Pearson's PTE Academic Test Accepted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE

LONDON, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

PTE Academic test gives universities increased confidence in the English language skills of new students

Pearson announced today that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recognised its English language test, PTE Academic.  The MoHESR is the Federal Government's quality assurance agency responsible for promoting educational excellence across higher education institutions in the UAE. The accreditation of PTE Academic by the MoHESR will ensure UAE students with a valid PTE Academic score will be accepted into undergraduate and post-graduate courses at the UAE's three government universities.

The test also provides assurance to universities that the students they are admitting can effectively communicate in the English language in an academic environment and will have a higher chance of academic success. PTE Academic score reports show the achievements of test takers in the four key communication skills, listening, reading, speaking and writing, as well as the enabling skills of grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and written discourse. Test takers are provided with information on their performance on each section of the test so that they can improve their skills in specific areas if needed.

PTE Academic has been a popular choice among students around the world who need to take an English language test, because of the test's fast turnaround times - from booking the test to receiving results - and because it prepares students to use their English skills in an academic setting.

The accreditation of PTE Academic by the MoHESR will allow universities to employ an English language test that streamlines and enhances the admissions process and assists university staff in making faster and better-informed decisions about the students they admit.

Pearson's PTE Academic test has achieved esteem amongst learning institutions around the world because of its reliability, objectivity, relevance and importantly, its security. Pearson's state-of-the-art biometrics ensure the security of the entire testing process. Score reports are viewed and downloaded via Pearson's secure online verification system and only score reports viewed via Pearson's online website are guaranteed to be authentic. Security features of PTE Academic are the latest available, and include palm vein scanning, the use of electronic signatures and CCTV recording throughout the testing process.

Pearson is known throughout the Gulf region for its commitment to providing the very latest in learning technology that is relevant to the needs of learners in this part of the world. Pearson's regional president, Ms Christine Ozden said of the MoHESR approval of the test:

"Pearson is delighted that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has recognised the benefits of PTE Academic. The accreditation of the test will allow hopeful university entrants throughout the UAE to undergo a test that is known around the world for its fairness, ease of use, reliable results and advanced security measures, which are some of the most sophisticated on offer. I am proud to say that the test also has significant advantages for the universities who rely on it to determine who they allow into their institutions. These universities can be confident that they are using a test that has been utilised by some of the world's most prestigious learning institutions and government agencies."

Notes for editors:

About PTE Academic

PTE Academic is owned and administered by Pearson, the world's largest learning company, which is made up of some of the globe's best known and respected education brands including Dorling Kindersley, Penguin, Edexcel and the Financial Times.

PTE Academic is accepted by the UK Border Agency for Tiers 1, 2 and 4 and spouse visa applications and by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for student visa applications. PTE Academic is endorsed by the prestigious Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®), owner of the Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®). 

Globally, approximately 3,000 renowned colleges, universities, training providers and professional associations accept PTE Academic scores, and the test is recognised by 95 percent of higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. PTE Academic is accepted by the UK Border Agency and by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship

For a full list of institutions recognising Pearson PTE Academic, please visit: http://www.pearsonpte.com/whoaccepts 

To book a test or for more information visit http://www.pearsonpte.com, alternatively, you can follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/pearsonpte  or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pteacademic

About Pearson

At Pearson, we take learning personally. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. Our education imprints combine 150 years of experience and include online support for every learner.  We provide education and assessment services in over 75 countries, helping change the lives of millions of people every year. Our innovative and dynamic digital learning products and services are changing the learning landscape all around the globe and our qualifications are positively transforming the futures of learners of all ages and backgrounds. To find out more, visit http://www.pearson.com .