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PTE (Pearson)

PTE Core preparation

Pearson's general English test for Canadian permanent residence, citizenship and work permits

Updated 24 Oct 2026

Test length

About 2 hours

Skills

Listening, reading, writing, speaking

Results

Usually within 2 working days (up to 5)

Our batches

At the centre, morning or evening

About PTE Core

PTE Core is the general, non-academic PTE test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It covers speaking, writing, reading and listening using everyday and workplace situations.

It is for immigration, not admission. Students heading to a Canadian college or university take PTE Academic; graduates applying for permanent residence or a post-graduation work permit may need PTE Core later.

Quick facts

PTE Core quick facts
PTE Core
Test lengthAbout 2 hours
PartsSpeaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
TopicsEveryday and workplace English
WherePearson test centre only (not at home)
Score10–90 per skill, converted to CLB levels by IRCC
ResultsUsually within 2 working days (up to 5)
Fee in India₹18,900 incl. GST (from 16 March 2026)
Accepted forCanada Express Entry, citizenship and PGWP

Who should take it

  • Applicants for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry and other economic programmes
  • People applying for Canadian citizenship
  • Graduates applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) where a language test is required

Commonly accepted for

  • Canada Express Entry (CLB levels)
  • Canadian citizenship
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit

How it differs from the other tests

  1. 01

    PTE Core vs PTE Academic

    Core uses everyday topics and is accepted only for Canadian immigration. Academic is for university admission and other countries' visas.

  2. 02

    PTE Core vs IELTS General Training

    Both are accepted by IRCC. Core is fully computer-based; IELTS Speaking is face to face.

Test format

PTE Core format
PartTimeWhat you do
Part 1: Speaking & Writing50–65 minutesEveryday speaking and writing tasks, including writing an email and responding to situations
Part 2: Reading27–37 minutesEveryday and workplace texts
Part 3: Listening22–37 minutesEveryday conversations and talks

Scoring

  • Scores from 10 to 90 for each skill; IRCC converts them to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
  • CLB 7 needs Reading 60, Writing 69, Listening 60 and Speaking 68 (the lowest score in each CLB 7 range).
  • CLB 9 needs Reading 78, Writing 88, Listening 82 and Speaking 84.

How to book

  1. Confirm which PTE test your university or visa route names before you book.
  2. Create a myPTE account on Pearson's website with your name exactly as in your passport.
  3. Choose the test, your city and test centre, then a date and time.
  4. Pay online and keep the confirmation email.
  5. After the test, send your score to institutions free of charge from myPTE.

PTE Core costs ₹18,900 including GST in India from 16 March 2026 (confirm in myPTE).

How we prepare you

  • A computer-based diagnostic mock first, so you see how integrated scoring affects each skill.
  • Headset practice in a room with other voices, because that is what the test centre is like.
  • Speaking drills for fluency and pronunciation: steady pace, no long pauses, natural stress.
  • Spelling and typing drills for Write from Dictation, Fill in the Blanks and summaries.
  • Full timed mocks every week, with a review of the question types that cost you the most marks.
  • No score guarantees: we help you prepare well and track your progress honestly.

Plan your PTE Core dateWe match your batch to your university or visa deadline and track your progress with timed mock tests.

Preparation tips

  • Check the CLB level your programme needs and convert it to PTE Core scores per skill.
  • Writing scores need to be higher than other skills for the same CLB level, so give it extra time.
  • Practise email writing in a clear, polite workplace tone.

Batch dates

Choose a start date and timing. A counsellor calls to confirm the batch and fee.

Upcoming batches

  • IELTS Academic · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
  • IELTS General Training · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 6:30–8:30 pm
  • IELTS for UKVI · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 5:30–7:30 pm
  • PTE Academic · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
  • PTE Academic UKVI · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
  • PTE Core · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
  • Spoken English · At the centre · morning 7:00–8:00 am or evening 6:00–7:00 pm
  • Interview Preparation · Live online · morning 9:00–10:00 am or evening 8:00–9:00 pm

PTE Core: frequently asked questions

Can I use PTE Core to apply to a Canadian university?

No. Universities and colleges need PTE Academic. PTE Core is for immigration.

What PTE Core score is CLB 7?

Reading 60, Writing 69, Listening 60 and Speaking 68, according to IRCC's equivalency charts.

Can I take PTE Core at home?

No. PTE Core is taken at a Pearson test centre.

How long are results valid for IRCC?

IRCC accepts results up to 2 years old on the day you apply.

How much does it cost in India?

₹18,900 including GST from 16 March 2026.

Sources

#YouInspireUs

Stories from our students and parents

#AcademicsSample
ft. Student nameIELTS Academic

#1 Student name

IELTS Academic · Academics

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Talk to our counsellor

Tell us what you're planning. A counsellor will call you, free of charge, and help you with the next step.

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