Good news for all those hoping to immigrate to Canada: the highly regarded Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core exam has been approved for use in all immigration channels as of January 30, 2024, except the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
People interested in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), programs managed by Express Entry, and other Canadian immigration pathways (except the SDS) can now choose the PTE Core as their language competency test, thanks to this groundbreaking change.
The PTE Core stands out in what ways?
To confirm one’s overall English competency for Canadian immigration purposes, the PTE Core is a computer-based language exam. Over two hours, this test thoroughly evaluates common English abilities like reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Availability is key to the PTE Core, which is why it has over 400 testing sites spread out around the globe.
Particularly noteworthy is the assessment’s novel scoring mechanism, which aims to reduce bias through a combination of human and AI reviews. Results are usually sent to examinees in a matter of two days.
Dissecting the PTE Core reveals that it is made up of three separate parts:
– Half an hour of spoken and written expression
– 30 minutes of reading
-30-minute listening session
After being approved for Canadian immigration last year, the PTE Essential test was replaced by the PTE Core. It is critical, however, to choose the Pearson test that is most compatible with one’s immigration program from among Pearson’s many offerings, such as the PTE Academic.
Concurrently with this change, let’s examine the PTE Core in comparison to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), an important tool for evaluating language skills in immigration settings.
Developing new avenues for evaluating linguistic skills:
Now that the PTE Core is part of the list of authorized language exams for Canadian immigration, the total number of tests is five. Among them are:
English CELPIP General Test
First-Year IELTS (English)
Test of English as a Second Language (PTE Core)
French-speaking TEF Canada
In French, TCF Canada
These tests measure proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, the four cornerstones of language proficiency. Nonetheless, each immigration program has its own unique set of requirements.
For example, depending on the route they want to take, candidates applying to Express Entry-managed programs have different score requirements. A CLB level 7 or higher is required for all language skills under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). On the other hand, CLB levels 4 and 5 are required for reading and writing in the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Similarly, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requires a CLB level 7 overall or a level 5 across all linguistic abilities, depending on the applicant’s occupation’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level.
Essentially, the PTE Core’s incorporation highlights the ever-changing immigration scene in Canada, providing prospective immigrants with a diverse range of language assessment choices as they begin their path to a potential future in the country. We are here to help you through every step of the immigration process, from learning about your eligibility to understanding the complexities of several options.
