As of January 30, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core is eligible for all Canada work and visa applications except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
The first PTE Core tests can be taken from February 12, joining the CELPIP and IELTS tests in the list of accredited English language proficiency tests for economic immigration to Canada through the federal Express Entry-related programs.
The first PTE Core tests can officially be taken starting February 12.
The PTE Core: Explained
PTE Core is a new addition to the umbrella of Pearson Test of English, highly mirroring PTE Academic in its structural framework and content inclusions. Its two-hour duration is solely confined to the computer, taken at a test center that assesses four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
The main different between the two tests is that PTE Core is relevant for the vocational test taker, designed with a real-life, non-academic focus.
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“It was created to meet Canada’s specific migration needs and the IRCC’s language proficiency requirements, but could be used to assess the English proficiency of vocational test takers in any country,” as per the Pearson website.
The test was made to substitute the previous PTE Essential, which had received approval from IRCC last year.
President of the English Language Learning division at Pearson, Gio Giovannelli, said that “We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers across the world. It was designed to test real life language skills and allows test takers to showcase their proficiency and be themselves in English.”
“Whether people are looking to work, study or migrate to Canada, there’s a Pearson English language proficiency test that suits their requirements.”
Why Was PTE Core Created?
Pearson’s website reads that the Core was created in response to Canada’s economic migration needs in 2024 and beyond. Canada’s ambitious immigration levels plans, combined with its support for family reunification and refugee protection, requires a test such as the PTE Core to be introduced.
There is high demand in Canada for professionals working in nursing, engineering, and web development, wherein PTE Core “arrives at a good time for test takers and opens new opportunities for Pearson.”
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Candidates must obtain a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 7 for the first official language in all four language areas. To receive points for a second official language, candidates must meet the minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Candidates must obtain a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 in speaking and listening abilities, and CLB or NCLC 4 in reading and writing abilities.
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The skills a candidate needs for this program depend on the job classification under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- TEER 0 or 1: CLB / NCLC 7 +
- TEER 2 or 3: CLB / NCLC 5 and 6
Canada also requires minimum language levels for citizenship and many other immigration programs, including provincial and business.
To measure the language levels, the immigration authorities use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.
What Does PTE Core Look Like?
The fully digital test is delivered via Pearson VUE, which is Pearson’s computer-based testing business.
It utilizes the latest AI technology, calibrate and reviewed by human raters, for scoring and biometric data collection. This, as per Pearson, is the source of advanced security measures.
The technology ensures the provision of an impartial and accurate test of someone’s language proficiency.
The test can also be booked online up to 24 hours in advance, taking advantage of year-round worldwide test center slots. Results are received in just two days.
PTE Core will be delivered across Pearson’s existing network, with more than 400 PTE centers in 118 countries.
There are 25 test centres in Canada.