English language testing for people applying to work, live or study in the UK

Kathmandu, May 24.  Pearson, the world’s learning company, has announced that people looking to work or live or study in the UK can now start to book PTE tests in a number of locations worldwide to help them prepare for this move.

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.”