Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), a new English language test developed in collaboration with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), will debut on October 26, the partners announced Tuesday.
In 2006, GMAC began working with Pearson to develop a test to more accurately measure the English language skills of students. This computer-based test includes speaking and voice recording capabilities; score reports sent to schools will include a 30-second audio clip of the test taker’s speech.
“We are delighted to be working with Pearson, the world-wide global leader in publishing and assessment for education, on such an innovative exam, one that will define world class. We consistently hear from universities that no test today provides an accurate measure of a prospective student’s speaking ability,” said David A. Wilson, president and CEO of GMAC.
“Schools have a real need for a language assessment that measures the skills needed for successful class participation and group work, critical elements in graduate management education programs around the world.”
John Elliott, vice president and dean of Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, City University of New York, says enabling admissions committees to listen to a recorded speech sample will help accurately identify whether an applicant truly is proficient in English. “This element is critical in making difficult admission decisions,” he says.
“We also like its innovative design and other capabilities — and we know that it will be administered with the same high standards of security that characterize the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) — ensuring us that the test taker and the applicant for admission are the same person.”
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