Exciting Enhancements to Pearson PTE Academic: What Students Need to Know

At King's Institute, we’re committed to helping students achieve their dreams of studying and living abroad. One of the most trusted English proficiency exams for global education and migration is the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic—and it’s getting even better.

Starting August 7, 2025, Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world leader in lifelong learning, is introducing major enhancements to the PTE Academic. These updates are designed to make the test more relevant, secure, and reflective of real-world communication skills.

What’s New in PTE Academic?

🗣️ Two New Speaking Tasks

The updated test will include:

• Respond to a Situation – Test takers will reply to a realistic prompt, simulating how they would communicate in real-life scenarios.

• Summarize a Group Discussion – A task designed to assess the ability to listen, understand multiple viewpoints, and clearly express key ideas.

These tasks aim to measure real-world speaking abilities—critical for both academic and professional success.

🤖 Improved Scoring System

Pearson is upgrading its scoring model by combining the power of advanced AI and human expert review. This helps to:

• Detect copied or unoriginal responses more accurately

• Provide a fairer and more secure testing experience

In addition to Describe Image and Retell Lecture, the content scores for Write Essay, Summarize Written Text, Summarize Spoken Text and the two new tasks will also be provided by a human. This means that memorized or template answers will not get a score now.

📚 New Preparation Resources

To help candidates adapt to these changes, Pearson is releasing:

• Scored practice tests

• Expert-developed courseware

• Webinars with PTE specialists

• Updated video content for test preparation

These resources are designed to build confidence and boost performance on test day.

What Remains the Same?

Despite the updates, the core features of PTE Academic remain unchanged:

• Fully computer-based and primarily AI-scored

• Results delivered quickly—usually within 48 hours

• Recognized by over 3,500 institutions and widely accepted for study, work, and migration purposes

Growing Global Test Center Network

Pearson has opened 30 new test centers in 2025, bringing the total to 517 centers worldwide. Countries like Canada, Australia, China, India, and Vietnam have seen the most growth—making it easier than ever for students to find a test center near them.

Why This Matters for Our Students

Sharon Hague, President of English Language Learning at Pearson, stated:

“We’re investing in the future of assessment. Our enhanced test design and security ensure institutions can trust the results while empowering learners to showcase their real-world communication skills.”

At King’s Institute, we understand how critical these tests are for your future. That’s why we always keep you updated with the latest changes and provide full support to help you succeed.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're planning to take the PTE Academic test for studying in Australia, UK, Canada, or any other top destination, now is the time to start preparing. With Pearson’s new resources and our expert guidance, your success is just a step away.

Contact King’s Institute today to learn more about PTE coaching, updated preparation materials, and registration assistance.