The journey of Prep, a smart learning and test preparation platform, began with IELTS preparation classes taught by Tu Pham. During the training process, the founding team recognized that not all learners had access to quality language learning programs. Many students traveled long distances for classes, while learning materials and practice environments were limited and unsuitable.

Given this reality, Tu Pham and his team decided to establish Prep, aiming to apply technology to broaden educational access for learners. In 2021, the platform officially launched with online language learning and test preparation programs, designed to make each student feel as if they had a dedicated teacher by their side.

Doi ngu sang lap va nhung nhan su gan bo tu ngay dau thanh lap Prep. Photo: Prep

After 5 years of development, Prep has expanded its product ecosystem to include courses and test preparation programs for IELTS, TOEIC, HSK, and VSTEP, along with the PrepTalk conversational English course. The platform has supported over one million learners, accumulating approximately 113 million hours of study, and helping over 6,000 learners achieve high scores in language exams.

Alongside the growth in user base, Prep has expanded its operations internationally, now present in 5 countries and territories. These milestones provide a foundation for the company to continue investing in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the learning experience for users.

Continuous AI application to enhance language learning experience

When it launched in 2021, Prep focused on building an online language learning and test preparation platform with a system of lectures, exercises, mock tests, and tools to support personalized learning paths. During operation, the development team realized that language learning extends beyond content, requiring learners to practice regularly and receive timely feedback to improve their proficiency.

From 2022, Prep began to intensify its application of AI into its products with the introduction of Prep AI virtual speaking room. This feature allows learners to practice speaking and receive evaluations based on actual scoring criteria. At a time when few personalized AI solutions supported speaking practice, the product quickly garnered interest from the language learning community and became a prominent feature of the platform.

In subsequent years, Prep continued to launch the Prep AI virtual writing room, interactive video lectures, TOEIC speaking and writing pathways, and various features to support learners during practice.

By 2024, the company further expanded into Chinese language training with Prep HSK and developed PrepTalk, a platform for conversational and business English learning.

A company representative stated that the Prep AI system is built on over 30 specialized AI models, trained with 18 million learning data points and deep learning from over one million teacher reviews. Consequently, its grading, correction, and feedback capabilities achieve accuracy comparable to examiners, based on evaluation criteria for language certificates.

These product innovation efforts are reflected in user learning outcomes. According to company statistics, over 90% of learners show improvement in their studies when learning with Prep. This also serves as the basis for Prep to continue pursuing its strategy of applying AI and personalizing the learning experience in the next development phase.

Achieving a series of domestic and international awards

Since its establishment, Prep has consistently made its mark on the edtech map through numerous awards and recognition from reputable organizations.

This year, Prep became one of the platforms selected by IDP to implement an AI-powered IELTS mock test solution for candidates before the official exam. Concurrently, the company was honored by British Council with an outstanding growth award in the East Asia region.

Ong Tu Pham - CEO & Founder Prep - dai dien cong ty nhan giai thuong Top 10 Sao Khue 2025. Photo: Prep

Previously, Prep was also recognized with a series of domestic technology awards: Top 10 Sao Khue 2025 in the education and training sector, and a Silver Award at the Make in Vietnam Digital Technology Product Award 2024. These accolades partly reflect the market's recognition of efforts to apply technology and AI in language learning and test preparation.

Entering its next development phase, a Prep representative stated that the company will continue to invest in research and technology development, especially in AI and personalized learning experiences. As technology drives significant changes in education, the company expects smart learning solutions to help learners access language acquisition more effectively and flexibly.

(Source: Prep)