PTE Core: format, differences and free practice
The PTE test for Canadian immigration and citizenship. Same computer-based format and AI scoring as PTE Academic, with everyday topics — and two tasks you won’t see in Academic.
Write Email
Core only. Read a situation and write an 80–120 word email that covers all three points, in 9 minutes.
Shorter summary
Summarize Written Text is 25–50 words in complete sentences — not the single sentence Academic asks for.
Fewer task types
No Write Essay, Retell Lecture, Summarize Group Discussion or Highlight Correct Summary: 19 task types in total.
PTE Core test format
Three parts, about two hours. Tap a task to practise it — speaking and writing answers are AI-scored.
Part 1 · Speaking & Writing
about 50–65 min| Personal Introduction | Unscored |
| Read Aloud | Same as Academic |
| Repeat Sentence | Same as Academic |
| Describe Image | Same as Academic |
| Respond to a Situation | 20 s to prepare, 40 s to speak |
| Answer Short Question | Same as Academic |
| Summarize Written Text | Core: 25–50 words, complete sentences |
| Write Email | Core only: 80–120 words, 9 min |
Part 2 · Reading
about 27–37 min| Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Same as Academic |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | Same as Academic |
| Re-order Paragraphs | Same as Academic |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks | Same as Academic |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Same as Academic |
Part 3 · Listening
about 22–37 min| Summarize Spoken Text | Same as Academic |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | Same as Academic |
| Fill in the Blanks | Same as Academic |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Same as Academic |
| Select Missing Word | Same as Academic |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | Same as Academic |
| Write From Dictation | Same as Academic |
Timed like the real test, with AI speaking and writing scores and a report on your weakest tasks.
PTE Core questions answered
Who needs PTE Core?
PTE Core is the general-English version of PTE, designed for Canadian economic immigration (such as Express Entry) and citizenship. For university study, or for visas for Australia, New Zealand or the UK, you normally need PTE Academic instead.
Is PTE Core easier than PTE Academic?
The topics are everyday rather than academic, and a few tasks are different — but the scoring is just as strict. Fluency, pronunciation and spelling matter as much as in Academic.
What score do I need?
Canada converts PTE Core scores into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, and the level you need depends on your program. Check the current conversion table and your program’s requirements on the official IRCC website before booking.
Can I practise PTE Core on PTE Junction?
Yes. Every Core task is here, including Write Email, plus free PTE Core mock tests with AI-scored speaking and writing.