Global English proficiency insights for business leaders

Samantha Ball
Business people sat together smiling around a laptop
Reading time: 2 minutes

Are you ready to harness the power of English to drive your business forward? At Pearson, we are proud to announce the release of the  Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024, drawing upon extensive data to illuminate the state of English language skills worldwide. This report is meticulously crafted to equip business leaders with essential insights for informed decision-making.

Download the full report

The report analyzes approximately 750,000 Versant by Pearson test results, which were collected across more than 100 countries and encompass all major regions. Using our Global Scale of English, this report underlines key language trends pivotal in shaping global business dynamics.

English proficiency report insights
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Key global findings

1. Remarkable testing surge yet steady scores

English language testing has rocketed, amplifying fivefold since 2020. This surge, especially visible in sectors such as IT Business process management (IT-BPM) and Business process outsourcing (BPO), underscores English’s expanding significance in international business. Even with this testing boom, average scores remain consistent, highlighting a considerable and proficient global talent pool.

2. Pronounced regional developments

While global scores are maintained, cohorts in regions such as Africa and Europe have made noteworthy strides in English-speaking proficiency. These improvements mirror the escalating demand for robust English skills within these international workforces.

3. An upswing in writing proficiency

English writing skills are now reaching new heights. The surge in online written communication, driven by post-pandemic dynamics, might be a catalyst for this upswing. Be it in North America's strategic onshore hiring or Egypt's burgeoning BPO sector, writing proficiency is on the rise.

4. Strategic focus on L&D and hiring

Regions such as Asia Pacific, China, the Middle East, and Central Asia are integrating English as more than merely a hiring ingredient. Here, businesses are increasingly propelling language strength through dedicated training programs.

5. Industry-specific proficiency variability

Industry insights showcase crucial skills gaps and opportunities. The communications sector excels in verbal skills, while sectors like telecom show balanced proficiency across speaking and writing—each sector's unique requirements profile opportunities for refined training strategies.

Explore regional trends in more detail

Unlock a world of regional intelligence with our dedicated market analyses. From India’s emphasis on voice-based testing to Egypt’s ascent as a BPO powerhouse, our report takes you through the unique growth factors and challenges in key markets—India, the Philippines, Japan, Colombia, Egypt and Europe.

Get access to these insights and more by downloading the full report.

Download now

Connect with our legacy

For a comprehensive view of evolving language trends, revisit our earlier reports here:

Equip your enterprise with cutting-edge insights and secure a competitive edge in the world of global communication. Download the Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024 today and leverage Pearson’s English language testing and learning suite to support your business growth.

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