PTE Core classes online
The PTE test for Canadian immigration. Scored by computer, so small habits cost big marks. We find the tasks pulling your score down and train them with you, in simple everyday English.
Who PTE Core is for
PTE Core is the general English version of PTE. It is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for economic immigration, such as Express Entry. It is not the test for university study, and it is not accepted for UK or Australian visas. If you are not sure which test you need, check the official rules for your visa before you book, or read our guide.
The test, part by part
The whole test takes about 2 hours in one sitting, all on the computer. Many tasks look like PTE Academic, but the topics are everyday life and work, and there is no essay: you write an email instead.
| Part | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Speaking and Writing | Personal Introduction (not scored), Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Respond to a Situation, Answer Short Question, Summarize Written Text, Write Email |
| Reading | Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (multiple answers), Reorder Paragraphs, Reading Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (single answer) |
| Listening | Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice (multiple answers), Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice (single answer), Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation |
How PTE Core is scored
Scores go from 10 to 90, and Canada turns them into CLB levels. Like PTE Academic, many tasks count towards more than one skill, so small tasks like Repeat Sentence and Write from Dictation matter much more than they look. Results usually arrive within 2 working days, and sometimes take up to 5.
Where most people lose marks
Writing an essay instead of an email
Task: Write to your manager. Explain why you were late today and suggest how you will make up the time.
Freezing in Respond to a Situation
You read a short situation and have a few seconds to plan. Many students stop to find a "perfect" sentence and lose fluency marks. Use a simple order instead: say who you are talking to, say the problem, say what you want, and thank them. Keep speaking smoothly, even if one word is not perfect.
Spelling and plurals in Write from Dictation
You hear: The new employees started their training on Monday.
Stopping and restarting in Read Aloud
The computer scores how smoothly you speak. Every stop, repeat and "sorry" costs more than a word you say a little wrong. Keep going and never go back.
How we prepare you for PTE Core
We diagnose first
The Diagnostic shows which tasks are pulling your score down. For PTE Core, Teacher J prepares your test herself.
Everyday English that scores
Simple, clear sentences for emails and spoken answers, without big words you do not need.
High value tasks
Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, Fill in the Blanks and Write Email, where the marks are.
The PTE e-book
Think Like the Scorer covers every PTE Core task, including Write Email and Respond to a Situation. $35. Look inside.
A finished score looks like this
This is an example in our own design, with the name hidden. Your result depends on where you start and the work you put in. What we promise is a clear plan and a teacher who reads your work properly.
10 to 90
Communicative skills
Our own design, for illustration. Not an official report.
PTE Core classes: prices
All classes are live on Microsoft Teams with Teacher J. Prices in US dollars, for 4 weeks. Every class package includes NextBand Room practice.
Other ways to prepare
Daily timed practice in the real exam format, with guided feedback.
Not sure which is right for you? Book a free 15-minute call or see all prices and class times.
Questions
Is PTE Core easier than IELTS General Training?
Not easier, just different. PTE Core is fully on computer and scored by computer, and results usually come within 2 days. People who speak smoothly but make small spelling mistakes can find PTE harder. The Diagnostic helps you see where you lose marks.
Can I use PTE Core for Canada?
Yes. IRCC accepts PTE Core for economic immigration, including Express Entry. Your score is turned into CLB levels. Always check the current official rules for your programme before you book.
Can I use PTE Core for university or the UK?
No. PTE Core is for Canadian economic immigration. Universities ask for PTE Academic, and UK visas use PTE Academic UKVI. Check what your university or visa asks for before you book.
What PTE Core score do I need for CLB 7 or CLB 9?
IRCC publishes the exact PTE Core scores for each CLB level, and they are different for each skill. Check the official IRCC table for the level you need, then we plan your classes around that number.
Start with the skill that is holding you back
Join a class, build your free roadmap first, or ask us anything.