Pearson enhances English language testing portfolio with new express test and additional speaking assessments

Education and assessment giant Pearson has announced updates to its English language testing portfolio including enhancements to the Pearson Test of English and the launch of a new express test.

Launching in August, the Pearson Test of English will include two new speaking tasks: Respond to a Situation, and Summarize a Group Discussion. The additional tasks aim to assess how test takers communicate in real-world situations. 

Scoring on the new assessments will use advanced AI as well as human experts to detect copied or unoriginal responses.

Pearson has also introduced new preparation resources to help students including scored practice tests, expert courseware, video content and test taker webinars.

In response to demand, Pearson is also launching the Pearson English Express Test, an online assessment that takes just one hour to complete. The test can be taken at any time and in any place, offering an alternative to those without access to a test centre.

Results for the express test will be provided within minutes and a certified report delivered in less than 48 hours. The test will be made available in Q4 in Brazil, Mexico, the U.S., Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

Pearson says the updates are a response to growing demand from universities for secure and accurate English proficiency testing. 

"As English becomes ever more important for global education, careers, and migration, we are investing in the future of assessment,” explains Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson. 

“We know that English tests must reflect the skills people need to thrive in academic and professional settings and deliver results institutions can trust when the stakes are high. We're responding with enhanced test security and new tasks that better reflect real-world communication. And because these are life-changing moments for test takers, we're providing new preparation tools to help them feel confident and ready on test day."