LONDON, Jan. 30,
2024 /CNW/ -- 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 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 immigration to Canada.
Media contact
Media@pearson.com
SOURCE Pearson