency levels are scored accurately and with no bias. We also know students like the flexibility of booking and fast results we offer – making PTE Academic the increasingly popular English language test worldwide.”

Explore the full list of the Institutions which recognize us.

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    Pearson Test of English (PTE) recognized for admission to higher education in the Netherlands
    By PTE Author

    London, UNITED KINGDOM: 7 November 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, today announced that the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic has been officially recognized for admission to higher education institutions in the Netherlands.

    This recognition, granted by the National Commission for the Code of Conduct Higher Education, allows universities in the Netherlands to accept PTE Academic for admissions. International students applying to English-taught programs can now use their PTE Academic scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

    Marking a milestone for PTE Academic, the Netherlands now joins all other major study destinations in recognizing the test. With over 128,000 international students and more than 2,000 English-taught degree programs, the Netherlands is a key hub for higher education, attracting students from across the EU/EEA and beyond.

    Giovanni Giovannelli, Pearson’s President of English Language Learning, commented: "This recognition by the National Commission in the Netherlands is a key step in our mission to provide trusted English assessments worldwide. The Netherlands is a leading destination for international students, and we are proud to support them to succeed in an increasingly competitive academic environment. This recognition reinforces our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of higher education globally."

    The Netherlands, now the second-largest destination for English-taught programs in mainland Europe, is chosen by thousands of international students seeking quality education in Europe. With PTE Academic now recognized, both students and universities will benefit from increased access to reliable, high-quality English language assessments.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ellen Clark, Director of Corporate Communications

    ellen.clark@pearson.com | +44 7780 665958

    About Pearson

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

    About Pearson PTE

    PTE is a trusted English language proficiency test, opening doors for individuals looking to study, work, or migrate. PTE is accepted by over 3,500 institutions worldwide, and is also accepted by the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and UK governments for all types of visas. Learn more about PTE.

  • Press release: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) approves PTE Academic
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    LONDON – 9 August 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, has achieved new recognition for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. Effective immediately, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States has recognized PTE for undergraduate admissions.

    MIT joins over 3,500 universities and institutions worldwide that trust PTE as proof of English proficiency. With 3,465 international students, MIT is a prestigious institution ranked third in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings this year.

    PTE combines human expertise with the latest AI technology to deliver an English language proficiency test that is both impartial and highly accurate. Tests are taken on a computer and are available in over 475 test centers globally.

    Shileen Costain, Senior Director of Global Stakeholder Relations, expressed her pride in this achievement: “We are thrilled that MIT has recognized the value and accuracy of PTE Academic for its undergraduate admissions. This approval underscores our commitment to providing a trusted and rigorous assessment of English proficiency for students and institutions worldwide.”

    This recognition from MIT follows recent approval by the Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative (CNRC), which recommended PTE Academic as an accepted test for internationally trained nurses applying for registration in Canada.

    About Pearson

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our approximately 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

    Media contact: Ellen Clark ellen.clark@pearson.com

  • Pearson’s PTE Academic Recommended by Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative
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    LONDON - July 17, 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, has achieved a new recognition for PTE Academic. The Canadian Nurse Regulators Collaborative (CNRC) recommended that PTE Academic is included in the accepted tests for internationally trained nurses applying for registration in Canada.

    The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a two-hour, computer-based exam taken in a test center environment that assesses four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Recognized by nursing associations worldwide, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the US, PTE Academic supports nurses seeking to apply their skills internationally.

    "We are thrilled with this recognition, which underscores our commitment to helping aspiring professionals to demonstrate their English proficiency. PTE Academic’s inclusion will support nurses in contributing their valuable skills to the Canadian healthcare system,” added Shileen Costain, Senior Director, Global Stakeholder Relations - PTE.

    Earlier this year, Pearson demonstrated its dedication to supporting Canada’s immigration and professional sectors with the launch of PTE Core. Approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent economic immigration and citizenship applications, PTE Core has been available for bookings since January 30, 2024, and is designed to support Canada’s specific migration needs.

    About Pearson

    At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our approximately 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

    Media Contact: Ellen Clark ellen.clark@pearson.com