On the 30th of January, 2024, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) core exams will now be approved for every immigration route, unless for the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This implies that Provincial Nominee Program applicants, applicants in Express Entry supervised programs, and those requiring language exams for any other Immigration intentions in Canada apart from the Student Direct Stream, which includes applying for citizenship in Canada, can now undergo the Pearson Test of English Core.
Meaning of The PTE Core?
The Pearson Test of English is a computer-based language exam with specific preferences on ascertaining general English capacity for immigration to Canada. The exams evaluate daily English proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading within two hours. Exam centers can be discovered worldwide, with more than 400 centers globally.
Based on Pearson’s webpage, the exams are rated by both humans and AI to ease the threat of prejudice. Exam results can generally be acquired within 48 hours.
The Pearson Test of English is separated into three sections:
- Listening goes for 30 minutes
- Reading goes for 30 minutes
- Speaking and writing goes for 50 minutes
The PTE Core supersedes the past PTE Essential exams, which were authorized for immigration to Canada in 2023. It must be known that Pearson, like other authorized language exam institutions, provides many kinds of exams, including PTE Academic. Immigration applicants must ensure they complete the accurate exams for their desired program.
Five Authorized Language Exams
With the inclusion of the PTE Core, there are currently five total language exams authorized by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration. These include:
- TCF Canada, which is French
- TEF Canada, which is French
- PTE Core, which is English
- IELTS general training, which is English
- CELPIP General Test, which is English
All five of these exams evaluate language proficiency within four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. According to the program under which applicants apply, they may be required to satisfy various measures within these four skills.
For instance, applicants for immigration applying under Express Entry-supervised programs will require distinct scores according to which program they select. Under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants need a CLB level 7 for every language skill. Hence, under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants need at least a CLB level of 5 for speaking and listening and a minimum of level 4 for reading and writing. Again, under the Canadian Experience Class, applicants must have at least CLB level 7 or level 5 throughout the language proficiencies according to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) experience level of their employment.