Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
Under Canada's skilled worker immigration programs, candidates need to demonstrate their language proficiency in either English or French.
Immigrations candidates usually only take an English test, due to how commonly spoken the language is. The three English exam options now accepted by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training exam, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) exam, and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core exam. The purpose of this page is to provide you with an overview of the PTE Core test.
Note that the PTE Core test can be used for all Canadian immigration pathways, except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
About the PTE Core
The PTE Core test contains three core modules: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. The entire test is conducted in under two hours, and is computer-based. Pearson says that test results can typically be obtained two days after the test is taken. The test is scored with a combination of AI and human scorers.
Speaking and Writing
The speaking and writing component of the test is the longest section of the entire test, lasting approximately 50 minutes. This section contains seven different question types, and tests English phrases and ability that one might encounter in an everyday environment.
Reading
The reading section of the PTE lasts roughly 30 minutes and contains five types of questions centred around everyday reading ability in English. Due to the fact that the PTE Core is an integrated skills test, one of these question types will also assess writing skills.
Listening
The listening section of the test lasts approximately 30 minutes, and contains seven different question types. The questions within this section are based on audio or video prompts, which will begin to play automatically once a test-taker moves to each question. Test takers are only allowed to hear each audio or video clip once. Notes are allowed for this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
All applicants to a Canadian skilled worker immigration program that wish to demonstrate their language proficiency in English must take either the PTE Core, IELTS General Training, or the CELPIP exam.
Free online materials, including courses, practice tests, tips and more are available at the official PTE webpage.
The answer depends on what immigration path you are pursuing. The PTE Core is now accepted for all immigration pathways to Canada, except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
The PTE Academic in instead accepted for the SDS. Immigration candidates should take special care to note which test and what score is needed to fulfil the requirements of their chosen program.
Test takers can choose from over 400 PTE test centers in over 117 countries—with limited options for online testing as well.
PTE's official webpage also features a search tool, which can be used to find the closest centre to them.
Though the costs can vary depending on which location the test is taken in, the PTE Core on average costs $340 CAD.
The PTE Core consists of three sections which cumulatively last 1 hour and 50 minutes. Due to administrative measures and to give test takers some leeway between sections, the total time of the test is 2 hours.
Pearson's website indicates that test-takers can usually access their score within two days from the time of writing the test.
Contact us for Assistance
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