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 centres 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 centres in the country supports Pearson’s aim to increase the reach of our centres 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 centres 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 centres 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 centre 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 sanitiser, increased sanitisation in high touch areas, and the 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 centres.
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 an Overseas Business applications. It tests speaking and listening skills.
There are now more than 190 UKVI approved PTE centres 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.
COMMENTS