PTE Core
Pearson's IRCC-approved English test for economic immigration — computer-delivered with fast scoring.
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Who it's for
Applicants exploring a computer-based alternative to IELTS or CELPIP.
IRCC reminder
Use PTE Core for Express Entry (not PTE Academic). Confirm score conversion to CLB before you save CRS inputs.
Official booking & info
How this test is scored
- PTE Core uses automated scoring from 10 to 90 for each communicative skill (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
- IRCC publishes fixed score ranges for each CLB level; the ranges differ by ability (writing and speaking thresholds are not identical).
- PTE Academic is a different product and is not used for Express Entry economic programs — book PTE Core specifically.
CRS & Express Entry
- Compare your four skill scores to the IRCC table; your profile is only as strong as your lowest converted CLB among the four.
- Results are typically available quickly, which helps if you are retesting before a two-year expiry.
CLB conversion — PTE Core
Each ability converts separately. IRCC equivalency charts · CRS calculator uses the same tables.
| CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
| 9 | 84 – 88 | 82 – 88 | 78 – 87 | 88 – 89 |
| 8 | 76 – 83 | 71 – 81 | 69 – 77 | 79 – 87 |
| 7 | 68 – 75 | 60 – 70 | 60 – 68 | 69 – 78 |
| 6 | 59 – 67 | 50 – 59 | 51 – 59 | 60 – 68 |
| 5 | 51 – 58 | 39 – 49 | 42 – 50 | 51 – 59 |
| 4 | 42 – 50 | 28 – 38 | 33 – 41 | 41 – 50 |
Compare tests — CLB 7 vs CLB 9
Side-by-side raw scores for common Express Entry targets (not a single overall test score).
CLB 7 — raw scores by test
| Test | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CELPIP-General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| PTE Core(this page) | 68 – 75 | 60 – 70 | 60 – 68 | 69 – 78 |
CLB 9 — raw scores by test
| Test | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CELPIP-General | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| PTE Core(this page) | 84 – 88 | 82 – 88 | 78 – 87 | 88 – 89 |
Other tests IRCC accepts
Want to try a different approved test? Compare formats and book when ready.
Canadian PRLedger is a free tracking and calculator tool — not a law firm, not an RCIC practice, and not affiliated with IRCC. These guides summarize public program rules for planning purposes only. For case-specific advice, speak with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.