PTE Core

Contemplating about Canada?

Now get to your dream destination with the faster, fairer, and simpler general English language test – PTE Core.

What is PTE Core?

Recognized by the Canadian Government (IRCC), PTE Core is a computer based English language test for work and migration in Canada. You can choose PTE Core for applying for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada.

• - Assesses your Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening skills of the English Language
• - A single two-hour test in a friendly environment
• - Tests you everyday English usage
• - A combination of AI scoring and human expertise to reduce the chances of bias
• - All sections are tested on computer only
• - Results are typically available in 2 days

Part 1: Speaking and Writing

Severn different question types are tested in this 50 minute test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills based on everyday situations.

Various question types:

• 1. Personal Introduction: This question helps you get familiar with the test and get comfortable. However, this is not included in your total scoring. You will have 25 seconds to read the prompt and prepare your response, and then 30 seconds to record your response. You are only able to record your answer once.
• 2. Read Aloud: You will see a text of up to 60 words and you would be required to read that aloud. Both Reading and Speaking skills are tested in this question.
• 3. Repeat Sentence: You will hear a prompt of about 3-9 seconds that is required to be repeated. You will be given 40 seconds to record your answer. Both Listening and Speaking skills are tested in this question.
• 4. Describe Image: You will be shown an image that you would need to describe in 40 seconds. Your Speaking skills are judged in this part.
• 5. Respond to a Situation: You will need to listen to and read the description of a situation in up to 60 words. You would then be asked a question that you need to answer in 40 seconds. Your Speaking skills are tested in this question.
• 6. Answer Short Question: You will be asked a question in 3-9 seconds that needs to be answered in single word or a few words in a given time of 10 seconds. Both Listening and Speaking Skills are tested in this part.
• 7. Summarize written text: You will be provided a text of up to 200 words. You will be required to read the text and summarize it in 25-50 words in 10 minutes. Both Reading and Writing Skills are tested in this question.
• 8. Write Email: You will be given a text of up to 100 words. You will need to write a responding email for the text in about 9 minutes. Your Writing Skills are tested in this section.

Part 3: Listening

Seven different question types are tested in this 30 minute test. The questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once. You are allowed to take notes.

• 1. Summarize Spoken Text: You will be required to listen to a 45-75 seconds recording. Then you would need to write a 20-30 words summary. Both Listening and Writing skills are tested in this.
• 2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: You will be required to listen to a 50-90 seconds recording and answer a multiple choice question based on it. You can select more than one answers. Your Listening skills are tested in this question.
• 3. Fill in the Blanks: You will have to listen to a recording and fill in the gaps in the transcript of the recording based on what you hear. Your Listening skills are tested here.
• 4. Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Listen to the recording and select the paragraph that best summarizes it. Your Listening skills are judged in this part.
• 5. Select Missing Word: You will be required to listen to a recording and select the missing word that completes the recording from a list of options.Your Listening skills are judged in this part.
• 6. Highlight Incorrect Words: You will be presented with a transcript of a recording wherein you have to highlight the words that are different from what is said. Both Listening and Reading skills are tested in this.
• 7. Write from Dictation: You have to listen to a recording of a sentence and then type it. Both Listening and Writing skills are tested in this.

PTE Core Scoring

To provide you with a fair and accurate score, PTE Core is scored by a computer using state-of-the-art scoring technology. Also, there is no interaction with a human examiner during the test, that reduces the chances of any error.

PTE Core has 19 question types:

- Some question types are scored based on whether your answer is right or wrong, such as for multiple-choice questions.

- Other question types are scored on additional features such as the quality of your response and whether or not you have completed the required word count.

Understanding the Score Report

To provide you with a fair and accurate score, PTE Core is scored by a computer using state-of-the-art scoring technology. Also, there is no interaction with a human examiner during the test, that reduces the chances of any error.

You will see an overall score of between 10 and 90, with 90 being the highest possible score. You will also get individual scores (also between 10 and 90) for listening, reading, writing, and speaking. (Scores are graded against the Global Scale of English (GSE).)