University of San Francisco Recognizes Pearson Test of English Academic for Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions

Jesuit School Renowned for Student Ethnic Diversity and International Student Enrollment

SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK - Sept. 22, 2009 - The University of San Francisco (USF), one of the country’s most diverse universities, announced today that it will recognize Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the company’s computer-based English language test that measures the English language proficiency of candidates for admission who are non-native English speakers. USF, a Jesuit University founded more than 150 years ago, is recognized for its student ethnic diversity and international student enrollment.

Commenting on the university’s decision to recognize PTE Academic, Michael Hughes, USF’s Director of Undergraduate Admission and Assistant Dean, Academic and Enrollment Services, said, “We initially considered PTE Academic for applicants to our graduate programs in the School of Business and Management, since the test is being developed and offered to students in collaboration with Graduate Management Admission CouncilŪ (GMACŪ). But the more we learned about Pearson and PTE Academic, the more we believed it would be beneficial university-wide for undergraduate and graduate admission purposes.”

Pearson combined the power of international test development, in-depth research and proven, proprietary automated scoring technologies to develop PTE Academic. The test will fill a critical need by accurately measuring the English language Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing abilities of non-native speakers.

PTE Academic will deliver real-life measures of test takers’ language proficiency to universities, higher education institutions, government departments and other organizations requiring academic-level English. The test is designed to predict more efficiently the ability of test takers to function in an English-oriented academic environment.

Hughes continued, “In addition to offering international applicants another option to verify English proficiency, we like the fact that once PTE Academic test takers identify institutions where they wish their scores to be submitted, the recognizing institutions will be able to access test results online; scores are secure and available within five business days. We also felt that PTE Academic may be more widely available than other standardized English tests and/or available in areas where the other tests are not.”

“It is an honor for PTE Academic to be recognized by USF, an academic institution with a truly global vision, for both undergraduate and graduate admissions,” said Mark Anderson, President, Pearson Language Tests. “As the list of colleges and universities recognizing our new test of English language abilities continues to grow, we are excited to begin working with these institutions in the near future as PTE Academic becomes available for test takers around the world.”

PTE Academic will be available to test takers on Oct. 26, 2009. For more information, contact usreco@pearson.com or visit usreco@pearson.com or visit www.pearsonpte.com

About Pearson Language Tests

Pearson Language Tests (PLT) is part of Pearson plc. PLT developed PTE Academic in collaboration with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, reaches and engages today’s digital natives with effective and personalized learning, as well as dedicated professional development for their teachers. This commitment is demonstrated in the company’s investment in innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. The company’s respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley, Benjamin Cummings, PEMSolutions, Stanford 10, SuccessNet, MyLabs, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker and many others. Pearson’s comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student at every level of education. Pearson’s commitment to education for all is supported by the global philanthropic initiatives of the Pearson Foundation. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, visit www.pearson.com

For more information, press only:

Rod Granger, Pearson, 800-745-8489, rod.granger@pearson.com