PTE Core Score Chart by Skill
Benchmark your score targets across CLB and IELTS references, then convert gaps into focused practice priorities.
Last updated: 2026-02-17
Author: Justin · Founder, ptecorepractice.com
Score Comparison Chart
| CLB Level | PTE Core(L / R / S / W) | IELTS General(L / R / S / W) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 89-90 / 88-90 / 89-90 / 90 | 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 / 7.5 |
| CLB 9 Go-To Goal | 82-88 / 78-87 / 84-88 / 88-89 | 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 71-81 / 69-77 / 76-83 / 79-87 | 7.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 60-70 / 60-68 / 68-75 / 69-78 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 50-59 / 51-59 / 59-67 / 60-68 | 5.5 / 5.0 / 5.5 / 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 39-49 / 42-50 / 51-58 / 51-59 | 5.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 28-38 / 33-41 / 42-50 / 41-50 | 4.5 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.0 |
IELTS shorthand to CLB to PTE Core
For Canada PR searches, IELTS 8777 is shorthand for a CLB 9 language target. Use the rows below to translate the shortcut into PTE Core minimums.
| Shortcut | CLB | IELTS / CELPIP | PTE Core minimum | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS 8777 IELTS L8.0 / R7.0 / W7.0 / S7.0 | CLB 9 | L 8.0 / R 7.0-7.5 / S 7.0 / W 7.0 | L 82+ / R 78+ / S 84+ / W 88+ | The classic CLB 9 Express Entry target; 7778 is a skill-order variant. |
IELTS 7.5/6.5/6.5/6.5 IELTS bands for CLB 8 | CLB 8 | L 7.5 / R 6.5 / S 6.5 / W 6.5 | L 71+ / R 69+ / S 76+ / W 79+ | A practical midpoint target before moving to CLB 9. |
IELTS 6.0 all IELTS 6.0 in every skill | CLB 7 | L 6.0-7.0 / R 6.0 / S 6.0 / W 6.0 | L 60+ / R 60+ / S 68+ / W 69+ | Common minimum benchmark for Federal Skilled Worker eligibility. |
CELPIP 9999 CELPIP 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 | CLB 9 | L 9 / R 9 / S 9 / W 9 | L 82+ / R 78+ / S 84+ / W 88+ | CELPIP maps directly to CLB, so 9999 is CLB 9 across all skills. |
Example: IELTS 8777 to PTE Core
IELTS 8777 = CLB 9 across all four skills. The matching PTE Core minimums are generated from the official CLB table.
Use skill labels when reading 8777 or 7778; writing and speaking are both 7.0 for CLB 9.
* Comparisons based on official CLB alignment tables. Requirements can change with IRCC updates.
How PTE Core Marks Are Distributed by Skill
PTE Core reports Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing on the 10-90 scale. For Canada PR planning, compare every skill separately because the CLB conversion table is skill-specific.
What PTE Core Scores Usually Map to CLB 9?
CLB 9 is a practical CRS target, but it is not one overall score. Check the official band for each skill, then use the lowest skill as your next practice priority.