PTE Core scores & results
Understand the PTE Core 10-90 score scale, how skill scores are reported, and how Core results map to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) used by Canadian immigration routes.
IRCC / Pearson PTE Core equivalency chart, January 2024. A programme minimum is met only when every skill reaches that level.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | Listening89–90 | Reading88–90 | Speaking89–90 | Writing90 |
| CLB 9 | Listening82–88 | Reading78–87 | Speaking84–88 | Writing88–89 |
| CLB 8 | Listening71–81 | Reading69–77 | Speaking76–83 | Writing79–87 |
| CLB 7 | Listening60–70 | Reading60–68 | Speaking68–75 | Writing69–78 |
| CLB 6 | Listening50–59 | Reading51–59 | Speaking59–67 | Writing60–68 |
| CLB 5 | Listening39–49 | Reading42–50 | Speaking51–58 | Writing51–59 |
| CLB 4 | Listening28–38 | Reading33–41 | Speaking42–50 | Writing41–50 |
| CLB 3 | Listening18–27 | Reading24–32 | Speaking34–41 | Writing32–40 |
A Core report holds an overall, four skill scores and two codes, and IRCC uses only the skill scores.
Pearson’s PTE Core Score Guide describes the report as an overall score and four communicative skill scores, each on the 10–90 scale, with a Score Report Code. Pearson’s help centre adds an IRCC Unique Reference Number on Core reports, which you enter on the visa application form. The Skills Profile is online only and sits outside the report.
To share the result, give IRCC the Score Report Code or send it from myPTE: open the test under My activity, choose to share results, search for IRCC and confirm. IRCC opens the report through Pearson’s secure portal, so a PDF copy is not proof. The PTE for Canada page walks through each step.
Key points
Every skill must reach the CLB level a programme asks for, and the result must still be valid when you apply.
IRCC converts each of the four skill scores to a CLB level using the chart above. A programme minimum is met only when every skill reaches it, so one weak skill fails the minimum however strong the others are. The Core score calculator applies the same chart to your practice scores and shows which skill sets your level.
For Express Entry, IRCC says results must be less than two years old when you create the profile and again when you submit the permanent residence application. A result close to expiry can pass the first check and fail the second. For citizenship there is no expiry date at all, and IRCC asks only for speaking and listening.
Key points
The shape of the test behind a PTE Core score report, per Pearson.
Each PTE Core test has between 52 and 67 tasks across 19 task types, per Pearson’s PTE Core page.
PTE Core takes around two hours and is split into three sections, per Pearson.
Pearson’s Score Guide says the overall is not an average of the four skill scores. IRCC reads the four skills, not the overall.
Current Pearson and IRCC policy for planning application deadlines.
Most Core results arrive within two business days and some take up to five, depending on processing times (Pearson). Results flagged for extra review can take longer.
Results must be less than two years old when you create the profile and again when you apply for permanent residence (IRCC). Expired results at application are refused.
Applicants aged 18 to 54 need CLB 4 in speaking and listening: PTE Core Speaking 42+ and Listening 28+ (IRCC). IRCC accepts them even after Pearson’s two-year validity ends.
Turn the report into a decision instead of a single overall number.
IRCC’s official chart maps each skill separately: CLB 9 is Listening 82–88, Reading 78–87, Speaking 84–88 and Writing 88–89; CLB 8 is Listening 71–81, Reading 69–77, Speaking 76–83 and Writing 79–87; CLB 7 is Listening 60–70, Reading 60–68, Speaking 68–75 and Writing 69–78.
No. IRCC reads each of the four skill scores against the CLB chart individually, so a strong score in one skill cannot make up for a weak score in another when a programme sets a minimum. Comprehensive Ranking System points are still earned skill by skill.
Applicants aged 18 to 54 need CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening only, which means PTE Core Speaking 42+ and Listening 28+. Citizenship sets no expiry date on language test results, so include a copy even after Pearson’s two-year validity has passed.
