Pearson PTE Core

Choose PTE Core if you are applying for a migration or work visa to Canada. You can also choose PTE Core if you are applying for Canadian citizenship.

PTE Core is a computer-based English test that assesses your general speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in a single test. You take the test in a small, friendly test center environment in just two hours.

The three parts of the test:

There are 20 different question types in the test, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing. Make sure you review the different question formats ahead of your test, as each part has different types of questions.

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This part of the test is approximately 50 minutes long and contains seven different question types. It is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

Part 2: Reading

This part of the test is approximately 30 minutes long and contains five different question types. Because PTE Core is an integrated skills test, one question type ('Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks') also assesses writing skills.

Part 3: Listening

This part of the test is approximately 30 minutes long and contains seven different question types. The questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once. You are allowed to take notes.

You will see an overall score of between 10 and 90, with 90 being the highest possible score. You will also get individual scores (also between 10 and 90) for listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Scores are graded against the Global Scale of English (GSE).

PTE Core has 19 question types:

• Some question types are scored based on whether your answer is right or wrong, such as for multiple-choice questions.

• Other question types are scored on additional features such as the quality of your response and whether or not you have completed the required word count.