Third phase of PTE centers approved to deliver tests for UKVI

Earlier this week Pearson and UCL Institute of Education hosted an event to launch their three-year research partnership looking at the role of AI in English Language assessment. The event was held at UCL and was kicked off by a lively debate on the opportunities that AI offers to the field of educational assessment – as well as some of the challenges. I was joined by leading experts in the field of assessment who all gave their own unique take on this topic. To summarise:

Dr. Mary Richardson from UCL, who will be co-leading the research collaboration, emphasized the central values of truth, equity, and trust in the assessment. These values have been a continual challenge in traditional paper-based testing, so we must also ensure that in the emerging world of Automated and AI assessments. We establish public awareness, understanding, and trust that test takers are treated fairly, irrespective of their gender, race or location.

Dr. Bryan Maddox from the University of East Anglia continued with the theme of establishing validity in a new age of assessment. Bryan is an expert in the use of micro analytics to explore and analyze student interaction with assessments, which can then be fed back for test evaluation purposes. The considerable amount of process data that automated assessment offers rich research opportunities to use Micro-analytic methods (video ethnography, eye tracking, retrospective think-aloud). All well suited to demonstrate the validity and fairness of assessments in heterogeneous global AI test-taking populations.

I described how machine learning works, particularly in the skills of speaking and writing. I emphasized the importance of ensuring that assessment is not only reliable and accurate but just as important that they represent the full knowledge and skills of a subject. AI can do this, and therefore it opens up the opportunities for authentic, fair and fast assessment- globally.

Egypt, April 1st, 2021: On April 1st, 2021, Pearson-the world’s learning company, hosted a virtual launch of its PTE Secure English Language Test (SELT) at Misr University of Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Giza. These tests have been approved by the UK Home Office and are used for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes.

Ozhan Toktas, Managing Director at Pearson Middle East and Africa said: “Taking PTE is a seamless online experience. From booking a test up to 24 hours in advance to sitting the exam in 3 hours and getting your results back on average within 1.5 days. Most importantly it is a true reflection of one’s language ability and we are excited that people in Egypt can now take PTE to help them come to the UK to live, work or study.”

Sir Geoffrey Adams, British Ambassador to Egypt, said: “Many congratulations to Pearson for their virtual launch for the PTE Academic UKVI, Secure English Language Test. Education truly has the power to transform lives, which is why we are working at every level here in Egypt to increase access to quality education. It is great to see how Pearson has also been contributing to this cause – now with the launch of this new test, which will help more people to gain work and student visas and access a world-class education in the UK. The UK hosts the second largest number of international higher education students in the world, many of whom are Egyptian. PTE is a great addition to the options available for these students, and we look forward to strengthening our educational partnership with Egypt still further.”

Tests are delivered through the Pearson VUE test center network. Pearson VUE’s network of test centers have implemented proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, readily available hand sanitiser, increased sanitisation 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.

This new location brings Pearson’s worldwide total of UKVI approved locations to over 190.  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, 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 in 2019, before the pandemic. The test is already accepted by the UK, 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:

1. Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high-quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.

2. More information on PTE can be found at https://www.pearsonpte.com/.

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 https://home.pearsonvue.com/.

5. 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.

6. For more information on the UK Home Office Visa and Immigration process as well as the other test providers, visit the UK government website.

On November 25th 2020, Pearson–the world’s learning company hosted a virtual launch of its PTE Secure English Language Test (SELT) in Nigeria. These tests have been approved by the UK Home Office and are used for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes. 

SVP for English Assessment 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.

Monk is excited about launching this product in the African continent and believes that this test will help many Nigeriens broaden their horizons and apply for opportunities in the UK. “The process is simple and brilliantly designed, interactive and most importantly a true reflection of one’s language ability. We look forward to growing on the continent.”

At the virtual launch, Ozhan Toktas, Pearson’s MD for Africa and the Middle East provided an overview of Pearson and the role the education institution will be playing in Africa going forward. He was joined by Monk who discussed the value of Pearson PTE. Alongside her, Pearson Head of Market Development Assessment, Muna Mazhar provided insights on UKVI SELT. Before the final Q&A, Deputy High Commissioner Ben Llewellyn-Jones reiterated the importance of these tests and assessments from a UK perspective.

Tests are delivered through the Pearson VUE test centre network. Pearson VUE’s network of test centres have implemented proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, readily available hand sanitiser, increased sanitisation 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 centres.

Monk says, “We continue to see high demand from test takers who want to book and deliver PTE as a Secure English Language Test, especially when it comes to applying for a UK Visa and Immigration purposes.”

This new location brings Pearson’s worldwide total of UKVI approved locations close to 150. Monk says this will help meet customer demand and give Nigerians more choice of test locations as they look to move to the UK to work, study or live.

Pearson’s Secure English Language Tests (SELT) 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. View more information about Pearson.

• 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 centres 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. View more information about Pearson VUE.

• 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

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