PTE Academic vs PTE Core 2026: Which Do You Need? Complete Comparison

PTE Academic vs PTE Core — this is the #1 confusion point for Indian students in 2026. Both are Pearson tests, both are AI-scored, both cost the same, and both are taken at Pearson VUE centres. But they serve completely different purposes. Taking the wrong one can cost you months and thousands of rupees. This guide explains exactly which test you need based on your destination, visa type, and goals.

What Is PTE Core?

PTE Core was launched by Pearson in October 2023 and accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in November 2023 as an approved English language test for Canadian immigration. PTE Core is specifically designed to test everyday, workplace English — not academic English. It uses many of the same item types as PTE Academic but removes the highly academic ones (Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Re-order Paragraphs, Summarize Written Text) and adds practical tasks like Email Writing and Respond to a Situation.

PTE Core maps directly to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which is the scoring system IRCC uses for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs), Canadian citizenship, and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Before PTE Core, the only options for Canada PR were IELTS General Training and CELPIP — PTE Core is now the third approved option.

PTE Academic vs PTE Core: Key Differences

The fundamental difference is purpose and acceptance. PTE Academic is accepted by universities and immigration authorities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and others. PTE Core is accepted only by IRCC for Canada. Here are the critical distinctions:

1. Question Types: PTE Academic includes Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Summarize Written Text, and Re-order Paragraphs — all academic tasks. PTE Core replaces these with practical tasks like Email Writing and Respond to a Situation. PTE Academic has 20 item types; PTE Core has fewer but more workplace-oriented items.

2. Scoring Purpose: PTE Academic scores map to CEFR (A1-C2) for global recognition. PTE Core scores map directly to CLB levels (CLB 4-12) for Canadian immigration points.

3. Essay Differences: Both include essay writing, but PTE Core essays are typically shorter and more practical in nature compared to PTE Academic's 200-300 word academic essays.

4. Acceptance: No university accepts PTE Core for admission. No country other than Canada accepts PTE Core for immigration.

Test Format Comparison

When to Take Which Test

PTE Core to CLB Conversion (Official IRCC)

IRCC has published official CLB conversion tables for PTE Core. Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) maps independently to a CLB level:

For Express Entry (FSWP), the minimum is CLB 7 in all four skills: Listening 55, Reading 50, Writing 60, Speaking 51. Higher CLB levels earn significantly more CRS points. For a detailed guide, read our PTE Core for Canada PR article.

The Canada Confusion — Cleared

EEC counsellors encounter this confusion daily. Here is the definitive answer:

For Canada Immigration (PR, citizenship, work permits through IRCC): Take PTE Core or IELTS General Training or CELPIP. PTE Academic is NOT accepted by IRCC for immigration purposes.

For Canada University Admission (study permit): Take PTE Academic (because universities accept PTE Academic) AND PTE Core or IELTS GT for the study permit IRCC language requirement. Some students need BOTH tests.

For Canada + Australia both: You need PTE Academic for Australia AND PTE Core for Canada. There is no single PTE test that works for both. However, IELTS Academic is accepted for Australia and IELTS General Training for Canada — IELTS may be more efficient if you target both countries.

Scoring Differences

Both PTE Academic and PTE Core use the same 10-90 scale and AI scoring engine. The difference is in how scores are used:

PTE Academic: Scores are reported as overall (10-90), four communicative skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing), and six enabling skills. Universities and immigration authorities set minimum score thresholds (e.g., PTE 65 for Australia Competent English).

PTE Core: Scores are reported the same way, but IRCC converts them to CLB levels using the official conversion table. CRS points are awarded based on CLB levels, not raw PTE scores. The highest CRS language points come from CLB 10+ (L:89, R:88, W:90, S:89), worth 34 points per skill.

How Preparation Differs

If you are preparing for PTE Academic, you must master Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Summarize Written Text, and Re-order Paragraphs — item types that require academic English skills and specific templates. These are not tested in PTE Core.

If you are preparing for PTE Core, you need to focus on Email Writing and Respond to a Situation — practical tasks not found in PTE Academic. However, core skills like Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, and essay writing overlap between both tests.

EEC coaches both versions. Your trainer will tailor your preparation to the specific test you are taking, ensuring you practise only the item types relevant to your version. For comprehensive preparation tips, visit our PTE preparation guide.

EEC Coaches Both — PTE Academic & PTE Core: ₹7,500

EEC's PTE coaching programme at ₹7,500 covers both PTE Academic and PTE Core. During your initial counselling session, your EEC counsellor will determine which test you need based on your target country and visa pathway, then your trainer will customise your preparation accordingly.

Every PTE student also receives FREE study abroad and immigration counselling — whether you are targeting Australia PR, Canada Express Entry, UK Skilled Worker, or New Zealand Skilled Migrant. Visit any of EEC's 26 Gujarat centres or join online from anywhere in India.

“Understanding the Academic vs Core distinction is the single most important decision for PTE candidates. Choose wrong, and your immigration application is dead on arrival.”

— EEC Admissions Team, PTE Academic Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PTE Academic vs PTE Core, answered by EEC's PTE specialists: