Everything You Need to Know About Pearson Test of English (PTE) for Immigration to Canada

In January 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved the Pearson Test of English (PTE) as a recognized English test for Canadian immigration.

Proving your English proficiency is one of the requirements for immigrating to Canada. The IRCC requires aspiring immigrants to take standardized language tests to assess an applicant’s English skills.

While most know about the IELTS and the CELPIP, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) provides applicants another option.

The PTE is an entirely computer-based test that assesses your everyday English skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It is widely used for academic purposes, professional registration, and, in some countries, like Canada, for immigration and visa applications. It is done in a testing centre and takes two hours to complete.

Pearson Test of English Versions

There are several versions of the test, such as the PTE-Core, PTE-Academic, and various UK Visa tests.

PTE-Core is the test you must take to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada.

PTE-Academic is generally used for education purposes or if you apply for a work or migration visa for Australia or New Zealand.

Pearson Test of English

The PTE-Core is $340 plus tax.

Pearson Test of English-Core Format

Unlike the IELTS and CELPIP, the PTE-Core is divided into three parts. Speaking and Writing comprise the first part, while Reading and Listening make up the other two.

While there are three parts, there are some question types that integrate multiple skills, as you will see below.

Speaking and Writing

Speaking and Writing are integrated into one part of the PTE Core. It takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour and has seven different question types:

• Personal introduction: Helps you get familiar with the PTE test technology
• Read aloud: Read a text of up to 60 words.
• Repeat sentence: Listen to a sentence and repeat it.
• Describe image: See an image and describe it in detail.
• Respond to a situation: Answer a question after listening to and reading a description of a situation.
• Answer short question: Provide a short response after listening to a question.
• Summarize written text: Summarize a 200-word text in 25 to 50 words.
• Write email: Read a 100-word text and respond by writing an email.

Reading

The reading part has five different question types and can be completed in 30 minutes.

• Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks: Complete a 200-word text and select the correct words from drop-down boxes.
• Multiple choice, multiple answers: Answer multiple-choice questions (can select multiple answers) after reading a text of up to 275 words.
• Reorder paragraph: Arrange random text boxes in the correct order.
• Fill in the blanks: Complete an 80-word text by selecting words from a provided list.
• Multiple choice, single answer: Answer multiple choice questions (just one answer) after reading a text of up to 110 words.

Listening

The listening part has six sections and takes around 30 minutes:

• Summarize spoken text: Write a 20 to 30-word summary after listening to a recording.
• Multiple choice, multiple answers: Answer multiple choice questions (can select multiple answers) after listening to a recording.
• Fill in the blanks: Complete a transcript by listening to a recording.
• Multiple choice, single answer: Select the best summary after listening to a recording.
• Select missing word: Identify the missing word after listening to a recording.
• Highlight incorrect words: Highlight words in a transcript that differ from what you hear.
• Write from dictation: Type what you hear from a recording.

PTE-Core Scoring

Each section is scored on a numerical scale of 10 to 90.

All PTE tests, including PTE Core, are evaluated by a computer using advanced scoring technology, which guarantees a fair and accurate result.

There is no human examiner involved in your test, which reduces the possibility of human bias. This ensures that only your English skills are being assessed, allowing you to feel confident in your results.

PTE-Core Results and Validity

Results will typically be available in 48 hours and will be sent to you via email.

Like the IELTS and CELPIP, your PTE-Core score is valid for up to two years. This means that you must submit your immigration application within 24 months of the release of your test results.

Where can I take the PTE-Core test?

You can take the PTE-Core in 25 testing centres across Canada, including 10 in Ontario. Of these, five are located in the Greater Toronto Area.

What PTE-Core score do I need to immigrate to Canada?

Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to evaluate the English proficiency of immigration applicants.

For Express Entry, the required minimum level and number of points you will earn depends on the program you are applying for. There is a corresponding CLB level for each PTE-Core score.

• For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you will need a minimum CLB Level 7.
• For the Canadian Experience Class program, those who are working in TEER 0 or 1 occupations will need a CLB Level 7, while those who work in TEER 2 or 3 occupations must obtain a minimum CLB Level 5.
• For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must obtain a CLB Level 4 for Writing and Reading and a CLB Level 5 for Listening and Speaking.

Below is a breakdown of the PTE-Core scores corresponding to each CLB level and its level descriptor, via Pearson PTE:

While there are minimum required scores, aiming for higher scores in each component can improve your chances of a successful application. The higher your score for each component, the more points you will earn for your application.

Get in Touch with Nihang Law

If you have any questions or further clarifications regarding the Pearson Test of English, language requirements, or any other immigration-related concerns, Nihang Law’s immigration lawyers are here to help and guide you through the entire process.

Our law firm offers personalized consultations to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you understand all the requirements and steps involved.

Contact us today at (416) 321-0353 or e-mail info@nihanglaw.ca to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward your Canadian dream.