PTE news

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

London, UNITED KINGDOM: 8 May 2025 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, has announced a partnership with BorderPass, a Canadian lawyer-backed organization dedicated to streamlining the immigration process for students and skilled migrants.

Pearson and BorderPass are working together to make it easier for Canadian migrants to prove their English language skills. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) will be integrated into the BorderPass platform, allowing for fast and seamless verification of test scores. BorderPass will also guide users to take PTE at the optimal point in their immigration journey, ensuring timely access to the support and resources they need.

“We’re proud to partner with BorderPass to make English proficiency testing more accessible for international students and skilled migrants in Canada,” said Shileen Costain, Senior Director of Global Stakeholder Engagement. “By combining our efforts, we’re simplifying a critical step for those aspiring to study or work in Canada.”

“This partnership reinforces our commitments to transparency and efficiency,” said Sally Daub, Co-founder of BorderPass. “Verifying language scores directly on BorderPass allows us to streamline a crucial step for international students and skilled professionals, while empowering institutions to better support global mobility.”

This collaboration strengthens Pearson’s growing presence in Canada. In 2024, Pearson launched PTE Core, a secure English proficiency test specifically designed to meet the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), underscoring Pearson’s commitment to supporting test takers worldwide on their immigration journey.

For more information on PTE, visit www.pearsonpte.com.

For further information, please contact:

Ellen Clark, Director of Corporate Communications

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

Michael Pietrocarlo Head of Marketing, BorderPass

michael@borderpass.ca

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.

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.

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

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

LONDON - January 30, 2024 – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, today announced that bookings are now open for PTE Core, its newest English language proficiency test. PTE Core received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last year and can now be taken to provide proof of English language proficiency for the purposes of permanent economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship. The first PTE Core tests can be taken from February 12 onwards.

PTE Core is a new addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, sharing many of the unique characteristics of PTE Academic. It is a two-hour, computer-based exam taken in a test centre environment that tests four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The key difference is that PTE Core is relevant for the vocational test taker, designed with a real-life, non-academic focus. It was created to meet Canada’s specific migration needs and the IRCC’s language proficiency requirements, but could be used to assess the English proficiency of vocational test takers in any country.

Gio Giovannelli, President of the English Language Learning division at Pearson, said: “We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers across the world. It was designed to test real life language skills and allows test takers to showcase their proficiency and be themselves in English. Whether people are looking to work, study or migrate to Canada, there’s a Pearson English language proficiency test that suits their requirements.”

Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of permanent residents, temporary foreign workers (TFWs), students, and visitors. Canada also supports the reunification of families and the protection of refugees and persons at risk. With an increased focus on supporting Canada’s economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth, IRCC is increasing its Levels Plan to further address the growing demand for the coming years. With high demand in Canada for professionals in areas such as nursing, engineering and web development, the approval of PTE Core arrives at a good time for test takers and opens new opportunities for Pearson.

PTE Core was created in response to Canadian economic migration needs. Alongside this, PTE Academic was accepted from August 2023 by IRCC as an approved English proficiency test for all Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications – it is already recognised by more than 97 per cent of universities and 95 per cent of colleges in Canada. The UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications. PTE Academic is also accepted by 100 per cent of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 99 per cent of UK universities.

The fully digital PTE Core test is delivered through Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson. The latest AI technology, calibrated and reviewed by human raters, is used for scoring, and biometric data collection provides enhanced security measures. These cutting-edge technologies ensure the provision of an impartial and highly accurate test of a test taker’s English language proficiency.

Furthermore, test takers can book PTE Core online up to 24 hours in advance, take advantage of year-round worldwide test centre slots and receive their results on average within two days.

PTE Core will be rolled out across Pearson’s existing network, with more than 400 PTE centres in 118 countries. This includes 25 test centres across Canada.

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of 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 leading learning company, serving customers in c.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 PTE

PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online provide secure English language testing for study applications worldwide, including Canada. PTE English proficiency tests are accepted for applications for work and migration in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. PTE Academic Online is not accepted for work and migration purposes. PTE Core is accepted for applications for permanent economic immigration to Canada. 

Media contact

media@pearson.com

September 12, 2022: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, today announced the strengthening and expansion of its partner network in the UAE by onboarding five new entities under the PTE Academic Certified Associates program.

Charms Education and Immigration located in Business Bay, Svarna Training Institute in Burjuman, Emcan Training Institute with centers in Al Nahda, Burjuman, and Deira, IQ Education in Oud Metha, and Y-Axis with multiple branches in Jumeirah Lake Towers and in Sharjah will now act as local partners of Pearson Middle East to provide PTE Academic services - the world’s leading computerized, AI-based English language test for study, work abroad and immigration purposes. The association will help learners, study/work abroad aspirants, and immigration candidates to receive learning, registration, and testing support from Pearson through its partners.

According to Pearson’s 2021 Global Learning Survey (GLS)1, 72% of college students have a new sense of urgency for completing their education. With the pandemic settling down and borders opening up, prominent universities have witnessed a surge in international applications this year and report by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), the UK's shared admissions service for higher education, shows that it has received 2,950 applications from UAE students, 17% more than last year, to study in the UK[2]. This recent growth in student mobility patterns has placed a strong emphasis on creating a dynamic higher education environment and need for an accurate English proficiency test for residential, student, and work visas.

PTE Academic is the world-leading provider of secure English language tests for study applications, accepted by 3,000+ institutions worldwide and recognized for visa applications for work and migration in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. The exam is administered and evaluated by leading Artificial Intelligence technology to ensure accuracy and eliminate any form of bias in its test results. The program also provides a range of preparation options to test takers including Scored Practice Tests, PTE Academic Question Banks and the Official Guide to PTE Academic, offering access to in-depth information and practical advice on each part of the exam.

Commenting on the partnership, Giovanni Giovannelli, President, English Language Learning, said “We at Pearson believe that international education is a holistic ecosystem, one where different stakeholders have equally important roles: Universities, Agents, Language preparation centers, and High stakes test providers, all with a common goal: to help students or migrants achieve their life goals. Our efforts, in line with Pearson’s mission of adding life to lifetime learning, are aimed at empowering learners to prove their English language skills, gain confidence in using the language as a communication medium and achieve their dream of studying or working abroad.”

“PTE has been growing substantially across the globe, and we see the reflection of this in the Middle East region as well. We believe that this collaboration with established institutions and consultants in the UAE will bring the much-needed momentum for aspirants and enable further growth for our business and partners.”

In a joint statement, partners from Y-Axis Middle East, IQ Education, and Emcan Education, commented, “We are delighted to be a part of Pearson’s partner network in the Middle East, and we consider it a milestone in our organizations’ growth, which has been offering learning and testing support to thousands of students for over a decade. More than 95% of students seeking opportunities abroad require an accurate English language proficiency test, and this partnership with Pearson will enable us to further strengthen our services. Moreover, it would also be instrumental in our long-term strategy to become a one-stop destination for all educational, work abroad and immigration requirements.”

With the PTE Academic Test, candidates get unparalleled flexibility for it can be booked as little as 24 hours in advance of a test session (available throughout the week) and the results are available within 48 hours of the test. One major differentiator between PTE Academic and other English Language Tests is the speaking section of PTE tests the integrated skills of speaking and writing, reflecting the way we use language in the real world. Since the speaking section is completed on a computer (and assessed by artificial intelligence), the whole test can be completed on the same day within 2 hours. By registering for the PTE Academic test through one of the listed partners, candidates can make use of the welcome pack with all the necessary information to prepare them for success, additional learning resources, and get their common registration questions responded to quickly and accurately.

Read further information on PTE Academic or its testing centers in the region.

ENDS

[1] https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/news-and-policy/news/2022/05/new-pearson-global-learner-survey-finds-majority--85--globally--.html

[2] https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/education/2022/02/17/record-number-of-uae-students-apply-to-uk-universities/

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in more than 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.

London, 22 June 2022: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, has announced that its Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic can now be taken by people around the globe looking to practice nursing and other healthcare-related roles in the United States. 

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, has recently added PTE to its list of approved English Language testing services for foreign healthcare workers.  

PTE can now be taken by workers who want to come to the US to work in one of the identified seven non-physician health professions, which include registered nurses, licensed practical or vocation nurses, and clinical and medical technicians. 

Giovanni Giovannelli, President, English Language Learning, Pearson, said: “We know there is a huge demand for nurses worldwide, with an estimated near-three million overseas healthcare workers in the US alone in 2021. 

“We also know the US is a highly sought-after destination for foreign health workers worldwide, including from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Jamaica and Mexico. 

“With this in mind, we are delighted that PTE Academic has been added as a recognized English Language test by HRSA, helping us boost this vital profession by offering a new testing option for nurses who want to further their career in the USA.” 

Following this approval, PTE Academic has been added to CGFNS International’s system for verification. CGFNS International is an immigration neutral, nonprofit, mission-driven organization that helps foreign educated healthcare professionals live and work in their country of choice by assessing and validating their academic and professional credentials. They are the only organization approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security to validate the credentials of seven foreign healthcare professions for occupational visas. 

Furthermore, PTE can now be used by U.S state Boards of Nursing that recognize the test for licensure purposes. 

As part of their visa application process, healthcare workers are able to take PTE Academic at one of the 87 test centers across the USA, or from a choice of over 380 centers in 115 countries.  

Globally, PTE Academic is accepted by several medical agencies, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), and the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS). 

ENDS 

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our 20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading 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 pearsonplc.com. 

About PTE Academic 

PTE Academic is an English Language proficiency exam used for study and work visas and is accepted by the Australian, New Zealand, and UK governments and over 3,000 universities and colleges worldwide. It takes two hours to complete, and test takers typically receive results in less than 48 hours. 

Read more about HRSA

Read more about CGFNS

Talent Beyond Boundaries and Pearson to offer free English language tests

MELBOURNE, Australia, Tuesday May 10, 2022: Pearson and Talent Beyond Boundaries now offer free English language tests to skilled refugees to help them resume their careers and rebuild their lives in a new country.

Over 600 refugees from around the world will benefit from the partnership, offering 300 free tests and a further 300 tests at a discount over three years.

Gio Giovanelli, Pearson’s President of English Language Learning said: “Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year, are stark reminders that refugees need solutions – now more than ever.

“Refugees have skills and a desire to work and would be a valuable asset to a company and community if given the opportunity to migrate for work.

“A test of English costing GBP 180 can be a barrier to applying for a work visa. We want to make the pathway as easy as possible for these people during their time of crisis.”

Talent Beyond Boundaries Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Cousins said: “Many governments are embracing connecting refugees to meaningful work in their field.

"So far we've launched displaced talent visa programs with the governments of Australia, Canada and the UK.

“Together, these programs will provide safe migration pathways for thousands of refugees over the coming years.

“We're so grateful to private sector partners like Pearson for stepping up to support these programs.

“We believe this collaborative approach is the fastest and best route to a more equitable system; one that extends life-changing work and migration opportunities to displaced people everywhere.”

Talent Beyond Boundaries is the first organization in the world to focus on pioneering talent mobility for refugees as a complementary solution to traditional humanitarian resettlement.

Anyone displaced by the crisis in Ukraine, or anywhere around the world, can register on the Talent Catalog to be considered for international employment and skilled visa opportunities.

Pearson Test of English Academic English tests for study and work visas and is accepted by the Australian, New Zealand, and UK governments and over 3,000 universities and colleges worldwide. It takes about two hours to complete, and test takers receive results in about 48 hours.

ENDS

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading 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

Pearson Media Contact: Heather Gilmore heather.gilmore@pearson.com

TBB Media Contact: Jessie Mawson jmawson@talentbeyondboundaries.org