Pearson language tests


offers various international standardized tests of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. The tests include the Pearson Test of English Academic, the PTE General, and PTE Young Learners. These are scenario-based exams, accredited by the QCA and Ofqual, and are administered in association with Edexcel.

Pearson Test of English Academic

The Pearson Test of English Academic assesses the ability of non-native English speakers to participate in a university-level English language instruction program. It is a computer-based exam that focuses on real-life English used in academic surroundings. The test takers listen to a variety of accents and academic language that they will encounter at English-speaking higher education institutions.
The exam includes an unmarked voice recording of the candidate, which is part of advanced biometric data that should assist institutions in verifying the identity of candidates and should aid them with their admission decisions. The test is a maximum of 2 hours and 15 minutes long, and takers can expect their results to be delivered to them online within 5 working days.
Test scores are reported on the Global Scale of English, a standardised, numeric scale from 10 to 90 that measures English language proficiency more precisely with reference to the widely known set of levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The Pearson Test of English Academic has sections:
SectionDurationContent
Speaking and writing54 – 67 minutes
  • Personal introduction
  • Read aloud
  • Repeat sentence
  • Describe image
  • Re-tell lecture
  • Answer short question
  • Respond to a Situation
  • Summarize Group Discussion
  • Summarise written text
  • Essay
Reading29 – 30 minutes
  • Reading and writing: fill in the blanks
  • Multiple choice: choose multiple answers
  • Re-order paragraphs
  • Multiple choice: choose a single answer
  • Fill in the blanks
    • Listening30 – 50 minutes
  • Summarise spoken text
  • Multiple choice: choose multiple answers
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Highlight the correct summary
  • Multiple choice: choose a single answer
  • Select missing word
  • Highlight incorrect words
  • Write from dictation

    • PTE General

    PTE General or Pearson English International Certificate was developed by Pearson Language Tests, administered by Edexcel, and accredited by QCA.
    In some countries the oral interview is assessed by locally trained assessors, whereas in other countries they are entirely graded in London.
    There are six levels which are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
    CEFR levelPTE GeneralExam time
    C2 Proficient Level 52h55
    C1 Advanced Level 42h30
    B2 Upper IntermediateLevel 32h
    B1 IntermediateLevel 21h35
    A2 ElementaryLevel 11h30
    A1 FoundationLevel A11h15

    PTE Young Learner test

    PTE Young Learners is an English language exams for young children who learning English as a foreign language. They test the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
    PTE Young Learners exams are based around the adventures of the Brown family. The exams are theme based and designed to be fun and motivating. At the lower levels they aim to test how well children can use language structures and at the higher levels how well they can use language to complete communicative tasks. For this reason, the tests use real-life scenarios rather than grammatical exercises.
    The PTE Young Learners were originally developed by the University of London Schools Examination Board in 1982. The Examination Board merged with Business & Technological Council in 1996 to become Edexcel.
    There are four PTE Young Learners levels:
    LevelPTE Young LearnersExam time
    1Firstwords1h
    2Springboard1h
    3Quickmarch1h
    4Breakthrough1h15