For Canadian immigration you can prove your English with three tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. I've already compared CELPIP and IELTS; this page is about the newer choice, PTE Core, and how it compares with CELPIP.
Both tests are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, both are taken on a computer, and both turn your result into CLB levels. The real differences are in how the tasks look and how they are scored. I checked the official IRCC language test pages, celpip.ca and pearsonpte.com in October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm on the official sites before you book.
Both Tests Are Accepted for Canada
| Purpose | CELPIP | PTE Core |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (permanent residence) | CELPIP-General | Yes |
| Canadian citizenship | CELPIP-General LS (or General) | Yes |
| Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) | CELPIP-General | Yes |
For Express Entry and the PGWP, IRCC says your results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. Don't take the Academic versions of other tests by mistake: for these applications IRCC asks for CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core.
The Official Score Chart: CELPIP vs PTE Core
This is the equivalency from IRCC's Express Entry language test page. CELPIP levels match CLB levels one to one; PTE Core uses score ranges that are different for each skill.
| CLB | CELPIP (each skill) | PTE Core Speaking | PTE Core Listening | PTE Core Reading | PTE Core Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 89+ | 89+ | 88+ | 90+ |
| 9 | 9 | 84–88 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 |
| 8 | 8 | 76–83 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 |
| 7 | 7 | 68–75 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 |
| 6 | 6 | 59–67 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 |
| 5 | 5 | 51–58 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 |
| 4 | 4 | 42–50 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 |
So if your goal is CLB 7 in every skill, on CELPIP you need 7 in each skill, and on PTE Core you need at least 68 in Speaking, 60 in Listening, 60 in Reading and 69 in Writing. For CELPIP levels in more detail, see the CELPIP score chart.
Format: The Biggest Difference
| CELPIP-General | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | just under 3 hours | about 2 hours |
| Order | Listening → Reading → Writing → Speaking | Speaking & Writing → Reading → Listening |
| Tasks | fewer, longer tasks (8 Speaking tasks of 60–90 seconds, two 150–200-word texts) | many short tasks of different types |
| Speaking and Writing scored by | trained raters | Pearson's AI-powered scoring engine |
| Topics | everyday situations in Canada | general English |
| Results | usually 2–4 business days | most within 2 business days |
CELPIP feels close to everyday life in Canada: you give advice to a friend, write an email to a landlord, choose between two options and explain why. Each task is long enough to show your ideas, and people score your Speaking and Writing on content, vocabulary, clarity and whether you did what the task asked. The full structure is in the CELPIP test format.
PTE Core is faster and has many more items. Pearson describes it as a 2-hour computer-based test scored by an AI-powered scoring engine. That suits people who work quickly and are comfortable with many short tasks, one after another.
Which Test Suits You?
CELPIP may suit you better if:
- you like having time to develop an idea in a longer answer;
- you live in Canada or know everyday Canadian situations (renting, work, neighbours, services);
- you prefer your Speaking and Writing to be judged by people, on what you actually say.
PTE Core may suit you better if:
- you are quick and comfortable switching between many short task types;
- you prefer a shorter test day;
- you need results as fast as possible.
My honest advice: don't choose a test because someone online says it is "easier". Try the free official sample of each test, under real timing, and notice which one lets you show your English best. Then prepare seriously for that one test, because changing tests halfway through usually costs more time than it saves.
If You Choose CELPIP
Start with the tasks that carry the most weight for your target. My CELPIP Speaking templates and free practice questions with model answers cover every Speaking task and both Writing tasks. For words, get my free Vocabulary Booster. And if you'd like a full practice test with feedback on Speaking and Writing, join the waitlist for Ready Sprint, my course for the CELPIP test.