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 | |
|---|---|
| Test length | About 2 hours |
| Parts | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
| Topics | Everyday and workplace English |
| Where | Pearson test centre only (not at home) |
| Score | 10–90 per skill, converted to CLB levels by IRCC |
| Results | Usually within 2 working days (up to 5) |
| Fee in India | ₹18,900 incl. GST (from 16 March 2026) |
| Accepted for | Canada 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
- 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.
- 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
| Part | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Speaking & Writing | 50–65 minutes | Everyday speaking and writing tasks, including writing an email and responding to situations |
| Part 2: Reading | 27–37 minutes | Everyday and workplace texts |
| Part 3: Listening | 22–37 minutes | Everyday 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
- Confirm which PTE test your university or visa route names before you book.
- Create a myPTE account on Pearson's website with your name exactly as in your passport.
- Choose the test, your city and test centre, then a date and time.
- Pay online and keep the confirmation email.
- 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.
