Pearson starts to deliver UK Secure English Language Tests

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image- UKVI launch, 800px x 451px
Reading time: 4 minutes

London, May 21 2020: Pearson, the world’s learning company, has announced that people looking to work or live or study in the UK can now start to book PTE tests in a number of locations worldwide to help them prepare for this move.

Today the UK Government approved Pearson to open bookings and start delivering Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) in an initial 20 locations, including China. Bookings can be taken at all 20 locations, with 11 of the locations open to deliver testing, and the remaining 9 to open once individual COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

It is expected that all remaining SELT testing locations, including the UK, will become operational in phases during this summer.

The tests will be delivered through the Pearson VUE test center network. All operating test centers will continue to follow guidance and notifications from public health officials for preventing the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing, to support the safety of test takers and staff.

This news comes at a time when many test takers are unable to visit a test center due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Freya Thomas Monk, Pearson Senior Vice President of English Assessment, said: “I am pleased that we can now offer PTE at some locations for UKVI purposes.

“This means people can start to book, and in some cases take PTE as they continue to get ready to come to study, work or live in the UK.

“We advise test takers to check all relevant travel restrictions and health & safety requirements before they do so.”

Dr Gary A Gates, Senior Vice President at Pearson VUE added: “We are delighted to start providing Secure English Language Tests across our global test center network. The fully digital test employs AI technology to offer an impartial and highly accurate test of the English language proficiency of test takers around the world.”

Pearson’s SELT tests 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, listening, reading and writing 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 98% of UK universities.

Notes to Editors:

  1. 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.

  2. More information on PTE tests.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. For more information, please visit

  5. Pearson VUE continues to monitor the situation and make decisions about test center operations in accordance with government and local authorities. Please check this page often for frequent updates:

  6. 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.

  7. For more information on the UK Home Office Visa and Immigration process and the other test providers click.

For media queries contact media@pearson.com

Related Content

  • Image- Turkey flag- 1080px
    Pearson PTE launches two new test centers to deliver Secure English Language Testing in Turkey
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    The centers will provide better choice and accessibility to study abroad aspirants. 

    London and Turkey, June 23, 2021: Pearson, the world’s learning company, today announced that two PTE Centers in Turkey, namely, at Dokuz Eylul University (Izmir) and British Side English Language School (Ankara) will now offer PTE Secure English Language Testing (SELTs) to cater to the demand of study abroad aspirants. These tests have been approved by the UK Home Office and are used for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes. 

    These centers are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facility security measures and will increase accessibility for a fast, flexible, secure and unbiased exam for test-takers to ascertain their English language skills to work, settle or study abroad.

    These centers are in addition to two existing PTE UKVI locations in Istanbul.

    The language tests will be delivered through Pearson VUE’s test center network. Pearson VUE has implemented a number of proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, adhering to local social distancing requirements, readily available hand sanitiser, increased sanitisation in high touch areas, and the regular disinfection of testing workstations (completed between each test taker). These measures support the safety of both testing candidates and staff. Face masks are required at all Pearson VUE-owned test centers. 

    Senior Vice President for PTE at Pearson, Freya Thomas Monk, says these tests offer a fast, fair and convenient choice for anyone who wishes to work, study or come to live in the UK. Thomas Monk is excited about expanding PTE’s UKVI service in the country and believes that it will help many learners broaden their horizons and apply for opportunities in the UK. “The process is simple and brilliantly designed, interactive and a true reflection of someone’s language ability. We look forward to offering more choices and opportunities for students in Turkey.”

    Commenting on the launch of UKVI at the centers, Ipek Aydin, Head of PTE for the Middle East & North Africa said: “The number of students in Turkey aspiring to study abroad is increasing and an English language proficiency exam plays a crucial role in providing a pathway to enable them to do so.

    “The establishment of more UKVI test centers in the country supports Pearson’s aim to increase the reach of our centers across Turkey to offer easy, local access to a globally recognized, fast and reliable English language proficiency test for immigration and study abroad opportunities. We are committed to delivering a world-class experience to our test takers and will continue to build a robust network of test centers across the country.” 

    Pearson’s SELT tests 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.

    There are now more than 190 UKVI approved PTE centers across the globe. Keep up to date on the latest approved locations.

  • Image - Canada - Toronto
    PTE the ready choice for Indian students looking to study in Canada
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Canada has become the fastest-growing destination for international study and Indian students are right at the top of this trend, accounting for more than a third of all Canadian study permits issued in 2019. 

    Marlene Olsavsky, Managing Director for Pearson Canada, explains how PTE can help these increasing numbers of Indian students achieve their Canadian dream. 

    Marlene said: “Indian students can take advantage of the fact PTE Academic is one of the mandatory English language tests accepted by Canada for its regular study permit application stream, also known as non-Study Direct Stream (non-SDS)."

    “Test takers have a choice of more than 30 PTE centers currently open in India, including in Punjab, Gujarat and Hyderabad, all with required health and safety measures in place. 

    “PTE is a seamless experience for students from start to finish, from being able to book a test slot online and year-round, through to only having to wait up to 48 hours on average to receive results. 

    “Once they get their PTE score, students are then able to send it to any number of universities they are interested in, unlike other English tests which limit the amount of institutions where a score can be sent.” 

    Learn more about applying to study in Canada or check available PTE test dates near you.

  • Aerial image of Oxford University
    PTE accepted by the University of Oxford
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    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.