PTE Academic or PTE Core: which one?
Take PTE Core for Canadian Express Entry (Pearson also says it is accepted for citizenship), and PTE Academic for Australian visas and for study in Canada. Pearson lists both at CAD 360 in Canada and AUD 499 in Australia.
Side by side
Each cell says whose page it comes from.
| Item | PTE Academic | PTE Core |
|---|---|---|
| Fee in Canada | CAD 360 (Pearson) | CAD 360 (Pearson) |
| Fee in Australia | AUD 499 (Pearson) | AUD 499 (Pearson) |
| Length | A 2-hour test (Pearson's Australia page) | PTE Core is a 2‑hour, computer‑based test that assesses general English skills. |
| Results | Results typically in 48 hours | Receive your results usually in just 2 days and share your score with IRCC using your Score Report Code or by sending it directly from your myPTE account. |
| Express Entry (Canada) | Not on IRCC's list for Express Entry | PTE Core is accepted for all economic immigration programs requiring an IRCC‑approved English test. |
| Canadian citizenship | - | Pearson says: PTE Core is accepted by IRCC as proof of English proficiency for citizenship applications. |
| Study in Canada | Pearson: you'll need PTE Academic to apply to a Canadian university or college | Pearson: that is PTE Academic instead of PTE Core |
| Australian visas | Accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for all visa categories and 100% of Australian universities. | Not on the Home Affairs list of accepted tests |
PTE Core sections
- This section will test your speaking and writing skills in around 50 minutes
- This section will test your reading skills in around 30 minutes
- This section will test your listening skills in around 30 minutes
Common questions
IRCC says you must take the PTE Core option for Express Entry. Pearson adds: PTE Core is accepted for all economic immigration programs requiring an IRCC‑approved English test. For study, Pearson says you need PTE Academic instead.
No. IRCC says you must take the PTE Core option for Express Entry.
PTE Academic. Home Affairs lists PTE Academic among the tests it accepts and does not list PTE Core.
Pearson's own price list shows CAD 360 for both in Canada and AUD 499 for both in Australia. Pearson does not say whether tax is included.
Pearson says: PTE Core is accepted by IRCC as proof of English proficiency for citizenship applications. IRCC's own pages we read do not list accepted tests for citizenship, so check its language-proof page.