Part of: Express Entry guides
PTE Core is Pearson’s computer-based English test, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) lists it as an approved English test for Express Entry. IRCC also accepts it as language proof for citizenship and for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). MAK Canadian Immigration Services is an Official Partner for Pearson PTE Core, for Canadian PR, Citizenship and PGWP.
Official Partner
MAK Canadian Immigration Services is an Official Partner for Pearson PTE Core, for Canadian PR, Citizenship and PGWP.
You book and pay for your test with Pearson yourself. Pearson runs and scores the test. MAK is not affiliated with IRCC or the Government of Canada.
Is PTE Core accepted for Canadian immigration?
Yes. IRCC lists three approved English tests for Express Entry: CELPIP, IELTS and PTE Core, and it says you must take the PTE Core option.
That last point matters, because Pearson offers more than one test. PTE Academic is a different test, and the IRCC pages we checked name PTE Core only.
What PTE Core score equals each CLB level?
IRCC converts your PTE Core score in each of the four abilities to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level. The chart below is IRCC’s own PTE Core equivalency chart, read on 12 November 2026.
| CLB level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 88 to 90 | 90 | 89 to 90 | 89 to 90 |
| CLB 9 | 78 to 87 | 88 to 89 | 82 to 88 | 84 to 88 |
| CLB 8 | 69 to 77 | 79 to 87 | 71 to 81 | 76 to 83 |
| CLB 7 | 60 to 68 | 69 to 78 | 60 to 70 | 68 to 75 |
| CLB 6 | 51 to 59 | 60 to 68 | 50 to 59 | 59 to 67 |
| CLB 5 | 42 to 50 | 51 to 59 | 39 to 49 | 51 to 58 |
| CLB 4 | 33 to 41 | 41 to 50 | 28 to 38 | 42 to 50 |
Each ability is converted on its own, so one weak ability can hold your level down. Our CLB calculator converts your scores for you, and the CRS calculator shows what they may add to your Express Entry score.
Can I use PTE Core for a citizenship application?
Yes. IRCC’s citizenship page lists PTE Core with 28 or higher in listening and 42 or higher in speaking as accepted proof.
The citizenship standard is CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening, which is why only those two scores are named. Our Canadian citizenship guide covers the rest of the application.
Can I use PTE Core for a post-graduation work permit?
Yes. IRCC’s PGWP documents page lists PTE Core among the accepted English tests, and says your results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application.
The level depends on your program. IRCC asks for CLB 7 in all four abilities for graduates of a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree or another university program, and CLB 5 in all four for graduates of a college, polytechnic or other non-university program. IRCC says the language requirement does not apply if you submitted your PGWP application before 1 November 2024. See our PGWP page for the other rules.
How long are PTE Core results valid for Express Entry?
Less than two years. IRCC says your test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
The rule applies at two moments, so a result that is valid when you enter the pool can still be too old by the time you apply. Count forward from your test date before you rely on it.
What is the PTE Core test like?
Pearson describes PTE Core as a computer-based test of about two hours, taken at an authorized PTE test centre. It says the test cannot be taken at home.
The test covers speaking and writing, reading, and listening. Pearson says most test takers get their results within two business days. These are Pearson’s own descriptions, read on 12 November 2026.
What goes wrong most often with the English test?
Booking the wrong test, sitting it without a target score, and letting the result expire. Usman Khalil, RCIC R709592, says these are the three problems our RCICs see most often.
- The wrong test booked. The client books a version that immigration does not accept, such as PTE Academic.
- No target score. The client sits the test without knowing the score their plan needs.
- The result expires. The result gets too old before the client applies.
Usman’s advice to a new Express Entry client is to take the English test first. If you studied outside Canada, start your WES ECA early as well.
What does MAK’s Official Partner status mean for clients?
It means Pearson approved MAK as a partner for PTE Core after a partner application and Pearson’s due diligence process. Clients still register and pay for the test directly with Pearson.
MAK does not run, mark or influence the test. Our two RCICs, Usman Khalil (R709592) and Omer Khalil (R710149), help clients plan the test alongside the immigration application: which test, which score, and when.
Book a consultation with MAK Canadian Immigration Services, in Mississauga, in Scarborough or online. Call +1 647 832 8531 or +1 905 518 4539. Every case depends on its own facts, and no consultant can guarantee an outcome.
- Express Entry: how the system works and who can apply
- WES ECA: getting your education assessed, and adding MAK as a recipient
- CLB calculator: turn a test score into a CLB level
- CRS calculator: estimate your Express Entry score
- PTE Core for Canada (this guide): scores, CLB levels and where IRCC accepts the test
Last checked against official sources: 12 November 2026 (IRCC’s Express Entry language test page, language requirements and equivalency charts, citizenship language proof pages, PGWP eligibility and documents pages, and Pearson’s PTE Core page). This page is general information, not advice for your case. Rules and scores change, so check IRCC’s pages before you book or apply. MAK is not affiliated with IRCC or the Government of Canada. IRCC makes all final decisions.
