The PIE: How has uptake grown since launch?
CR: We are a new test in the market; we only have been around for two years, starting from a zero base. We are really pleased with the uptake of the test and we have rapidly built up acceptance including high-level endorsement from the UK Border Agency and now DIAC [Australian immigration department] for student visa purposes.

The PIE: Is the security a key selling point?
CR: Yes, this is a key area of concern for institutions and government bodies. Test takers and agents are also interested in other aspects of the test. For test takers, it’s all about ‘can I register quickly and easily, can I take the test quickly, I want to get my results quickly’. PTE Academic is a popular choice, particularly because of the availability of our test sessions and the speed at which we return test scores. We are able to offer far more sessions and the test taker gets their results within 5 business days, versus say 13 days for similar tests, so a much faster cycle. Agents like this because at the end of the day they can process the applications far more quickly.

The PIE: Are you trying to positively reach out to more education agents as partners?
CR: We are, yes. Agents are very important in terms of student choice – students will visit an agent not only to get advice on which country or which institution to apply to, but also to find out where language testing is mandatory and which English test they may take. Similarly, each agent wants also to make sure that the test taker has the very best opportunity to get the score they need. We are working close with them, giving them the information they need and demonstrating how we can help them shorten the time it takes to process an application. We take a partnership approach with agents, working with them to ensure there are test sessions when and where they need them.

The PIE: Is that something which is new?
CR: It is new. And I think it is something we can offer that competing tests can’t. Competing tests are often based on fixed test sessions and dates through the year. We can potentially test on-demand.

“We announced our strategic partnership with New Oriental Education & Technology Group”

The PIE: What does being a Professional Partner mean?
CR: We want to create a partnership as the name suggests and we want education agents to develop their own business by working with Pearson and offer them a variety of benefits such as discounted vouchers and test preparation materials that they can offer to their clients.

The PIE: How are these business relationships developing?
CR: The landscape for providers of secure English language testing has changed drastically in the last few months. For example, we recently announced our strategic partnership with New Oriental Education & Technology Group (NOS), the largest test preparation provider in China that will see PTE Academic preparation courses offered in major cities across 2012.