10-90
Score scaleEach skill and the overall result are reported on the same 10-90 scale used across PTE.
PTE Core scores & results
PTE Core scores, results, and CLB mapping
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.
PTE Core to CLB conversion table (official)
The official IRCC / Pearson equivalency chart. IRCC reads each skill against its own range — there is no averaging, so your CLB profile is capped by your lowest skill.
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
Key takeaways
PTE Core reports an overall score and four skill scores on a 10-90 scale.
Canadian routes use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), so Core scores are planned against a target CLB.
Use the Core score calculator to estimate where current practice sits against your CLB goal.
Read Core results as a plan, not just a number
A PTE Core result is most useful when it changes your next study block. Read the skill scores, not just the overall number, and decide which Core tasks need work before you book or rebook the real exam.
- Read skill scores, not just the overall
- Tie each gap to specific Core tasks
- Re-test after focused practice, not before
Map Core scores to your target CLB
Canadian immigration programs express English requirements in CLB levels. Use the PTE Core score calculator to estimate where your current practice sits against a target CLB, then prioritise the skill that is holding the CLB back.
- Set a target CLB from your route
- Estimate current standing with the Core calculator
- Prioritise the skill blocking the CLB target
How PTE Core scoring works
The numbers you need before reading a Core score report or planning a CLB target.
4 skills
Skill scoresListening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing are reported as individual skill scores.
CLB
Planning frameCanadian routes use the Canadian Language Benchmarks, so Core scores are planned against a target CLB.
Core results and validity
Current Pearson and IRCC policy for planning application deadlines.
~2 business days
ResultsCore results typically arrive within 2 business days, and up to 5 at busy times.
2 years
Validity (immigration)IRCC accepts PTE Core results up to 2 years old for economic immigration routes.
CLB 4+ in S & L
CitizenshipFor citizenship, IRCC sets no expiry on language test results — the requirement is CLB 4+ in speaking and listening (PTE Core Speaking 42+, Listening 28+).
Reading your PTE Core score report
Turn the report into a decision instead of a single overall number.
1
Note the overall score and each of the four skill scores.
2
Compare each skill score with the CLB level your route requires.
3
Find the lowest skill and the Core tasks that feed it.
4
Plan one focused practice cycle before re-testing.
Frequently asked questions
How do PTE Core scores convert to CLB levels?
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 L71–81, R69–77, S76–83 and W79–87; CLB 7 is L60–70, R60–68, S68–75 and W69–78.
Does IRCC average my PTE Core scores?
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.
What PTE Core score do I need for Canadian citizenship?
Citizenship requires CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening only, which means PTE Core Speaking 42+ and Listening 28+. For citizenship applications, language test results never expire.