Know the Difference Between PTE Core Vs. PTE Academic

If you’ve chosen PTE as your language proficiency exam, you might be aware that in 2024, Pearson introduced a new test—PTE Core. While both exams serve different purposes, many students may find the differences unclear. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed comparison of PTE Core vs. PTE Academic.

While both tests serve distinct purposes, it’s crucial to understand their differences to determine which one aligns better with your goals.

PTE Core Vs PTE Academic – Know Format & Purpose

What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is an English proficiency test designed primarily for students seeking admission to universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. Many institutions in Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, and New Zealand accept PTE Academic scores for admission purposes.

Purpose of PTE Academic

Students applying for higher education in English-speaking countries
Professionals seeking certification that requires an academic-level English test
Individuals applying for student visas in countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK

Test Format

PTE Academic evaluates a candidate’s English proficiency through four sections:

Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes)

Personal Introduction
Read Aloud
Repeat Sentence
Describe Image
Re-tell Lecture
Answer Short Question
Summarise Written Text
Essay

Reading (29-30 minutes)

Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
Re-order Paragraphs
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Listening (30 – 43 minutes)

Summarise Spoken Text
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Fill in the Blanks
Highlight Correct Summary (Present Only in PTE Academic)
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Select Missing Word
Highlight Incorrect Words
Write from Dictation

Scoring

PTE Academic is scored on a scale of 10 to 90, with each skill contributing to the final score. The test is evaluated using artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring an unbiased assessment.

What is PTE Core?

PTE Core is a new version of the PTE test, designed specifically for individuals looking to immigrate to Canada. Unlike PTE Academic, which focuses on academic English, PTE Core assesses a candidate’s general English proficiency for everyday communication, workplace interactions, and social settings.

Purpose of PTE Core

Accepted for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) applications
Recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Suitable for those applying through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and other Canadian immigration pathways

Test Format

PTE Core consists of four sections, similar to PTE Academic, but the tasks are more aligned with practical, real-world English usage.

Speaking & Writing (Approx. 50 Minutes)

Personal Introduction
Read Aloud
Repeat Sentence
Describe Image
Respond to a Situation
Answer Short Question
Summarise Written Text (Different From PTE Academic)
Write an Email (Different From PTE Academic)

Reading (Approx. 30 Minutes)

Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
Re-order Paragraphs
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Listening (Approx. 30 Minutes)

Summarise Spoken Text
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Fill in the Blanks
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Select Missing Word
Highlight Incorrect Words
Write from Dictation

Scoring

PTE Core is also scored on a scale of 10 to 90, using AI-based evaluation. However, the test is mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to align with immigration requirements.

PTE Core Vs PTE Academic – Major Differences

PTE Core	PTE Academic
Only For Canada	Globally Accepted
Change in Question type of Speaking & Writing Section : Respond to a Situation & Write Email added & removed Highlight Correct Summary from listening section.	No change in Question type.

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose PTE Academic If:

✅ You are applying for university or college admissions.
✅ You need an English proficiency test for student or work visas.
✅ Your target institution or organization requires PTE Academic scores.

Choose PTE Core If:

✅ You are applying for Canadian PR through Express Entry, PNP, or other immigration programs.
✅ You need a test that aligns with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
✅ You want an English proficiency test for general communication, work, and everyday life.

Preparation Tips For PTE Core Vs PTE Academic

Though the exam might be different but the question are quite similar. So here are some important preparation tips

Focus on the Speaking & Writing Section

These two sections play a crucial role in your overall score.
Improve your pronunciation, fluency, and coherence in speaking tasks.
Work on grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure for writing tasks.
Practice tasks like “Read Aloud,” “Describe Image,” “Essay Writing,” and “Summarize Written Text” to enhance your skills.

Get Familiar with the Format and Understand It Well

Learn about the structure, scoring system, and types of questions in both PTE Core and PTE Academic.
Understand the differences in question patterns to avoid confusion.
Knowing the format helps in better time management during the exam.

Do Question-Wise Practice and Strengthen Your Preparation

Focus on each question type separately, such as “Multiple Choice,” “Fill in the Blanks,” “Reorder Paragraphs,” etc.
Identify which question types you find difficult and practice them more.
Use online platforms like Gurully.com to get hands-on practice with real exam-like questions.

Give Mock Tests and Evaluate Which Section Needs Practice

Taking full-length mock tests helps in assessing your readiness for the exam.
After each test, analyse your weak areas and focus on improving them.
Simulate real exam conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

Do Section-Wise Practice

Instead of practicing randomly, allocate specific time to each section (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening).
Strengthen your weak areas with targeted practice.
Use AI-based feedback tools to understand your mistakes and improve effectively.

You can practice for PTE Core & PTE Academic on Gurully. We provide full-length mock tests with accurate exam simulations to help you understand the exam better. With the latest prediction files and template, you can easily score high in your exam. Join our Telegram group and subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates.

Conclusion:

Choosing between PTE Core vs PTE Academic depends on your goals. PTE Academic is the right choice if you’re aiming for university admissions or professional certifications in English-speaking countries. On the other hand, if your goal is Canadian immigration, PTE Core is tailored to meet IRCC requirements and aligns with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

Regardless of your chosen test, thorough preparation is key to achieving a high score. Understanding the format, practicing question types, and taking mock tests can significantly boost your confidence and performance. Gurully.com provides accurate exam simulations, prediction files, and AI-driven feedback to help you prepare effectively. Start practicing today and take a step closer to your academic or immigration goals! Keep on reading our blogs at 79score for more update about PTE Exams.

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