LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire– Pearson, the global leader in learning, today announced the opening of registration for its latest English proficiency test, including the PTE Core.

The PTE Core received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last year and can now be used as proof of English proficiency for the purposes of permanent economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship.

The first PTE Core test can be conducted starting February 12, including testing centers in Baguio and Makarti, Philippines.

PTE Core is a new addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, sharing many of the unique features of PTE Academic. This is a two-hour computer-based exam administered in a testing center environment that tests four key English skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

The main difference is that PTE Core is relevant for professional test takers, designed with a non-academic, real-world focus. This test was created to meet Canada's specific migration needs and IRCC language proficiency requirements, but can be used to assess the English proficiency of professional test candidates in any country.

“We are excited to launch PTE Core to candidates around the world. This test is designed to test real-world language skills and allows candidates to demonstrate their proficiency and be themselves in English. “Whether people want to work, study or emigrate to Canada, there is a Pearson English proficiency test tailored to their needs,” explained Gio Giovannelli, president of the English learning division at Pearson, in a statement published Thursday (8/2/2024).

Each year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of permanent residents, temporary foreign workers (TFWs), students and visitors. Canada also supports family reunification and the protection of refugees and people at risk. With a greater focus on supporting Canada's economic recovery and post-pandemic growth, IRCC is enhancing its tiered plan to further meet growing demand in the years to come.

With high demand in Canada for professionals in fields such as nursing, engineering and web development, the approval of the PTE Core comes at a good time for candidates and opens up new opportunities for Pearson.

PTE Core was created in response to Canada's economic migration needs. Meanwhile, the PTE Academic has been accepted since August 2023 by IRCC as an approved English proficiency test for all Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications – this test has been recognized by more than 97 percent of universities and 95 percent colleges. in Canada. The UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications. PTE Academic is also accepted by 100% of universities in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, as well as 99% of universities in the United Kingdom.

The fully digital PTE Core tests are administered through Pearson VUE, Pearson's computer-based testing business. The latest AI technology, calibrated and reviewed by human evaluators, is used for assessment and collection of biometric data providing better security measures. This cutting-edge technology ensures the provision of unbiased and highly accurate tests to measure candidates' English language skills.

Test takers can book PTE Core online up to 24 hours in advance, taking advantage of test center slots worldwide throughout the year and receiving test results in an average time of two days.

PTE Core will be deployed across Pearson's existing network of more than 400 PTE centers in 118 countries.

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