PTE Core score chart and CLB levels
CLB 7 is PTE Core 60-70 in listening, 60-68 in reading, 69-78 in writing and 68-75 in speaking. PTE Core is scored 10 to 90, and Express Entry takes only the PTE Core option, not PTE Academic. Each cell below is the range of scores that falls in the level.
PTE Core score to CLB
The IRCC table for PTE Core. Each cell is the range of scores that falls in the level.
| Item | PTE CORE | Item | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB | L | R | W | S | Used for |
| 10 | 89-90 | 88-90 | 90 | 89-90 | - |
| 9 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 84-88 | - |
| 8 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 76-83 | - |
| 7 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 68-75 | Express Entry: CEC (TEER 0 or 1) and FSW |
| 6 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 60-68 | 59-67 | - |
| 5 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-59 | 51-58 | CEC (TEER 2 or 3); FST speaking and listening |
| 4 | 28-38 | 33-41 | 41-50 | 42-50 | FST reading and writing; citizenship speaking and listening |
How a PTE Core score is made
From Pearson's Score Guide.
Two ways of awarding points. Correct-or-incorrect tasks: If responses are correct, 1 score point will be given, but if they are incorrect, no points are awarded. Partial-credit tasks: If responses to these tasks are correct, the maximum score points available will be received. If they are only partly correct, some score points will be given, but less than the maximum available. If responses are incorrect, no score points will be received.
Some tasks that involve speaking and writing are also given a score for Content. Content means how appropriate the content of a response is in relation to the prompt. Some writing tasks are scored for Form. Form scores are based on formal characteristics of the response, such as the number of words.
What the report gives IRCC
If you take PTE Core for a Canadian visa application, you will be asked for a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level for one or more of your language skills. Your scores are aligned to the CLB framework.
Pearson's scoring page lists “Scores shared automatically with the IRCC” as a benefit, while its PTE Core page says: 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. Check in your myPTE account how your report reaches IRCC.
Programs ask for a CLB in each skill, so read the table by skill. The overall score is not what IRCC converts.
Minimum level by program
IRCC sets the CLB for each program. The score columns convert it with the IRCC tables.
| Program | CLB (L / R / W / S) | CELPIP, per skill | IELTS GT, per skill | PTE Core, per skill | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry, CEC (TEER 0 or 1) | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 60–69 | IRCC |
| Express Entry, CEC (TEER 2 or 3) | 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 | 5 | 4.0–5.0 | 39–51 | IRCC |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 60–69 | IRCC |
| Federal Skilled Trades | 5 / 4 / 4 / 5 | 4–5 | 3.5–5.0 | 33–51 | IRCC |
| Citizenship (age 18 to 54) | 4 / - / - / 4 | 4 | 4.0–4.5 | 28–42 | IRCC |
Book it, price it, read the rules
Common questions
It depends on the program. CLB 7, the level Express Entry's skilled programs ask for, is PTE Core 60-70 in listening, 60-68 in reading, 69-78 in writing and 68-75 in speaking, as IRCC's ranges.
Your overall score and individual communicative skills scores will be reported on a numerical scale of 10-90. The overall score ranges between 10–90 points.
Note: the overall score is not an average calculation of the communicative skills scores.
You will complete between 52 and 67 tasks in any given test and a range of 19 different task types.
There is no interaction with a human examiner during your test. While PTE tests are computer-based and machine-scored, human expert scorers are used to train the scoring engine on speaking and writing tasks, by rating test taker responses on every single speaking and writing item.
No. IRCC says you must take the PTE Core option. Plan to study in Canada? If you plan to apply to a Canadian university or college, you'll need PTE Academic instead of PTE Core.
Most test takers get their PTE Core results within two business days after taking the test. In some cases, results may take up to five business days, depending on processing times.
A PTE Core score is valid for two years from the test date. After this period, the score expires and can no longer be used for visa applications. IRCC wants Express Entry results less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply.
IRCC publishes tables for CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training) and PTE Core, as well as French tests.
Pearson's PTE Core score guide says: “If responses are correct, 1 score point will be given, but if they are incorrect, no points are awarded.” For tasks with partial credit it says: “If responses to these tasks are correct, the maximum score points available will be received. If they are only partly correct, some score points will be given, but less than the maximum available. If responses are incorrect, no score points will be received.” Some tasks also get a content or form score: “Some tasks that involve speaking and writing are also given a score for Content. Content means how appropriate the content of a response is in relation to the prompt.” “Some writing tasks are scored for Form. Form scores are based on formal characteristics of the response, such as the number of words.” On skills it says: “Some tasks assess more than one skill at the same time. These are called integrated skills (i.e., Reading and Speaking, Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing, Listening and Writing, or Listening and Reading). The scores on these tasks contribute to the score of both communicative skills that are assessed at the same time.” “Note: the overall score is not an average calculation of the communicative skills scores.”