Key points
- Express Entry, PGWP and citizenship: PTE Core
- University and college admission: PTE Academic
- A PTE Academic score is not accepted for IRCC economic routes
PTE for Canada
PTE for Canada: PTE Core for IRCC, PTE Academic for study
Canada uses two PTE tests. PTE Core is the IRCC test for Express Entry, the post-graduation work permit and citizenship; PTE Academic is for university and college admission. IRCC reads each skill as a CLB level: CLB 7 is L 60 · R 60 · S 68 · W 69, CLB 9 is L 82 · R 78 · S 84 · W 88, and results must be under 2 years old.
Which PTE test for which Canadian route
IRCC lists PTE Core, not PTE Academic, for economic immigration, the post-graduation work permit and citizenship. PTE Academic is the PTE test for study. Each row was checked on the authority’s own page.
| Route | PTE test | Minimum | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | PTE testPTE Core | MinimumCLB 7 in all four skills | SourceIRCC, Express Entry language test results | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Canadian Experience Class | PTE testPTE Core | MinimumCLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs | SourceIRCC, Express Entry language test results | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | PTE testPTE Core | MinimumCLB 5 in Speaking and Listening; CLB 4 in Reading and Writing | SourceIRCC, Express Entry language test results | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Post-graduation work permit | PTE testPTE Core | MinimumCLB 7 in all four skills after a university programme; CLB 5 after a college or other non-university programme | SourceIRCC, PGWP eligibility | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Citizenship (ages 18 to 54) | PTE testPTE Core | MinimumListening 28 or higher and Speaking 42 or higher | SourceIRCC, citizenship language proof, step 2 | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Study permit and university admission | PTE testPTE Academic | MinimumSet by each school; check the programme page | SourcePearson, PTE tests for Canada | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Provincial nominee streams | PTE testPTE Core where the stream uses IRCC tests | MinimumSet by each province and stream | SourceCheck the province’s stream page | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
PTE Core or PTE Academic: which one Canada wants
Book PTE Core for anything that goes to IRCC and PTE Academic for a university or college place.
IRCC’s Express Entry page lists five accepted tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. PTE Academic is not on it, so a PTE Academic score cannot be used for permanent residence, the post-graduation work permit or citizenship, however high it is. PTE Core is the PTE test for any of those IRCC cases.
Study is the other way round. Universities and colleges set their own English requirement, and Pearson says PTE Academic is the only PTE test suited to studying in Canada. Book it for an offer of admission and the study permit that follows. If you will need both, they are two separate bookings; the Core vs Academic comparison sets them side by side.
How IRCC reads a PTE Core result
IRCC reads each skill on its own, so your weakest skill, usually Writing, sets your CLB level.
IRCC converts each of the four skill scores to a CLB level on its own. The overall score is not used, and a CLB level counts only when every skill clears its minimum. Writing carries the highest numbers in the chart, so it is usually the skill that holds a profile back.
A candidate with Listening 85, Reading 80, Speaking 86 and Writing 84 is CLB 9 in three skills and CLB 8 in Writing, because Writing needs 88 for CLB 9. The Core score chart shows every band.
CLB 7 is the floor for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. CLB 9 in all four skills is the level most profiles aim for, because it unlocks the 50-point maximum for education combined with language, on top of the higher per-skill points. CLB 10 adds the last few first-language points. The CLB 9 plan sets out the exact scores and the order of work.
Key points
- Each skill converts to CLB separately; there is no overall
- Writing 88 is the hardest CLB 9 threshold
- CLB 9 in all four skills is the usual Express Entry target
Sending your PTE Core score to IRCC
IRCC does not take a PDF: share the result through your Score Report Code or through myPTE.
Pearson’s PTE Core score guide gives two ways to share the result, and both let IRCC open the report through Pearson’s secure portal. The first is the Score Report Code printed on your report. Each test has its own code, so quote the one for the sitting you are using, in the Express Entry profile or the application form.
The second is myPTE: sign in, open My activity, choose Share results on the test, search for IRCC, tick it, then Select Programmes and confirm. IRCC’s own page also asks you to enter the scores, and the certificate number or PIN if the form asks for one, in the Express Entry profile. The results page covers what happens after a test.
Key points
- Share the Score Report Code, or send to IRCC from myPTE
- Enter the four skill scores exactly as printed
- Check the 2-year window at both profile and application
Planning a Canadian target
Book the real test only when a full mock clears your target in every skill with a few points to spare.
Start with one complete scored mock. The free PTE Core mock test gives the four skill scores IRCC reads, and the Core score calculator turns them into CLB levels. If one skill is two or more bands behind the others, put most of the next fortnight into the tasks that feed it, then sit another full mock.
Book the real test when a mock clears the target in every skill with a few points to spare. Check the date against the 2-year validity window so the result is still valid when the invitation and the application arrive. Fees and booking rules are on the PTE Core fees page, and the test itself is on the PTE Core overview.
Key points
- Measure all four skills with one full mock
- Work on the skill that sets your CLB level
- Book when every skill clears the target with margin
PTE Core to CLB: minimum score per skill
IRCC / Pearson PTE Core equivalency chart, January 2024, matching the PTE Core table on IRCC’s Express Entry page (checked 21 Oct 2026). A CLB level counts only when every skill clears its minimum. The [Core score calculator](/pte-core-score-calculator) applies the same rows.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | Listening89 | Reading88 | Speaking89 | Writing90 |
| CLB 9 | Listening82 | Reading78 | Speaking84 | Writing88 |
| CLB 8 | Listening71 | Reading69 | Speaking76 | Writing79 |
| CLB 7 | Listening60 | Reading60 | Speaking68 | Writing69 |
| CLB 6 | Listening50 | Reading51 | Speaking59 | Writing60 |
| CLB 5 | Listening39 | Reading42 | Speaking51 | Writing51 |
| CLB 4 | Listening28 | Reading33 | Speaking42 | Writing41 |
| CLB 3 | Listening18 | Reading24 | Speaking34 | Writing32 |
What CLB 7, 9 and 10 mean in Express Entry
Comprehensive Ranking System points for the first official language, per skill, from IRCC’s CRS criteria page. Four skills are scored, so the per-skill figure counts four times.
| Level | PTE Core minimums | CRS points per skill (with / without spouse) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | PTE Core minimumsL 60 · R 60 · S 68 · W 69 | CRS points per skill (with / without spouse)16 / 17 | Why it mattersFederal Skilled Worker minimum; opens the education and language combination points |
| CLB 9 | PTE Core minimumsL 82 · R 78 · S 84 · W 88 | CRS points per skill (with / without spouse)29 / 31 | Why it mattersCLB 9 in all four skills unlocks the 50-point maximum for education with language |
| CLB 10 | PTE Core minimumsL 89 · R 88 · S 89 · W 90 | CRS points per skill (with / without spouse)32 / 34 | Why it mattersThe most first-language points per skill |
Validity and sending your result
The rules that decide whether a PTE Core result still counts, and how IRCC sees it.
| Rule | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry validity | What appliesResults must be less than 2 years old when you create the profile and when you submit the permanent residence application. An expired result at application is refused. | SourceIRCC, language testing for Express Entry | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Citizenship | What appliesInclude a copy of the results even if they have expired. | SourceIRCC, citizenship language proof, step 2 | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| PTE Core report | What appliesValid for 2 years from the test date; test centre only, no at-home option. | SourcePearson, PTE Core FAQs | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| How IRCC checks it | What appliesIRCC does not accept paper or PDF score reports. It opens the report through Pearson’s secure portal with the details you share. | SourcePearson, PTE Core score guide | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
| Two ways to share | What appliesGive IRCC the Score Report Code on your report, or share the report to IRCC from myPTE. | SourcePearson, PTE Core score guide | Checked21 Oct 2026 |
Related
- PTE CoreThe test IRCC accepts, in full
- Free PTE Core mock testAll Core tasks, scores mapped to CLB
- PTE Core score chartEvery score band with CLB and IELTS
- PTE Core score calculatorFour skill scores to CLB levels
- The CLB 9 planExact scores and order of work for CLB 9
- PTE Core fees and bookingFees, booking and results for Core
- PTE Core vs AcademicWhich test for which visa or course
- PTE accepted universitiesPublished minimums at Canadian universities
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada accept PTE Academic for Express Entry?
No. IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada for Express Entry. PTE Academic is not on the list, so take PTE Core for permanent residence.
What PTE Core score is CLB 9?
On IRCC’s PTE Core chart, CLB 9 starts at Listening 82, Reading 78, Speaking 84 and Writing 88. All four skills must reach their number; the overall score is not used.
What PTE Core score do I need for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
CLB 7, which on PTE Core is Listening 60, Reading 60, Speaking 68 and Writing 69. The Canadian Experience Class asks for CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
What PTE Core score do I need for Canadian citizenship?
Listening 28 or higher and Speaking 42 or higher, per IRCC’s citizenship language proof page. Applicants aged 18 to 54 need it, and IRCC says to include the results even if they have expired.
How long is a PTE Core result valid for Express Entry?
Under 2 years old when you create the Express Entry profile and again when you submit the permanent residence application. If the result expires before you apply, IRCC refuses the application, so retest or apply before the date.
Which PTE test do I need to study in Canada?
PTE Academic. Universities and colleges set their own minimum, and Pearson describes PTE Academic as the PTE test for studying in Canada. PTE Core is for IRCC immigration and citizenship applications.