New computer-based measure of English language ability available to test takers

Pearson, one of the worldwide global leaders in technology and assessment for education, has launched Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the company’s new computer-based academic test of English language proficiency.

The test, which launched on October 26 2009, measures the English language skills of non-native English speakers who are seeking admission to institutions where English is the language of instruction. PTE Academic is endorsed, and the preferred test, of the Graduate Management Admission Council^® (GMAC^®), owner of the GMAT^®.  

The test, which has been recognised, or is in the process of being recognised, by more than 900 programmes around the globe, including more than 100 institutions in the UK, uses Pearson’s proven automated scoring technologies to provide a test that accurately measures the English-language listening, reading, speaking and writing abilities of non-native speakers.

The new test serves the growing need of universities to measure the English-language proficiency of students from countries around the world seeking to study at English-speaking institutions. The test was developed through worldwide field tests involving more than 10,400 international students.

"Pearson has been teaching English around the world for a long time, and the Pearson Test of English is another step to widen and deepen our work in that area," said Marjorie Scardino, chief executive officer, Pearson plc. "This innovative computer-based test is designed to give schools and employers a lot more to go on a lot more quickly when they're trying to decide whether a candidate is ready to learn in English or work in English.  We hope that will help both sides of that equation realise their goals – and help the world become a little closer in the bargain."

PTE Academic is delivered through the company's global network of secure testing centres. During the launch period, the test will be available in a minimum of 20 territories including China, Taiwan, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, India and Canada, with the number of centres offering the test continuing to grow over the next year. Test takers can register and schedule their test online at a date and time that suits them. PTE Academic is competitively priced in each market and prices in the launch countries range from $150 to $210 USD.

To prepare for PTE Academic, test takers can visit www.pearsonpte.com/resources where a variety of test preparation materials are available. An official scored online practice test is available for test takers to predict how they will score on the actual test. As a special introductory offer, the scored practice test can be purchased for $20 USD (RRP $45 USD). In addition, there is an unscored practice test and a free test tutorial demonstrating each of the 20 integrated and often innovative question types.

To celebrate the launch of the test Pearson are offering English UK member centres the chance to win some fantastic prizes. For more details about the test and to enter the prize draw, member centres should log on to the members’ area of the English UK website and click on the PTE Academic advertisement.

Pearson are also offering students the chance to win a PTE Academic test – students should click on the PTE Academic advertisement on the students' area of the English UK website for more details.