Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially begun accepting the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core as an approved English language test for Canadian immigration as of January 30, 2024. This marks a significant expansion of language test options for prospective immigrants, although the PTE Core will not be accepted for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) used by international students.
The PTE Core is now the third IRCC-approved English test available for candidates applying for permanent residency, alongside the longstanding CELPIP General Test and IELTS General Training. French-speaking candidates can still use the TEF Canada or TCF Canada exams to meet language requirements and determine their Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores.
The CLB is a standardized national scale used by IRCC to evaluate language ability in English or French. It helps determine eligibility across a range of skilled immigration programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Each program has specific minimum CLB scores required for eligibility, based on proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The PTE Core comprises three modules: speaking and writing (combined), reading, and listening. Unlike IELTS and CELPIP, the PTE Core is scored entirely by AI-based technology, with no human examiners involved. This automated scoring process ensures objectivity and consistency.
PTE Core test results are scored on a scale from 10 to 90. IRCC has published equivalency tables linking PTE scores with CLB levels. For example, a CLB level 7, often required for eligibility in many programs, corresponds to a PTE score range of 60–68 in reading, 69–78 in writing, 60–70 in listening, and 68–75 in speaking.
Each of the accepted exams uses a different rating methodology, but all are convertible into a CLB score for immigration eligibility. Applicants are encouraged to choose the test that best suits their learning and communication styles, test availability in their region, and turnaround time for results.
The addition of the PTE Core increases flexibility for candidates worldwide, potentially improving access for those in locations where CELPIP or IELTS availability is limited. It also introduces a fully digital, automated testing option, which may appeal to tech-savvy or remote applicants.
As Canada continues to attract skilled talent globally, the expansion of language test options is designed to make the immigration process more inclusive and accessible. Maple News will continue to monitor updates to IRCC-approved tests and provide insights for aspiring newcomers to Canada.