Which test do you need, PTE Academic or PTE Core?
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 are PTE Academic and PTE Core different?
| Feature | PTE Academic | PTE Core |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | University and college admission, study permits | Immigration: Express Entry, PNP, work permits |
| English style | Academic English | Everyday and workplace English |
| Signature tasks | Write Essay, Re-tell Lecture | Write Email, Respond to a Situation |
| Score scale | 10 to 90 | 10 to 90 |
| Accepted by IRCC for PR | No | Yes |
What if you need both PTE Academic and PTE Core?
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 vs PTE Core: frequently asked questions
Can I use PTE Academic for Express Entry?
No. Express Entry and other IRCC immigration programs use PTE Core. PTE Academic is for study and university admission.
Can I use PTE Core to get into a Canadian university?
No. Universities and colleges use PTE Academic. PTE Core is for immigration.
What is the main difference between PTE Academic and PTE Core?
PTE Academic uses academic English with a Write Essay and Re-tell Lecture task, while PTE Core uses everyday English with Write Email and Respond to a Situation.
Do PTE Academic and PTE Core use the same score scale?
Yes. Both use the 10 to 90 scale, but they are separate tests with separate results and different purposes.
What if I need both PTE Academic and PTE Core?
If you study in Canada and later apply for permanent residence, you may take PTE Academic for admission now and PTE Core later for immigration, budgeting for each separately.
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.
See PTE coaching plansKeep reading: PTE Academic exam format · PTE Core CLB chart · PTE Core vs IELTS