PEARSON PTE LAUNCHES SECURE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING IN SAUDI ARABIA
The centers will provide better choice and accessibility to study abroad aspirants
KSA, August 04, 2021: Pearson-the world’s learning company, hosted a virtual launch of its PTE Secure English Language Test (SELT) in Saudi Arabia. These tests have been approved by the UK Home Office and are used for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes and the company now has four centers across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam offering the PTE. Out of these, Riyadh center is able to provide UKVI tests for candidates currently.
Ipek Aydin, Head of PTE for the Middle East & North Africa said: “The number of students in KSA aspiring to study abroad is increasing and English language proficiency exam plays a crucial role in providing a pathway to enable them to do so. The establishment of more UKVI test centers in the country supports Pearson’s aim to increase the reach of our centers across KSA to offer easy, local access to a globally recognized, fast, and reliable English language proficiency test for immigration and study abroad opportunities. We are committed to delivering a world-class experience to our test takers and will continue to build a robust network of test centers across the country.”
Commenting on the launch, Neil Crompton, British Ambassador for Saudi Arabia said: “I am pleased that the Pearson Test of English Secure English Language Test, approved by UK Visas and Immigration, is now available in Saudi Arabia. This is a great addition to the options already available for those applying for UK work visas, students, and graduates who choose to work or look for work on the new UK graduate visa route, further enhancing the UK and Saudi Arabia’s relationship in the education space.”
These centers are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facility security measures and will increase accessibility for a fast, flexible, secure, and unbiased exam for test-takers to ascertain their English language skills to work, settle or study abroad.
The language tests will be delivered through Pearson VUE’s test center network. Pearson VUE has implemented a number of proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, adhering to local social distancing requirements, readily available hand sanitizer, increased sanitization in high touch areas, and regular disinfection of testing workstations (completed between each test taker). These measures support the safety of both testing candidates and staff. Face masks are required at all Pearson VUE-owned test centers.
Pearson’s SELT tests are as follows:
PTE Academic (UKVI) – a four-skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills.
PTE Home – a two-skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications as well as Sportsperson and Representative of Overseas Business applications. It tests speaking and listening skills.
There are now more than 190 UKVI approved PTE centers across the globe. Test takers should click here to keep up to date on the latest approved locations.
For more information on the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration process click here.
