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PTE Academic vs PTE Core: which one do you need in Canada?

PTE Academic and PTE Core look similar and share the same score scale, but they are built for different goals. Taking the wrong one is a common, costly mistake, so it pays to be clear before you book.

By the PTEfy coaching team

The short answer

Take PTE Academic if you are applying to study in Canada, because colleges and universities accept it for admission. Take PTE Core if you are applying for permanent residence or a work permit, because that is what IRCC uses for immigration. They are not interchangeable.

How they differ

General comparison. Both use the 10 to 90 scale. Confirm current details with Pearson and your institution before you book.
FeaturePTE AcademicPTE Core
Used forUniversity and college admission, study permitsImmigration: Express Entry, PNP, work permits
English styleAcademic EnglishEveryday and workplace English
Signature tasksWrite Essay, Re-tell LectureWrite Email, Respond to a Situation
Score scale10 to 9010 to 90
Accepted by IRCC for PRNoYes
Do not mix them upPTE Core is not accepted by universities, and PTE Academic is not accepted by IRCC for Express Entry. Match the test to your goal first.

What if you need both?

Some people study in Canada and later apply for permanent residence. In that case you may take PTE Academic for admission now and PTE Core later for immigration. They are separate tests with separate results, so plan and budget for each. See our guides on PTE Academic for study and the PTE Core CLB chart.

PTE Academic coaching for your target band

PTEfy is online PTE Academic and PTE Core coaching built around the exact band your program asks for. We target the skills that move your score.

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Keep reading: PTE Academic exam format · PTE Core CLB chart · PTE Core vs IELTS