New test centers give test takers greater choice

Pearson recently published an Efficacy report looking at PTE Academic.

The purpose of Pearson’s Efficacy Reporting is to be as open and transparent as possible about how it designs, develops, and evaluates the impact of its products on learners.

Sarah Hughes, Research & Analysis Manager, helped pull the PTE Academic report together. Below she sets out its key findings:

“The PTE Academic Assessment Efficacy Report explains how our research relates to three key indicators of assessment quality: validity, reliability, and fairness.

• Validity evidence demonstrates that test scores can be used and interpreted for the defined purpose of the test. For PTE Academic, it is important that the test scores provide a meaningful reflection of a test taker’s language proficiency that can be understood around the world and used to help them make the next step in their journey.

• Reliability is a measurement concept, which means that scoring is consistent over time, across multiple test forms, and/or over multiple administrations. Any time a candidate takes the test, they should be presented with the same opportunity for consistent measurement.

• Fairness in assessment means that the test is not systematically biased and that scores can be interpreted in the same way for all test takers. PTE Academic’s research into fairness and automated scoring ensure that test-takers are given the same opportunity to demonstrate their language proficiency regardless of gender, race/ethnicity, for instance.”

Read the PTE Academic Assessment Efficacy Report (PDF 940KB).

View the full range of research conducted on PTE Academic.

With 34% global growth this year, more test takers than ever are selecting PTE Academic as their first choice English language exam for studying and working abroad.

To meet this demand, we have opened 14 brand new state of the art Pearson VUE test centers across the globe so far in 2018 to give test takers even greater flexibility when choosing the venue and date for their PTE Academic exam.

For example, five centers have opened in major cities across Australia including Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney. Likewise in India, a further nine Pearson VUE test centers have recently opened across the country, in cities such as Delhi, Surat, and Ahmedabad, to give test takers a greater choice of venue.

In addition, we have opened a further 21 new third-party test centers this year.

Alongside this, increasing numbers of universities worldwide are accepting PTE Academic as the test by which prospective students can prove their English skills. Recent additions include:

• University College of Northern Denmark (UCN)

• UNITAR International University, Malaysia

• Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway

• East Asia Institute of Management, Singapore

• EAE Business School, Spain

• Norwich University of the Arts, UK

• Illinois State University, USA

• University College of Northern Denmark (UCN)

Search the full list of universities which recognize PTE Academic.

Take the next step

• Book your PTE test today

• Check fees and find your nearest test center

• Prepare for your PTE Academic test

From April Italian based test takers will be able to take PTE Academic to study or work abroad

Starting earlier this month, candidates can now take PTE Academic every Wednesday at the Pearson Italia Test Center in Milan, scheduling up to 24 hours in advance and getting results typically within 5 business days – often much quicker with over 85% of results returned within 2 days in 2018.

PTE Academic is recognized by thousands of programs in the USA, 100% of Australian, New Zealand, and Irish Universities, over 98% of UK universities, and 90% of Canadian. It is also one of the few language qualifications accepted for Visa purposes by the Australian and New Zealand governments.

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President English Assessment, Pearson said:

“I’m delighted that we are opening a PTE Academic Test Center in Milan and that Italian students can now experience what PTE Academic has to offer – an unbiased, secure, fast and accurate test of their English language ability skills.”

“PTE Academic is a high-stakes test that we at Pearson are very proud of. It is one of the few tests accepted by thousands of academic programs around the world as well as for Australian and New Zealand visa applications. It provides unbiased proof of a candidate’s English skills and scores are returned quickly – more than 85% within 2 days in 2018 – all achieved through our use of leading AI technology.”

The PTE Academic Center in Milan is located via Arconati 1 (Porta Vittoria Station, bus 92, tram 12). Pearson provides plenty of preparation to get ready for the exam, such as:

• Take a scored practice test – a full-length simulation of the test.

• PTE Academic Question Bank with 300+ questions to practice.

• The Official Guide to PTE Academic featuring tips, advice and practice resources.

Explore all PTE Academic preparation resources or book your test today.