PTE Academic is a high stakes test accepted by the Australian, UK, and New Zealand governments for visa purposes. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts PTE Academic for all visa applications, including Permanent Residency, Employer-Sponsored/Work Visas, and Student Visas. There is also wide recognition of the test by Australian universities for study, as well as by professional associations and state government departments for work and migration.
NEAS was pleased to assess and endorse PTE Academic in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community. Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.
PTE Academic has undergone rigorous construct validity from the inception of the test. Three main features stand out as examples of best practice in test design. First, a regime of item writer training to a standardised set of item specifications is clearly evident. In addition, a comprehensive, logically sequenced network diagram is deployed to ensure that a detailed quality assurance process is maintained before test items go live. Finally, initial pilot testing is carried out to compare test scores of native and non-native speakers, which further validate the test. In both approach and design, Pearson takes great care in guiding test users and candidates. In addition, the reliability of scoring in the speaking component (human versus machine) is well-informed. The inclusion of expansive data sets to inform machine scoring is impressive. PTE Academic exemplifies a high degree of efficiency in both design and implementation, ensuring a streamlined product for industry stakeholders. All elements of the test can be taken online, both in an official PTE test centre or remotely via online proctoring.
March 2023
