Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has delayed the inclusion of the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core) for immigration programs to the early months of 2024. This update comes after Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada originally aimed for a late 2023 introduction of the new English language test for migration.
Understanding PTE Core vs. PTE Academic
It’s important to clear up any confusion between PTE Core and PTE Academic, as many test takers have been confused about the differences between the two tests by Pearson.
PTE Academic is an English language proficiency test used for test takers applying to study at Canadian universities and colleges, with the test being accepted by the IRCC for Student Direct Stream study permits since August 10, 2023.
On the other hand, PTE Core is a new test being developed by Pearson and accepted by IRCC for economic immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Caregivers, Agri-Food Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), Atlantic Immigration Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, and Business Class.
Currently, people wanting to apply for immigration to Canada need to prove their language proficiency in English by taking either IELTS or CELPIP; PTE Core will be a third option available in 2024.
Understanding PTE Core Test Score Equivalency with CLB Levels
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels serve as a benchmark for assessing English proficiency in Canadian immigration. The language requirements for PTE Core and IELTS General Training equivalenced with the CLB levels, are matched in the following table.
CLB Level | IELTS GT Reading | PTE Core Reading | IELTS GT Writing | PTE Core Writing | IELTS GT Listening | PTE Core Listening | IELTS GT Speaking | PTE Core Speaking |
3 | 2.5 | 24 – 32 | 3 | 32 – 40 | 3.5 | 18 – 27 | 3 | 34 – 41 |
4 | 3.5 | 33 – 41 | 4 | 41 – 50 | 4.5 | 28 – 38 | 4 | 42 – 50 |
5 | 4 | 42 – 50 | 5 | 51 – 59 | 5 | 39 – 49 | 5 | 51 – 58 |
6 | 5 | 51 – 59 | 5.5 | 60 – 68 | 5.5 | 50 – 59 | 5.5 | 59 – 67 |
7 | 6 | 60 – 68 | 6 | 69 – 78 | 6 | 60 – 70 | 6 | 68 – 75 |
8 | 6.5 | 69 – 77 | 6.5 | 79 – 87 | 7.5 | 71 – 81 | 6.5 | 76 – 83 |
9 | 7 | 78 – 87 | 7 | 88 – 89 | 8 | 82 – 88 | 7 | 84 – 88 |
10 | 8 | 88 – 90 | 7.5 | 90 | 8.5 | 89 – 90 | 7.5 | 89 – 90 |
PTE Core Score Requirement for Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The language requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry are outlined based on CLB levels:
CLB Level | PTE Core Scores | IELTS Scores |
CLB Level 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs | 60 – 68 in reading, 69 – 78 in writing, 60 – 70 in listening and 68 – 75 in speaking | 6 in each module |
CLB Level 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs | 42 – 50 in reading, 51 – 59 in writing, 39 – 49 in listening and 51 – 58 in speaking | 4 in reading and 5 each in rest of the modules |
What Are The Other English Language Proficiency Tests for Canadian Immigration
As we explore the choices in English language proficiency tests for Canadian immigration, familiar names like IELTS and CELPIP stand out. Recently, PTE Core has been added to this list, further expanding the options for applicants looking to demonstrate their language abilities. Check the ultimate guide to English proficiency tests accepted in Canada.
Amidst these changes, it’s important to highlight that IELTS remains widely popular as a measure of language skills. Many people trust and recognise IELTS General Training as a world-class exam, provides a reliable way for applicants to demonstrate their language skills.
