Pearson Advances English Language Assessment with Enhanced PTE and New Express Test - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

14-07-2025

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announces updates to its English language testing portfolio. These include enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the launch of the Pearson English Express Test, bringing new advances in secure, accurate, and trusted assessments. Together, they demonstrate Pearson's commitment to improving the testing experience for governments, universities, and test takers worldwide.
With over 30 million expatriates in the Middle East, English fluency is becoming essential for career and economic advancement. Driven by demand for international education, global job mobility, and digital transformation, the region is placing growing emphasis on English proficiency.
According to Pearson, 85% of learners believe English is vital for professional growth, and in Saudi Arabia, fluent speakers can earn up to twice as much as their peers. In response, regional stakeholders are ramping up efforts to deliver effective language training, digital learning solutions and standardized assessments for the future workforce.
Enhancements to the Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Starting in August 2025, PTE Academic will introduce two new speaking tasks: 'Respond to a Situation' and 'Summarize a Group Discussion'. These additions precisely assess how test takers communicate in real-world situations, demonstrating key skills needed for academic and professional success.
The scoring model is also being enhanced, with advanced AI working alongside human experts to better detect copied or unoriginal responses.
To help test takers perform at their best, Pearson has introduced new preparation resources tailored to the enhanced PTE Academic, including scored practice tests, PTE expert courseware, test taker webinars, and video content.
Trusted fundamentals remain
The core features of PTE remain: it is fully computer-based, primarily AI scored, and delivers fast results, typically within two days. The test continues to be trusted by more than 3,500 institutions and millions of learners worldwide.
Growth in global test center network
PTE's secure test center network continues to expand worldwide, with 30 centers opened so far in 2025, bringing the total to 517 locations. New openings across Canada, China, Australia, India, Vietnam, and 12 other countries are supporting growth in key migration and study abroad markets.
In the UAE, leading universities including the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah already accept PTE Academic as part of their admissions process.
Introducing the Pearson English Express Test
Responding to demand for a trusted, accessible test for US-bound learners, Pearson is launching the Pearson English Express Test, a new online assessment to expand access to secure testing.
The one-hour test can be taken anytime, anywhere, offering an affordable alternative for those without access to a test center. Results are available within minutes, with a certified report delivered in under 48 hours.
Meeting university needs
The Pearson English Express Test addresses the growing demand from universities for secure and accurate English proficiency assessments. Institutions can set scores using Pearson's Global Scale of English (GSE) proficiency scale and receive results through the same secure platform used for PTE Academic.
Universities will receive samples of written and spoken responses for added assurance. Security features leverage Pearson's 30 years of expertise, and include identity and equipment checks, human oversight, and dual-camera monitoring of the test environment.
Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, said: 'Across the Middle East, demand for high-quality English language assessment is growing rapidly as learners pursue global education, career, and migration opportunities. We are investing in the future of assessment. We know that English tests must reflect the skills people need to thrive in academic and professional settings and deliver results institutions can trust when the stakes are high. We're responding with enhanced test security and new tasks that better reflect real-world communication. And because these are life-changing moments for test takers, we're providing new preparation tools to help them feel confident and ready on test day.'
Helping more learners take the next step
Pearson's latest investments meet the different needs of governments, institutions, and learners worldwide, as part of an ongoing programme of innovation and development.
Enhancements to PTE Academic take effect from 7 August 2025, with further information available on our website.
The Pearson English Express test will be available from Q4 in Brazil, Mexico, the US, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, with additional markets to follow in 2026.