Today the UK Government approved Pearson to open bookings and start delivering Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) in an initial 20 locations, including China. Bookings can be taken at all 20 locations, with 11 of the locations open to deliver testing, and the remaining 9 to open once individual COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

It is expected that all remaining SELT testing locations, including the UK, will become operational in phases during this summer.  

The tests will be delivered through the Pearson VUE test centre network. All operating test centres will continue to follow guidance and notifications from public health officials for preventing the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing, to support the safety of test takers and staff. 

This news comes at a time when many test takers are unable to visit a test centre due to   COVID-19 restrictions.

Freya Thomas Monk, Pearson Senior Vice President of English Assessment, said: “I am pleased that we can now offer PTE at some locations for UKVI purposes. 

“This means people can start to book, and in some cases take PTE as they continue to get ready to come to study, work or live in the UK.

“We advise test takers to check all relevant travel restrictions and health & safety requirements before they do so.” 

Dr Gary A Gates, Senior Vice President at Pearson VUE added: “We are delighted to start providing Secure English Language Tests across our global test centre network.  The fully digital test employs AI technology to offer an impartial and highly accurate test of the English language proficiency of test takers around the world.”

Pearson’s SELT tests are focused on immigration requirements and the details are as follows: 

• PTE Academic (UKVI) - a four skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. 
• PTE Home - a two skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications as well as Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business applications. It tests speaking and listening skills. 

PTE Academic is one of the fastest growing products in Pearson and is a strategic growth priority for the company, posting 17% growth in test volumes last year. The test is already accepted by the Australian and New Zealand governments for all visa applications. It is also accepted by 100% of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 98% of UK universities. 

Notes to Editors: 

Pearson is the world’s learning company with more than 22,500 employees operating in 70 countries. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip learners with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people.

More information on PTE can be found at https://pearsonpte.com/

PTE Home is a new, computer-based English test that supports individuals, families and communities wishing to live, work or stay in the UK on their journey from arrival to settlement. Results are typically available within 48 hours, reducing the stress that can be associated with a long wait for results.

Pearson VUE has been a pioneer in the computer-based testing industry for decades, delivering more than 16 million certification and licensure exams annually in every industry from academia and admissions to IT and healthcare. We are the global leaders in developing and delivering high-stakes exams via the world's most comprehensive network of nearly 20,000 test centres as well as online testing in over 180 countries. Our leadership in the assessment industry is a result of our collaborative partnerships with a broad range of clients, from leading technology firms to government and regulatory agencies. For more information, please visit https://home.pearsonvue.com/

Pearson VUE continues to monitor the situation and make decisions about test centre operations in accordance with government and local authorities. Please check this page often for frequent updates: https://home.pearsonvue.com/coronavirus-update 

Under the UK Home Office commercial agreements Pearson will deliver a) SELT tests for those already in the UK, b) SELT tests for those in the rest of the world. 

For more information on the UK Home Office Visa and Immigration process and the other test providers click here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-applying-for-uk-visa-approved-english-language-tests

For media queries contact Kasia Reardon on 07702 512 312 or kasia.reardon@pearson.com