Pearson opened bookings on 30 January 2024 for PTE Core, a new English test for people applying to move to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved the test in 2023, and the first tests could be taken from 12 February 2024.
Key facts
- Announced 30 January 2024
- First tests 12 February 2024
- Approved by IRCC (approval given in 2023)
- Use Permanent economic immigration and citizenship in Canada
- Format About two hours, at a test centre
What PTE Core is for
PTE Core is accepted as proof of English for permanent economic immigration to Canada and for Canadian citizenship. It is a general English test, unlike PTE Academic, which is designed for university study. PTE Academic is not the test to book for IRCC economic immigration.
Format and results
The test is computer-based, takes about two hours and is taken at a test centre through Pearson VUE. It covers speaking, listening, reading and writing. Scoring is done by AI, calibrated and reviewed by human raters, and results usually arrive within two days on average. Biometric data is collected for security. At launch, it was offered across more than 400 PTE centres in 118 countries, including 25 in Canada. Pearson’s announcement did not state a price.
What this means
If you are applying through Express Entry or another economic immigration programme, PTE Core is one option alongside the other IRCC-designated tests. Check the language level your programme needs, usually expressed as a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, and confirm on IRCC’s site how PTE Core scores convert before booking. Make sure you book PTE Core and not PTE Academic. Check the fee for your country on the PTE website, and compare dates and centres with the other approved tests.