PTE – the "fair and flexible" way of English-proficiency testing
Pearson Education is the latest to enter the world of English Language Proficiency Tests. PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic has been vouched as ‘Fair, Fast and Free of Fraudulence’. In an effort to promote PTE, Pearson has partnered with leading global education consultants, The Chopras, in India to widen the reach of its centres.
In an exclusive interview to Shiksha.com, Alaric Rae, business development director of PTE Academic, and Naveen Chopra, co-founder and spokesperson of The Chopras, talk about the USPs of PTE.
Q. What is PTE Academic and what is its relevance for students?
Tens of thousands of students go out every year for global education. English language is a necessary prerequisite for these students – both for university admissions and visa evaluation. PTE is an English Language Test that assesses the English language ability of a student applying for overseas study. It is a relatively new test, launched in 2009. Candidates opt for the more common tests like IELTS and TOEFL. Naturally, most of the dates are booked quickly. As a result, one can miss out on important dates. PTE, on the other hand, is easily available.
For the students, it’s about easy choice and accessibility with our quick test-taking and results option. The entire test-result cycle can take only seven days. PTE Academic results are typically available within five business days of taking the test. Moreover, the student can take the test on a very short notice. Student’s visa/admission won’t suffer. It’s the smart solution.
Q. What is the current status and international recognition for PTE?
PTE is a new entrant, but getting increasing traffic. We offer reliable and valid tests. Our computer-based test focuses on practical English used in real life. The number of universities accepting PTE across the world is fast increasing. We are working hard towards more universities accepting our test. Currently, there are 18 centres across India. In partnership with the Chopras, two more test centres have been added in Delhi and Bangalore and we’ll be opening more centres across India.
Q. How well is PTE placed as compared to other international tests for English?
About 100% institutes/universities in Australia and 96% in the UK are accepting our test. The number of universities accepting PTE in US and Canada is also fast increasing.
A staggering 60,000 Indian students are going out every year in countries like UK, US, Australia and Canada. More and more students are taking the test. More test centres add to the ease of students, who can take the exam from more centres whenever they want.
Q. What is the USP of PTE?
For a student, it’s fast and fair. Our advanced computer-based evaluation system ensures quick turnaround time with trustworthiness. We also offer flexibility and high frequency in test taking. PTE Academic is available on daily basis.
For the university, it’s about high level of reliability and security. Test fraud is a major issue. Pearson employs high measures of biometric system and CCTV camera during the test. Both the Delhi and Bangalore centres have standards commensurate with the global testing centres.
