IRCC Approved · Canada PR & Immigration.
Pearson's dedicated English proficiency test for Canadian immigration and workplace purposes. Tests practical, real-world English used in everyday and professional settings — fully approved by IRCC for virtually all Canadian immigration pathways.
Quick facts
- Duration
- ~2 hours
- Results
- ~48 hours
- Score range
- 10 – 90 (mapped to CLB)
- IRCC
- Approved
What is PTE Core?
PTE Core is Pearson's dedicated English proficiency test for Canadian immigration and workplace purposes. Unlike PTE Academic — which is designed for academic study — PTE Core tests practical, real-world English communication skills used in everyday and professional settings. It is fully approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and accepted for virtually all Canadian immigration pathways. The test is entirely computer-based, AI-scored, and delivers results within approximately 48 hours.
Recognised for
- Express Entry PR applications — all streams except SDS
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Programs across most Canadian provinces
- Canadian work permits
- Professional and occupational licensing in Canada
- Scores mapped to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for IRCC purposes
Globally recognised
Accepted by thousands of universities, governments, and professional bodies worldwide.
Who should take PTE Core?
Built for ambitious people with a clear next step.
Express Entry candidates
Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades streams.
PNP applicants
Provincial Nominee Program applicants across Canadian provinces.
Skilled workers
Skilled workers applying for Canadian work permits or licensing.
Professionals
Professionals requiring English certification for Canadian licensing bodies.
Test structure
Three sections totalling approximately 2 hours, AI-scored, computer-based. CLB benchmarks: CLB 7 (60–75) is the minimum for most Express Entry streams; CLB 9 (88+) maximises CRS points.
Speaking & Writing
Practical speaking and writing tasks reflecting workplace and daily life situations.
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Respond to a Situation
- Answer Short Question
- Summarise Text
- Write an Email
Reading
Comprehension of general English texts including emails, articles and notices.
- Fill in the Blanks
- Multiple Choice
- Re-order Paragraphs
Listening
Audio recordings of everyday English contexts.
- Fill in the Blanks
- Multiple Choice
- Re-order information from audio
Why choose PTE Core?
IRCC approved
Officially recognised for all major Canadian immigration programs (except SDS).
Built for real life
Tests workplace and everyday English — not abstract academic content.
Fast results
Scores within ~48 hours — keep your immigration timeline moving.
AI-driven fairness
Consistent scoring with no examiner bias.
CLB-aligned reporting
Scores map directly to the Canadian Language Benchmark for Express Entry CRS.
One sitting, all skills
Speaking, writing, reading and listening in a single ~2-hour session.
How to register
A frictionless path from registration to test day — and every registration includes a FREE Crash Course Tutorial.
- 1
Confirm your immigration route
Verify with your RCIC or advisor that PTE Core meets your specific program's English requirement.
Step 1Verify with your RCIC or advisor that PTE Core meets your specific program's English requirement.
- 2
Register for PTE Core
Purchase your Complete PTE Core Registration securely in NGN. Includes a FREE Crash Course Tutorial.
Step 2Purchase your Complete PTE Core Registration securely in NGN. Includes a FREE Crash Course Tutorial.
- 3
Book your test centre
Our team books your slot at a Pearson centre in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt.
Step 3Our team books your slot at a Pearson centre in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt.
- 4
Train with PTE Club
Targeted prep mapped to CLB benchmarks so you maximise your CRS score.
Step 4Targeted prep mapped to CLB benchmarks so you maximise your CRS score.
- 5
Sit your exam & receive results
Score report delivered in ~48 hours, ready to upload to your IRCC profile.
Step 5Score report delivered in ~48 hours, ready to upload to your IRCC profile.
Related training
Built around your target score.
PTE Core Express Entry Prep
Strategy-focused course built around CLB 9+ targets for max CRS points.
Buy your PTE Core voucher in Nigeria
Pay in Naira from ₦250,000 — includes free crash course and full booking support.
Frequently asked
Quick answers about PTE Core.