Pearson Advances English Language Assessment with Enhanced PTE Test

Test takers applying to The University of Oxford can now take PTE to help them get there.

All 45 of Oxford’s colleges accept PTE Academic as one of their approved English language tests for applicants to their undergraduate programs.

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President of English Assessment, Pearson said: “PTE is recognized across the globe as one of the leading English language tests and our acceptance by The University of Oxford is further proof of this.

“With average score returns of 1.5 days, no limit on the number of institutions scores can be shared with, online booking and year-round availability, PTE is the fast and flexible choice to apply to universities and colleges across the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.

“Another benefit of PTE is that it is also accepted by the UK Government as a Secure English Language Test for Visa & Immigration purposes, meaning people can take it to study, live or work in the UK.”

Click here to check available test dates for a PTE test.

PTE is accepted by the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for Visa & Immigration purposes, as well as by 100% of Australian and New Zealand universities, 99% of UK universities, and thousands of academic programs across the USA and Canada.

At the virtual launch, Ozhan Toktas, Pearson’s MD for Africa and the Middle East, said “PTE is strategically important on our vision to help people progress in their lives. We provide an opportunity for people to realize their dreams of study, work, or live in their countries or in a different country. English language skills, an international certification of these skills are undoubtedly a very crucial step in people’s employability and life journeys. And we are proud to be able to provide that with PTE.” 

Sir Dominick Chilcott, British Ambassador to Turkey, said “Education has the power to transform lives; whether that means access to a great job opportunity or just the courage to advance in a different direction. The UK government understand this power and that is why we are working at every level here in Turkey to increase access to quality education, whether here or in the UK.” and added that PTE is a great addition to the options available for those applying for work visas and for students planning to go to the UK in support of their higher education. 

Tests are delivered through the Pearson VUE test center network, currently available in two Test Centers in Istanbul. Pearson VUE’s network of test centers have implemented proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, readily available hand sanitizer, increased sanitization in high touch areas, and disinfected testing workstations (completed between each test taker) to support the safety of testing candidates and staff.  Face masks are required at all Pearson VUE-owned test centers. 

Pearson’s Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) are focused on immigration requirements and the details are as follows:    

• PTE Academic (UKVI) – a four-skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills

• PTE Home – a two-skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications as well as Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business applications. It tests Speaking and Listening skills

PTE Academic is one of the fastest-growing products in Pearson and is a strategic growth priority for the company, posting 17% growth in test volumes last year. The test is already accepted by the Australian and New Zealand Governments for all visa applications. It is also accepted by 100% of Australian, New Zealand, and Irish universities and 99% of UK universities.   

Note to Editors

• Pearson is the world’s learning company with more than 22,500 employees operating in 70 countries. We provide content, assessment, and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments, and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip learners with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. For more information, please visit www.pearson.com

• View more information on PTE tests.

• PTE Home is a new, computer-based English test that supports individuals, families, and communities wishing to live, work, or stay in the UK on their journey from arrival to settlement. Results are typically available within 48 hours, reducing the stress that can be associated with a long wait for results

• Pearson VUE has been a pioneer in the computer-based testing industry for decades, delivering more than 16 million certification and licensure exams annually in every industry from academia and admissions to IT and healthcare. We are the global leaders in developing and delivering high-stakes exams via the world’s most comprehensive network of nearly 20,000 test centers as well as online testing in over 180 countries. Our leadership in the assessment industry is a result of our collaborative partnerships with a broad range of clients, from leading technology firms to government and regulatory agencies. Read more information about Pearson VUE.

• Pearson VUE continues to monitor the situation and make decisions about test center operations in accordance with government and local authorities.

• Under the UK Home Office commercial agreements Pearson will deliver a) SELT tests for those already in the UK, b) SELT tests for those in the rest of the world

• View more information on the UK Home Office Visa and Immigration process as well as the other test providers.

Academic institutions and professional associations that accept PTE Academic test results can do so confident there is an independent panel of experts behind the scenes helping us ensure our test is of the highest standard.

PTE Academic offers test takers a secure, fast, flexible and fair examination of their English language skills. They can take the test and within five days can demonstrate their language skills when applying to study or work abroad.

The PTE Academic Technical Advisory Group comprises experts from language testing, psychometrics, teaching, and business who we meet on a regular basis and who provide feedback, advic,e and a critical eye on what we do now, and how we should continue to lead language assessment in the future.

Rose Clesham, Pearson Director Academic Standards, and Measurement said:

“We have taken great care to include a variety of language, assessment and technology experts in our TAG group. They are world leaders in their respective fields. They offer qualitative and quantitative expertise, research, operational and strategic experience and take both a stakeholder and a global perspective on the robust and valid use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in language testing.”

Find out more about our Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members.