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PTE (Pearson Test of English) Core is a two-hour computer-based English proficiency test for immigration and employment purposes, particularly for individuals looking to relocate to Canada. This computer-based English test assesses your general speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in a single test. You can take this test in a small, friendly test center environment in just two hours.
Let's examine this PTE core test in more detail.
The PTE Core is a computer-based English test to measure speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills in a single test. The PTE exam is used for immigration and residency applications to a number of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It is also used for UK visa applications, professional registration, and university admissions. The type of PTE exam varies by country and the purpose of your application.
The PTA Core assessment test consists of three parts: English Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. The following are the details of each format.
The PTE Speaking and Writing test section is the first phase where you analyse your speaking and writing skills in around 50 minutes. You will be tested on your speaking and writing abilities, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.
Questions Asked in the PTE Speaking Test:
Personal Introduction
Read Aloud
Repeat Sentence
Describe Image
Respond to a Situation
Answer Short Question
Summarise Written Text
Write Email
Tips: The Personal Introduction helps you get used to the PTE test system and prepare for speaking and listening. It doesn’t affect your score and is just for practice. You’ll get 25 seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to record your response. You can record only once.
PTE Core: Reading Test Format
The PTE Reading test part of the test takes about 30 minutes and includes five question types. Because PTE Core is an integrated skills analysis, one question type ('Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks') also checks writing skills.
Questions Asked in the PTE Reading Test:
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Reorder Paragraph
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
| Task |
Read the text and choose the correct answer. You can select only one option.
|
| Text Length | Up to 110 words |
| Skills Tested | Reading |
| Time | Not applicable |
How to Answer in the PTE Reading Test?
Read the passage carefully.
Choose the correct answer from the options. (Only one option will be correct)
Click to select or change your answer.
Your chosen option will appear in yellow.
PTE Core: Listening Test format
PTE Listening Test is approximately 30 minutes long and contains seven different question types. The questions are based on video or audio clips, which start to play automatically. You need to hear each clip once. Then you are allowed to take notes.
Questions Asked in the PTE Listening Test:
Summarise Spoken Text
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Select Missing Word
Highlight Incorrect Words
Write from Dictation
| Task |
You need to listen to a recording. Then write a (20-30-word count) summary.
|
| Prompt Length | 45-75 seconds |
| Skills Tested | Listening and writing |
| Time | 8 minutes |
How to Answer in the PTE Listening Test?
For the PTE listening test, you need to listen to an audio recording and write a 20–30-word count summary. You have 8 minutes, and the audio plays only once. Check the word count to make sure your summary is 20–30 words. You can also use cut, copy, and paste while writing.
You can enhance your confidence and prepare for the PTE Core by:
Free practice materials included in the PTE Core are:
The PTE Core test uses AI to score each section—Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening on a scale of 10 to 90. The following are the details on how AI scoring works.
Receive your results, usually within 48 hours.
Share your scores with any institution, including the IRCC, for free.
Get detailed feedback through a personalised Score Report.
Understanding how each question is scored can help you decide how to attempt the questions for the best result. Here’s how PTE Core questions are evaluated:
Read the PTE Core Score Guide to learn more about scoring for each question type
If you take the PTE Core for a Canadian visa, you need to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for one or more language skills. CLB is the standard used to measure the language ability of adult immigrants planning to live and work in Canada.
Below is a table showing how PTE scores correspond to CLB levels, helping you know the scores needed for your migration goals.
| PTE Core | ||||
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| 10 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 89–90 | 90 |
| 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 84–88 | 88–89 |
| 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 76–83 | 79–87 |
| 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 68–75 | 69–78 |
| 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 59–67 | 60–68 |
| 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–58 | 51–59 |
| 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 42–50 | 41–50 |
| 3 | 18–27 | 24–32 | 34–41 | 32–40 |
Reminder: Always check the IRCC website for official requirements before taking your test.
The PTE Core is a two-hour, computer-based English proficiency test specifically designed for Canadian immigration and employment. This examination evaluates your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, with results available within 48 hours, by an AI scoring. With the help of an expert trainer, you can achieve the best results and gain the PTE certification.
