PTE for Canada — Express Entry & PNP
PTE Core for Canadian Immigration (since 2023)
Canada's IRCC accepts PTE Core (not PTE Academic) for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Canadian Experience Class. Pearson PTE Core was approved in November 2023.
The CLB Conversion Table
| CLB Level | PTE Core: Speaking | Writing | Reading | Listening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | 28–41 | 32–40 | 33–37 | 28–37 |
| CLB 5 | 42–50 | 41–50 | 38–41 | 38–48 |
| CLB 6 | 51–58 | 51–59 | 42–50 | 49–59 |
| CLB 7 | 59–67 | 60–67 | 51–59 | 60–70 |
| CLB 8 | 68–75 | 68–78 | 60–68 | 71–81 |
| CLB 9 | 76–83 | 79–87 | 69–77 | 82–88 |
| CLB 10+ | 84–90 | 88–90 | 78–90 | 89–90 |
Express Entry Score Targets
- CLB 7 (PTE 59–60 each module): minimum eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker. ~16–24 CRS points.
- CLB 9 (PTE 76–79 each module): maximum language points — ~32 CRS points (with spousal contribution).
- CLB 10+: no extra points beyond CLB 9.
Section Requirements
Critical: CLB applies to each section independently. To claim CLB 9 across the board, you need PTE Core 76+ Speaking, 79+ Writing, 69+ Reading, 82+ Listening — failing one module pulls your CLB down for that section only.
PNP Requirements (Vary by Province)
- Ontario, BC, Alberta: typically CLB 7+ for skilled streams.
- Saskatchewan, Manitoba: CLB 4–5 for some semi-skilled streams.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: CLB 5 (intermediate occupations) to CLB 7 (high-skilled).
Important: Academic Doesn't Count
If you previously took PTE Academic for an Australian application, that score is NOT accepted for Canadian immigration. You must retake PTE Core.
Practice on ClearMyPTE
Make sure your account is set to test type: Core so practice and mocks reflect the Core format. See PTE Academic vs Core for the format differences.
Source: IRCC. Verify current accepted tests at canada.ca before booking.