CELPIP vs PTE Core: what's different
Neither test is easier by rule: IRCC accepts CELPIP-General and PTE Core for Express Entry and citizenship, converts both to the same CLB levels and gives the same points for the same level. They differ in format: PTE Core tests Speaking and Writing together in one part, while CELPIP gives each skill a section of its own.
At a glance
| CELPIP-General | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, each in a section of its own | Speaking and Writing together (50–65 min), then Reading (27–37 min) and Listening (22–37 min) |
| Express Entry | Accepted (CELPIP-General) | Accepted |
| Citizenship | Accepted, or its Listening and Speaking test (CELPIP-General LS) | Accepted |
| Scores | A level per skill, M and 3 to 12: the same number as the CLB | A score per skill, up to 90 |
| Length | 2 hours 50 minutes in one sitting: Listening 46–55 min, Reading 43–56 min, Writing 53 min, Speaking 15 min | About 2 hours |
| Where and how | On a computer at a test centre | On a computer at a test centre; not at home |
| Speaking | Recorded at the computer and rated by trained raters; no face-to-face examiner | Recorded into a microphone at the computer |
| Results | 2 to 4 business days | Usually within 2 business days |
| For immigration | Less than 2 years old when you apply | Less than 2 years old when you apply |
PTE Core scores for each CLB level
IRCC's conversion chart. In CELPIP the level is the CLB number in every skill; in PTE Core each CLB level is usually a range of scores, different in each skill.
| CLB | CELPIP | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 to 12 | 89–90 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 |
| 9 | 9 | 82–88 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 84–88 |
| 8 | 8 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 76–83 |
| 7 | 7 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 68–75 |
| 6 | 6 | 50–59 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 59–67 |
| 5 | 5 | 39–49 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 51–58 |
| 4 | 4 | 28–38 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 42–50 |
How to choose
Neither test is easier by rule. These are the differences worth weighing.
- Format: PTE Core tests Speaking and Writing together in its first part; CELPIP gives each skill a section of its own.
- Targets by skill: for CLB 7, PTE Core needs 60 in Listening, 60 in Reading, 69 in Writing and 68 in Speaking; CELPIP needs a 7 in each skill.
- Results: PTE Core usually within 2 business days, sometimes up to 5; CELPIP in 2 to 4 business days.
- Citizenship: PTE Core needs 28 in Listening and 42 in Speaking; CELPIP needs a 4 in both, on CELPIP-General or its Listening and Speaking test (CELPIP-General LS). See CELPIP for citizenship.
- Test centres and dates: check which tests run near you, and when, before you plan.
- Points: IRCC gives the same CRS points for the same CLB level, whichever test you take. See them in our CELPIP score chart and converter.
Also weighing IELTS General Training? See CELPIP vs IELTS.
Practising for CELPIP
If you choose CELPIP, a full mock in its format, on a computer and with its timings, shows where you stand before test day.
Free mock launching soon. Questions: support@maplemock.com
Questions
- Is PTE Core easier than CELPIP?
- Neither is easier by rule. IRCC converts both to the same CLB levels and gives the same points for the same level. They differ in format: PTE Core tests Speaking and Writing together in one part, while CELPIP has a section for each skill.
- What PTE Core score equals CLB 7?
- At least 60 in Listening, 60 in Reading, 69 in Writing and 68 in Speaking. In CELPIP, CLB 7 is a 7 in each skill.
- What PTE Core score equals CLB 9?
- At least 82 in Listening, 78 in Reading, 88 in Writing and 84 in Speaking. In CELPIP, CLB 9 is a 9 in each skill.
- Can I use PTE Academic?
- No. IRCC asks for the PTE Core option for Express Entry, and its list of tests for citizenship names PTE Core, not PTE Academic.
- Is PTE Core accepted for citizenship?
- Yes. IRCC accepts PTE Core with at least 28 in Listening and 42 in Speaking.
- How long are the results valid for Express Entry?
- IRCC needs CELPIP and PTE Core results less than 2 years old, both when you complete your profile and when you apply.
Last checked:
Sources
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results (page dated June 22, 2026)
- IRCC: Approved language tests for citizenship (page dated September 26, 2025)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP (read October 12, 2026)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP free practice tests (read October 12, 2026)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP test results (read October 12, 2026)
- Pearson: PTE Core (read October 12, 2026)
- Pearson: PTE Core Speaking & Writing format (read October 12, 2026)
Test formats and rules change: check each test's site and IRCC before you book. MapleMock is not affiliated with IRCC, Paragon Testing Enterprises or Pearson.