Pearson Advances English Language Assessment with Enhanced PTE Test

PTE Author
PTE Author
[Asset] Graduates walking

LONDON: 10 July 2025 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, today announces enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE), bringing new advances in secure, accurate, and trusted assessment.

Starting in August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: “Respond to a Situation” and “Summarize a Group Discussion”. These additions precisely assess how test takers communicate in real-world situations, demonstrating key skills needed for academic and professional success.

The scoring model is also being enhanced, with advanced AI working alongside human experts to better detect copied or unoriginal responses.

To help test takers perform at their best, Pearson has introduced new preparation resources tailored to the enhanced PTE Academic, including scored practice tests, PTE expert courseware, test taker webinars, and video content.

Trusted fundamentals remain

The core features of PTE remain: it is fully computer-based, primarily AI scored, and delivers fast results, typically within two days. The test continues to be trusted by more than 3,500 institutions and millions of learners worldwide.

Growth in global test center network

PTE’s secure test center network continues to expand worldwide, with 30 centers opened so far in 2025, bringing the total to 517 locations. New openings across Canada, China, Australia, India, Vietnam, and 12 other countries are supporting growth in key migration and study abroad markets.

Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, said:

“As English becomes ever more important for global education, careers, and migration, we are investing in the future of assessment. We know that English tests must reflect the skills people need to thrive in academic and professional settings and deliver results institutions can trust when the stakes are high. We’re responding with enhanced test security and new tasks that better reflect real-world communication. And because these are life-changing moments for test takers, we’re providing new preparation tools to help them feel confident and ready on test day.”

Helping more learners take the next step

Pearson’s latest investments meet the different needs of governments, institutions, and learners worldwide, as part of an ongoing programme of innovation and development.

Enhancements to PTE Academic take effect from August 7, 2025, with further information available on our information page.


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.

Media contact: ellen.clark@pearson.com

Related Content

  • Image- studying - 800px x 451px
    First Pearson English Language test center opens in Darwin
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Hundreds of students and skilled migrants from around the world living in the Northern Territory will no longer have to travel interstate to take the required English language proficiency test to work or study thanks to a new test center which has now opened in Darwin.

    The Pearson VUE Test Center, at the Group Training Northern Territory Facility on Woods Street, was officially opened by Northern Territory Minister for Workforce Training, the Hon Selena Uibo.

  • Image- Australia 800px
    Five new PTE Academic test centers in Regional Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Supporting More Workers & International Students Moving to the Regions

    Pearson is supporting the Federal Government and universities in attracting international students and skilled migrants to regional areas through the establishment of English language test centres in key locations.

    Pearson owns, or partners with a number of university and education providers, to operate 31 test centres in Australia, including five in regional Australia.

    The regional centers are; Geelong, Hobart, Darwin, and Cairns as well as a Pearson-owned center in Canberra, all regional centers are opening between August and October this year.

    The company’s recent expansion has created several new jobs in regional Australia, and further expansion into regional areas including Newcastle and Townsville is planned.

    Pearson’s head of PTE Academic, Asia Pacific, Sasha Hampson, said: “This growing demand is from an increase in the number of skilled migrant workers, as well as the Federal Government’s Destination Australia Program, launched in March this year.

    “The program is a fantastic way to encourage more students and workers to some of the most beautiful parts of Australia while enjoying a high-quality learning experience.

    “PTE Academic is approved by the Australian government for all visa applications and used by all Australian universities to assess international students’ English language proficiency.

    “As an Artificial Intelligence-driven assessment, PTE A has changed the way people take language tests. It is the most accurate, secure and reliable in the market.

    “Pearson test centers provide testing on a daily basis so there is no waiting periods for people to take a test and on average results are available in 1.2 days, making it the fastest test available.”

    Check test fees and find local test centers near you.

  • Image- City hall- 800px x 451px
    PTE Academic is the route to study in Europe
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 1 minute

    Growing acceptance gives test takers more study options

    Top ranking Belgian institution, Ghent University, is the latest in an increasing number of leading European institutions to accept PTE Academic. Other universities which have recently joined up to enable students to take this fast, fair, flexible, and accurate test of English include:

    • Kuehne Logistics University in Germany

    • Poznań University of Economics and Business in Poland

    • The University of Agder in Norway

    If your dream is to study in Europe, you can take PTE Academic to further your education in countries including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

    About PTE Academic

    PTE Academic is the world’s leading computer-based test of English for study abroad and immigration.

    Typically, PTE Academic results are available within two business days. We run test sessions in over 117 countries around the world up to 365 days per year.