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PTE Core for Canada

PTE Core to CLB: score chart and converter

CLB 9 on PTE Core is Listening 82, Reading 78, Speaking 84 and Writing 88; CLB 7 is 60, 60, 68 and 69. IRCC converts each skill on its own row of the official Pearson equivalency chart, so your level is set by your lowest skill, never by the overall score. The full chart, a converter and what each level unlocks are below.

Convert your scoresFree PTE Core mock test
CLB 9 on PTE Core
82
Listening
78
Reading
84
Speaking
88
Writing

Every skill must clear its own line. IRCC does not average the four scores; the lowest skill sets the level.

PTE Core to CLB: minimum score per skill

IRCC / Pearson PTE Core equivalency chart, January 2024. Each skill is converted on its own row; a CLB level is reached only when every skill clears its minimum. Ranges run up to the next level’s threshold minus one.

CLB levelListeningReadingSpeakingWriting
CLB 10Listening89Reading88Speaking89Writing90
CLB 9Listening82Reading78Speaking84Writing88
CLB 8Listening71Reading69Speaking76Writing79
CLB 7Listening60Reading60Speaking68Writing69
CLB 6Listening50Reading51Speaking59Writing60
CLB 5Listening39Reading42Speaking51Writing51
CLB 4Listening28Reading33Speaking42Writing41
CLB 3Listening18Reading24Speaking34Writing32

How IRCC reads the chart

IRCC does not read a PTE Core overall score. It converts each of the four skills using the equivalency chart above and treats the result as four CLB levels, and every programme rule and points calculation uses those four levels separately. A candidate with Listening, Reading and Speaking at CLB 9 and Writing at CLB 8 has a CLB 8 profile for any rule that requires CLB 9 in all skills, and earns CLB 8 points for Writing.

The thresholds are not symmetrical. Writing needs the highest PTE score at every level and Listening the lowest, so a candidate whose four PTE scores are similar usually finds Writing sets the ceiling. That is why most Express Entry preparation on PTE Core is writing practice: Write Email, the two summaries and dictation spelling.

Key points

  • Four separate conversions, no averaging, no overall
  • The lowest skill sets the profile level
  • Writing thresholds are highest; Listening lowest

Where the levels matter in Express Entry

Express Entry ranks candidates with the Comprehensive Ranking System, and language is one of its largest factors, with points awarded per skill at each CLB level from 4 upwards and rising steeply through 7, 8 and 9. Reaching CLB 9 in every skill also unlocks additional points for combinations with education and Canadian work experience. IRCC accepts PTE Core, IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General for Express Entry, requires results less than two years old both when the profile is completed and when the application is submitted, and does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake.

For citizenship the requirement is CLB 4 in speaking and listening only, and language results used for citizenship never expire.

Key points

  • Points per skill per level; CLB 9 everywhere is the competitive target
  • Results under 2 years old at profile and at application
  • Citizenship: CLB 4 speaking and listening, no expiry

Turning a CLB target into a plan

Take the level your target points need, read the four PTE Core scores off the chart, and add a margin of three or four points per skill for test-day variation. Sit a full Core mock and compare the four gaps; the Core calculator does the conversion and headlines your lowest skill. Then practise the tasks that feed that skill. Results arrive within days, so a retest after a focused four- to six-week cycle is practical, and up to twelve sittings are allowed in twelve months.

Key points

  • Convert the target, add a margin, mock, read the lowest skill
  • Practise the tasks that feed the lowest skill
  • Retest after a focused cycle; results within days

What each level is used for

LevelWhere it matters
CLB 10Where it mattersMaximum first-language points in Express Entry; PTE Core Listening 89, Reading 88, Speaking 89, Writing 90
CLB 9Where it mattersThe common competitive target: a large step up in Express Entry points, and the threshold for some Canadian Experience Class and provincial streams
CLB 8Where it mattersWhere language points begin to rise sharply; often the floor for skilled streams
CLB 7Where it mattersMinimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and many provincial nominee streams
CLB 5–6Where it mattersMinimums for some trades and provincial streams; check the specific programme
CLB 4Where it mattersCanadian citizenship: speaking and listening only, Speaking 42 and Listening 28 on PTE Core; results never expire

Related

Frequently asked questions

What PTE Core score is CLB 9?

Listening 82–88, Reading 78–87, Speaking 84–88 and Writing 88–89 on the IRCC equivalency chart. Every skill must clear its own threshold; the overall score is not used.

What PTE Core score is CLB 7?

Listening 60–70, Reading 60–68, Speaking 68–75 and Writing 69–78. CLB 7 is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and many provincial streams.

Does IRCC average the four PTE Core skills?

No. IRCC converts each skill separately and the lowest skill decides the level for any rule that requires a minimum in all skills. Three skills at CLB 9 and one at CLB 8 is a CLB 8 profile for such rules.

Which English tests does IRCC accept for Express Entry?

PTE Core, IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General. PTE Academic is not accepted for Express Entry, and IELTS One Skill Retake results are not accepted either.

Where does this chart come from?

The IRCC and Pearson PTE Core equivalency chart published in January 2024, which is the chart IRCC applies to PTE Core results.

Ready to turn this into practice?

Convert a mock result, read the lowest skill, and practise the tasks that feed it.

Convert your scoresFree PTE Core mock test