Pearson Opens Bookings for PTE Core English Proficiency Test for Canadian Economic Immigration

Below is the table comparison between the PTE Core test to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

Five accepted language tests

With the addition of the PTE Core there are now five total language tests that are accepted by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purposes. These are:

• CELPIP General Test (English);
• IELTS General Training (English);
• PTE Core (English);
• TEF Canada (French); and
• TCF Canada (French).

All five of these tests assess language ability within four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on the specific program that candidates apply under, they may need to meet different criteria within these four skills.

For example, immigration candidates applying under Express Entry-managed programs will need different scores based on which program they choose.

• Under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates require a minimum CLB level of 7 for all language skills.
• However, under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates require a minimum CLB level of 5 for speaking and listening, and at least a level 4 for reading and writing.
• Further, under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates need either a minimum CLB level 7, or level 5 across all language abilities, based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level of their job.