PTE Core vs PTE Academic: Differences Explained (2026)
Not sure which Pearson English test to take? PTE Core is designed for Canada immigration, while PTE Academic targets university admissions. This guide breaks down format, tasks, fees, and difficulty so you can choose the right test.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | PTE Core | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Canada immigration (PR, citizenship, work permits) | Study abroad & academic admissions |
| Accepted By | IRCC (Canada) | 3,500+ universities; Australia, NZ, UK visa |
| Content Focus | Everyday & workplace English | Academic English (lectures, essays) |
| Test Duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours |
| Score Scale | 10–90 (GSE) | 10–90 (GSE) |
| Score Mapping | CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) | University-specific cutoffs (e.g., 58–79) |
| Results Time | Within 5 business days (often <48 hrs) | 2–5 business days |
| Test Fee (CAD) | ~$415 | ~$375 |
Task-by-Task Comparison
PTE Core replaces academic-style tasks with real-life ones. Here is a side-by-side look at what changes between the two tests.
| Task Area | PTE Core | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking – Unique Task | Respond to a Situation | Retell Lecture |
| Writing – Main Task | Write Email (100 words, 9 min) | Write Essay (200–300 words, 20 min) |
| Summarize Written Text | 25–50 words | 50–70 words |
| Summarize Spoken Text | 20–30 words | 50–70 words |
| Highlight Correct Summary | Not included | Included |
| Speaking & Writing Duration | 50 minutes | 54–67 minutes |
PTE Core's Respond to a Situation asks you to react to everyday scenarios (e.g., a neighbor's request), while PTE Academic's Retell Lecture requires summarizing an academic talk. Similarly, Write Email is shorter and more practical than Write Essay, making PTE Core more accessible for non-academic test takers.
What You'll Actually See on Test Day
The biggest difference is context. PTE Core tests whether you can function in daily life in Canada; PTE Academic tests whether you can study at a university in English.
| Aspect | PTE Core | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Topics | News articles, workplace notices | Research papers, journal excerpts |
| Listening Topics | Everyday conversations, announcements | University lectures, academic interviews |
| Writing Scenario | Email to a landlord or colleague | Argumentative essay on a social issue |
| Speaking Scenario | Respond to a neighbor's request | Retell a lecture on climate change |
Is PTE Core Easier Than PTE Academic?
Many test takers find PTE Core more approachable because the content mirrors everyday English rather than academic vocabulary. The writing task is shorter — a 100-word email vs. a 200–300 word essay — which reduces time pressure significantly.
However, PTE Core is not without challenges. Respond to a Situation gives you only 30 seconds to organize a structured spoken answer, which demands strong oral fluency. Write Email also requires covering all three bullet points in just 9 minutes — missing any one costs you marks.
Bottom line: if you are a non-academic applicant aiming for Canada PR, PTE Core is generally easier to prepare for. If your English background is heavily academic, the difficulty gap narrows. Either way, scores are not transferable — choose based on your goal, not perceived difficulty.
Test Fee Comparison (2026)
Fees vary by country and may include local taxes. Always confirm the latest pricing on the official Pearson website before booking.
| Country | PTE Core | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (CAD) | ~$415 | ~$375 |
| Australia (AUD) | $445 | $475 |
| India (INR) | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 |
| USA (USD) | ~$235 | ~$235 |
Additional costs may apply for late booking (within 48 hours), rescheduling, or extra score reports. See our exam fee guide for full details. Exam fee guide
Which Test Should You Take?
🇨🇦Moving to Canada?
PTE Core is your test. It's accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, provincial nominees, and citizenship. Convert your scores to CLB with our free calculator.
🎓Studying abroad?
Choose PTE Academic. It's accepted by 3,500+ universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
🏢Working in a non-Canada country?
Check with your employer or licensing body. PTE Academic is more widely recognized for professional registration.
🤔Not sure yet?
Read our PTE Core beginner's guide to understand the Canadian immigration pathway and whether PTE Core is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTE Core accepted for Canada PR?
Yes. IRCC accepts PTE Core for Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and citizenship applications.
Is PTE Academic accepted for Express Entry?
No. PTE Academic is designed for university admissions and professional licensing, not Canadian immigration.
Are PTE Core and PTE Academic scores interchangeable?
No. The two tests serve different purposes and their scores cannot be converted or substituted for each other. You must take the test that matches your application type.
Is PTE Core easier than PTE Academic?
PTE Core uses everyday English and has shorter writing tasks, so many test takers find it more approachable. However, Respond to a Situation requires strong oral fluency under time pressure. Choose based on your goal, not perceived difficulty.
Can I use PTE Core for study permits?
PTE Core is accepted for Canada's Study Direct Stream (SDS) and some non-SDS study permits. For university admissions elsewhere, use PTE Academic.
How much does PTE Core cost?
PTE Core costs approximately CAD $415 in Canada. Prices vary by country and may include local taxes. Check our exam fee guide for the latest pricing.
Can I switch from PTE Academic to PTE Core?
You cannot convert scores between the two tests. If you need PTE Core for Canada PR, you must book and take PTE Core separately.
How should I prepare differently for each test?
For PTE Core, focus on Respond to Situation and Write Email — tasks unique to Core. Use our free practice tool with AI scoring. For PTE Academic, prioritize essay writing and lecture retelling.
Which test has faster results?
Both promise results within 5 business days. In practice, PTE Core results often arrive within 48 hours, sometimes as fast as 2 hours.
Related Resources
Sources