Searching for the best English test can be challenging with so many options available. How do you choose the one that suits your needs?
At Pearson, we provide a range of leading English tests, including PTE Academic and the PTE Express. Both tests are tailored for specific goals, supported by decades of experience, trusted by thousands of institutions worldwide, and designed to help you achieve success.
Let’s break it down.
PTE Academic: For global study and migration
PTE Academic is a leading English proficiency test designed for students and professionals seeking to study or migrate internationally. Recognized by over 3,500 universities and government bodies worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK. It offers global acceptance.
Test center delivery: Conducted at official Pearson VUE centers for secure and reliable testing.
Comprehensive format: A 2-hour exam assessing all four language skills with 20 question types.
Global recognition: Perfect for applications related to study, work and migration in various countries.
Trusted reputation: Accepted by top universities such as Harvard and Yale, as well as governments worldwide.
If you are applying to multiple countries or require a recognized English test for visa purposes, PTE Academic is the ideal choice.
PTE Express: For fast, flexible US Study
The PTE Express is a fast, reliable, and flexible online English proficiency test specifically designed for students applying to universities in the USA. Take the test securely from home, without the stress of travel arrangements or appointments.
100% online: Conveniently complete the test from anywhere, at any time.
Quick results: Receive unofficial scores within minutes and official certified results in just 48 hours.
Affordable: Priced at a fixed $70 USD, regardless of your location.
Smart scoring: Utilizes AI technology and remote security review to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Student-focused: Measures real-world academic readiness in just one hour.
This test is the ideal choice for students seeking a quick, secure and recognized English assessment for US university applications.
Why Pearson tests stand out
Discover why Pearson tests are the top choice for English assessment:
Trusted expertise: With over 30 years of education leadership, Pearson is recognized worldwide for research, innovation and global partnerships.
Comprehensive support: Access clear score guides, preparation materials and a dedicated support team to help you succeed.
Reliable security: Pearson tests are designed with robust security measures, ensuring your results are accurate and trustworthy.
Which English exam should you choose?
Your goal
Your test
Studying or migrating globally?
PTE Academic
Studying in the USA only?
PTE Express
Need a test center experience?
PTE Academic
Need results fast?
PTE Express
Applying to multiple countries?
PTE Academic
Need to take your test today, with results in 48 hours?
PTE Express
Prepare for your English test with Pearson
Planning to study in the USA or pursue global opportunities? Pearson offers a range of English tests tailored to your goals.
Select your English test today and confidently move forward on your path to success.
PTE Academic is a high-stakes English proficiency test accepted for global study, work, and migration, while the PTE Express is a faster, online test designed mainly for US university admissions. Both are powered by Pearson’s trusted AI technology, but they serve different goals.
Both tests are accepted by recognized institutions, but for global study options (including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK), PTE Academic is the preferred choice.
If you’re applying to universities in the USA, the PTE Express is widely accepted.
Yes. The PTE Express is 100% online, so you can take it anytime, anywhere, with no need to travel to a test center. All you need is a quiet space, a computer with a webcam, and a stable internet connection.
PTE Academic: Results are typically available within two business days. PTE Express: You’ll get unofficial scores in minutes and official results within 48 hours.
PTE Academic: Prices vary by country, depending on local test center fees. PTE Express: Fixed at $70 USD worldwide, offering an affordable and convenient testing option.
If you’re applying for migration or visa purposes in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or Canada, choose PTE Academic. It’s officially approved by these governments for visa applications.
Adults often spend over half the workday on "busywork" plus hours each week on email: long study sessions aren’t realistic. But busy schedules don’t have to stop your progress in English. The solution is short, consistent, contextual speaking practice with fast feedback. With the right system, 10–20 minutes a day is enough to build confidence, fluency and clearer pronunciation. This learner-friendly guide shares a step-by-step, time-efficient approach grounded in microlearning and real-life conversation.
Core principle:
Consistent speaking practice improves fluency and pronunciation more than an occasional long study session does, especially when the speaking practice mirrors real situations such as ordering food, joining meetings or interviewing.
Use microlearning to turbocharge your sessions: essentially, focus on one skill only for each session, and keep it under 20 minutes. These powerful, focused and – crucially – short sessions fit rest periods and commutes, making daily practice easier to repeat and track. With exercises like quick role-plays, mini-dialogues and brief listening-then-speaking bursts, practice can be fun and energizing too. Follow our five practice tips and make learning work for your lifestyle.
Teaching large language classes can feel overwhelming, but research and practice consistently show that scale is a design challenge, not an impossible challenge. With intentional course structure, active learning routines and the right technology, instructors can create engaging, rigorous and humane learning environments even in high-enrolment contexts. The strategies below focus on what works at scale.
Challenges of large language classes
A “large class” has no universal definition. In the UK it may begin around 25–30 students; in the U.S., 35+; in many developing contexts, 60 or more. Regardless of the threshold, size amplifies common teaching challenges:
No two teenagers are exactly alike. In every secondary classroom, you'll find a wide range of English proficiency levels, learning styles, motivation and personalities. This diversity brings both challenges and opportunities, especially when teaching mixed-ability classes. By adapting your teaching strategies, you can ensure that all students experience success and remain engaged in their language learning journey.
Here are five practical strategies for teaching mixed-ability secondary students.
