Pearson launches Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). This is a computer based test of English language proficiency in India.

Students who seek admission to English medium institutions can test their English language skill by taking this test. This test will be available from November, 2009. Chennai has been given the status of pilot centre for the test in India.

The first test will take place at Pearson VUE test centre in Chennai on November 2, 2009. More than 800 programmes worldwide have recognized the test as Pearson’s have proved time and again that their scoring technology is far the best, measuring English-language listening, reading, speaking and writing abilities of non-native speakers.

The test can act as a requirement not only for higher education institutions but also government departments and other organizations that require academic English.

Marjorie Scardino, chief executive officer, Pearson plc said, “Pearson has been teaching English around the world for a long time, and the Pearson Test of English is another step to widen and deepen our work in that area. This innovative computer-based test is designed to give schools and employers a lot more to go on a lot more quickly when they're trying to decide whether a candidate is ready to learn in English or work in English. We hope that will help both sides of that equation realise their goals - and help the world become a little closer in the bargain.”

Students can take the test at their own time and date, all they have to do is book a slot online. The fee for India will be US$60.