Indians applying for Canadian PR or Canadian citizenship now have a new choice of test for English proficiency. Pearson has opened bookings for PTE Core, its latest English language proficiency test. Approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last year, PTE Core can now be used to demonstrate English language proficiency for permanent economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship, with tests starting from February 12.
PTE Core, an addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, shares distinctive features with PTE Academic. It is a two-hour, computer-based exam conducted in a test center setting, assessing four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
PTE Core is tailored for vocational test-takers, offering a real-life, non-academic focus. Developed to meet Canada's specific migration requirements and IRCC's language proficiency standards, it can be used to assess English proficiency for vocational purposes in any country.
“We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers in India and help the test takers to achieve their dreams of living and working in Canada. PTE Core is a new test from Pearson, designed to offer a vocational and real-life focus to support the Canadian Government’s migration needs. This is an important step for Pearson, boosting our aim to become the global leader in English language for committed learners,” Prabhul Ravindran, Director of English Language Learning, Pearson India, said.
With Canada's focus on economic recovery and growth post-pandemic, IRCC is expanding its Levels Plan to address increasing demand. PTE Core's approval comes at an opportune time, providing new possibilities for test-takers, especially in professions like nursing, engineering, and web development.
PTE Core addresses Canadian economic migration needs, complementing PTE Academic, accepted by IRCC since August 2023 for Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications. PTE Academic is already recognized by over 97% of universities and 95% of colleges in Canada, as well as governments in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. PTE Academic is also widely accepted by universities in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and 99% of UK universities.
Delivered through Pearson VUE, the fully digital PTE Core test utilizes cutting-edge AI technology, reviewed by human raters, for scoring. Enhanced security measures, including biometric data collection, ensure a fair and precise evaluation of English language proficiency. Test-takers can book PTE Core online up to 24 hours in advance, benefit from year-round test slots worldwide, and receive results, on average, within two days.
PTE Core will be introduced across Pearson's global network, spanning over 400 PTE centers in 118 countries, including 25 test centers in Canada.
