For non-natives wishing to study or work abroad in an English-speaking country, it’s likely you will be required to pass an English proficiency test before your application is even considered.
But which test should you take?
IELTS and TOEFL have traditionally been the way to go, however, recent years have seen a new player dominate the English testing market. Launched in 2009, the Pearson Test of English Academic (or PTE Academic) is rapidly becoming a favourite amongst students and migrant workers – and for good reason.
What is PTE Academic?
PTE Academic was created to provide institutions with the most accurate, comprehensive and efficient measure possible of a candidate’s English communication skills. It is entirely computer-based and conducted in a single session lasting three hours.
The test consists of three sections:
Part 1: Speaking and Writing (77 – 93 minutes)
Part 2: Reading (32 – 41 minutes)
Part 3: Listening (45 – 57 minutes)
What gives PTE Academic the edge against other English tests is its integrated score system. The questions test often assess more than one ‘communicative’ skill (listening, speaking, reading and writing) or ‘enabling’ skill (grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse), making for a more all-rounded exam that better reflects real-life scenarios.
Why are more test takers choosing PTE Academic?
Let’s take a look at the major advantages of PTE Academic:
1. Flexible test dates
There are over 200 authorised centres in over 50 countries, each operating for 365 days a year. Tests can be scheduled with only 24 hours’ notice, making it suitable for busy lifestyles.
2. Globally recognised
PTE Academic is accepted for study applications by thousands of academic programs worldwide, and approved by the Australian and New Zealand Governments for all student visa and migration applications. Institutions in many popular destinations are continuing to grow their recognition of PTE Academic, expanding opportunities for studying, working and living abroad.
You can browse the full list of organisations that accept PTE Academic here.
3. Unbiased scoring system
All responses (including speaking) are assessed by computer, and for a lot of people this takes away the stress of having to speak with a human examiner. As all answers are encoded online and assessed with artificial intelligence, predetermined guidelines are used score your English abilities. Hence, there will be zero chance of errors or biases in your results.
4. Fast results
Nobody likes waiting for their test results. With PTE Academic, score reports are typically available within 5 business days or less – significantly quicker than other tests in the same market. This makes it ideal for candidates trying to make admissions deadlines.
5. Unlimited score referrals
PTE scores are valid for a period of two years. In that time, candidates are free to send their score reports to an unlimited number of institutions via their secure online account, without paying an extra penny.
Why us?
As an official partner of Pearson, For You Education(慧理教育) is fully equipped to help you achieve your goals within a set timeframe – depending on your schedule and learning needs.
Our PTE Academic preparation classes are taught by expert tutors trained by Pearson on the ins-and-outs of the exam. You will be guided every step of the way and given a toolkit of practical, fail-safe strategies for all sections. Each lesson will incorporate a range of real-life exam questions for students to practice on, as well as the opportunity to take a mock test.
Interested? Please contact us for more information about PTE Academic or to book a course today!
