PTE Core vs CELPIP for Canada 2026: Which Is Better for PR?

PTE Core vs CELPIP — both are computer-based, both are accepted by IRCC for Canada immigration, and both map to CLB levels. Since PTE Core's IRCC approval in November 2023, Indian students now have three options for Canada PR language testing: PTE Core, CELPIP, and IELTS General Training. This comparison helps you choose between PTE Core and CELPIP.

Both Are IRCC-Approved for Canada

IRCC accepts three English language tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, and PTE Core. All three map to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and are used for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Canadian citizenship, and PGWP applications. There is no preference from IRCC — all three are treated equally.

PTE Core vs CELPIP: Side-by-Side

Format Differences

PTE Core Speaking: AI-scored microphone recording. Tasks include Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, and other recorded responses. No human interaction.

CELPIP Speaking: Human-rated via recorded responses. Tasks include giving advice, describing a scene, making predictions, and discussing a familiar topic. More conversational and opinion-based.

PTE Core Writing: AI-scored. Includes essay writing and Email Writing (unique to PTE Core). Typed responses.

CELPIP Writing: Human-rated. Includes writing an email and responding to a survey. Also typed.

Key difference: PTE Core is entirely AI-scored, while CELPIP uses human raters for Speaking and Writing. If you prefer consistent AI scoring without human variability, PTE Core has the edge. If you prefer human understanding of context and nuance, CELPIP may suit you better.

CLB Conversion Comparison

Both tests have official IRCC CLB conversion tables. The CLB levels earned translate identically into CRS points regardless of which test you use. Achieving CLB 7 on PTE Core or CLB 7 on CELPIP gives you the exact same CRS points (9 per skill, 36 total for first language).

Test Centre Availability in India

This is PTE Core's biggest advantage for Indian students. PTE Core is available at 50+ Pearson VUE centres across India — every major city has multiple centres. CELPIP has limited international availability and is primarily offered in Canada. While CELPIP has added some international test centres, availability in India is still restricted compared to PTE Core.

If you are testing from India, PTE Core is significantly more accessible. If you are already in Canada, CELPIP may be more convenient with centres in most major Canadian cities.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose PTE Core if: You are testing from India (more test centres), you prefer AI-only scoring, you want 48-hour results, you want unlimited free score reports, and you are comfortable with computer-based testing.

Choose CELPIP if: You are already in Canada (more convenient centres), you prefer human-rated Speaking and Writing, you like CELPIP's conversational Speaking format, or you have already prepared extensively for CELPIP.

Consider IELTS GT if: You prefer face-to-face speaking, you want the widest preparation resource library, or you are also considering Australia (IELTS GT for Canada + IELTS Academic for Australia).

EEC Coaches Both PTE Core & CELPIP for Canada

EEC offers coaching for PTE Core, CELPIP, and IELTS GT — all at ₹7,500. Every Canada-bound student also receives FREE immigration counselling including Express Entry profile assessment, CRS optimisation, PNP guidance, and application support. Also consider adding French A1 for bonus CRS points.

“For Canada PR, the choice between PTE Core and CELPIP comes down to availability and comfort. PTE Core has more test centres in India; CELPIP has a simpler format. Both map to CLB identically.”

— EEC Canada Immigration Team, CLB Assessment Specialist

Related Resources & Further Reading

Ready to begin? Register for a free demo class. PTE is also accepted for study in New Zealand. Read our PTE Academic complete guide. Read our PTE fee structure in India. Read our PTE Academic vs PTE Core. Read our PTE scores for Australia PR. Read our PTE vs IELTS comparison. Read our PTE preparation tips for 79+.

Frequently Asked Questions

PTE Core vs CELPIP questions for Canada PR: