Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, has announced two major changes to its English language proficiency exam, PTE Academic, in terms of allotted time and accessibility that are deemed beneficial for both test-takers and institutions.
The industry-leading, high-stakes English language proficiency exam, which used to have a duration of three hours, has been shortened into two hours, effective from November 16, 2021. While there is less time that test-takers can consume, this change provides an improved experience while not disregarding the accuracy of the test.
Key Takeaways:
- Pearson shortened the then-three-hour PTE Academic test to two hours.
- The exam follows the same format, types of questions, and scoring scale with just fewer questions.
- Pearson also launched the PTE Academic Online, designed for test-takers who want to take the exam in the comfort of their homes.
Pearson has not made any changes to the overall format, types of questions, and scoring scale; the PTE Academic test contains fewer questions instead, which allows candidates to still prepare for the exam in the same way.
The learning company has also assured candidates that the shorter PTE Academic test is accepted by more than 3,000 higher education institutions worldwide, and by the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand for both immigration and visa purposes.
Aside from the time compression, Pearson has also introduced PTE Academic Online, the same proctored examination but executed online, which is designed for test-takers who prefer to sit the test remotely, from the comfort of their own home.
This new online version of the PTE Academic will also be available from November 16, 2021, which means that candidates will also have two hours to take the exam and will follow the same format and scoring system.
PTE Academic Online uses Pearson’s online proctoring solution, OnVUE, which does a simple check-in process, utilizes highly secure ID verification tools, face-matching technology, and a live proctor. The online version requires test-takers to have a reliable internet connection, a computer with a webcam, and a quiet and conducive environment where they can take the exam.
Pearson has highlighted that although the online version of PTE Academic is the same as the traditional one, it is not currently valid for migration or visa purposes.
The company has also asked the candidates to check the universities they are applying for if they are accepting the online version of PTE Academic prior to booking the test.
According to Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President, English Language Learning of Pearson, they have rolled out a shorter PTE Academic test and an online version to help test-takers in their journey in moving overseas to study at their chosen university.
PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online are delivered through Pearson VUE’s global network of test centers and OnVUE, its online proctoring solution.
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