IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE Core: Which is best for Canada PR?

Manmeet Kaur Manmeet Kaur
[Published 22 Apr, 2024 | 05:48 PM]
About Author - 10 min read
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When planning to immigrate to Canada, checking eligibility for Canada PR is the first step. The 67-point calculator evaluates various factors like age, work experience, and education, including language proficiency.

As English is not the native language of India, you need to demonstrate your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to be eligible for Canada PR from India.

But with Canada accepting three English language tests,

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
  • PTE Core (Pearson Test of English Core)
Which one should you take?

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What is the Canadian Language Benchmark?

All the accepted language tests in Canada use a scoring system called the Canadian Langauge Benchmark (CLB). The CLB is a national standard used to evaluate and define the candidates’ language abilities in skilled worker immigration programs – Express Entry, PNP, and others like AIP.

Your proficiency levels in reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in English are evaluated and given a CLB score. The CLB score is divided into 12 levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 12 being the highest proficiency level.

The minimum score you need to qualify for an immigration program will vary for IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core – English language tests, and TEF, and TEC – French language tests.

Comparing English Language Tests: IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE Core

Before we dive into the comparison of language tests, you must know that academic tests are taken when you enter a university or a professional institution. The general tests will contain topics based on general interest and are designated for permanent residence applications by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is an approved language test by IRCC to assess the English skills of individuals planning to immigrate to Canada. The minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR is 6 overall or CLB 7.

Here are the IELTS exam sections, in no particular order:

  • Reading (60 minutes): This part has 40 questions, including extracts from magazines, books, newspapers, and notices.
  • Writing (60 minutes): It has two tasks. In the first one, you are given a situation and asked to write a letter, explaining it. The second one has an essay writing section in response to a point of view, problem, or argument.
  • Listening (30 minutes): This section of the test has four recordings – each with 10 questions. Two are conversation-based and the other two are monologues.
  • Speaking (15 minutes): This section consists of three parts, each meeting a specific function. It includes topics of studies, home, work, family, and studies – conducted through an oral interview.
CLB LevelReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
108.07.58.57.5
97.07.08.07.0
86.56.57.56.5
76.06.06.06.0
65.05.55.55.5
54.05.05.05.0
43.54.04.54.0

Comparing English Language Tests: IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE Core

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

Another accepted test for Canada PR from India is CELPIP to demonstrate your English proficiency. The minimum CELPIP score required for Canada PR is 5 or higher in each module.

Here are the CELPIP exam sections, in no particular order:

  • Reading (60 minutes): This section includes four parts with a total of 38 questions. Read for correspondence, to apply a diagram, for information, and viewpoints.
  • Writing (60 minutes): Lastly, there’s a writing section with two tasks. In the first, you’ll asked to write an email and in the second, you’ll be asked to write in response to survey questions
  • Listening (60 minutes): This part of the test has six recordings, each with 38 questions. The questions are related to problem-solving, day-to-day conversations, discussions, and news items.
  • Speaking (15 minutes): This section consists of eight parts and each one has a specific function. The topics are based on giving advice, expressing opinions, and personal experiences, and describing a scene.
CLB LevelReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
1010101010
99999
88888
77777
66666
55555
44444

PTE Core (Pearson Test of English – Core)

On 30th January 2024, IRCC announced that PTE Core or the Pearson Test of English (Core) will now be accepted as a language test to demonstrate English proficiency as a part of Canada PR eligibility requirements. This test is now accepted for all immigration programs that require a language test, except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

PTE Core uses a scoring technology, meaning there is no human examiner. The scores of the test are given on a scale of 0 to 90, with 90 being the highest score. To be eligible for Canada PR, you need to score a minimum of 60 overall or CLB 7 in each ability.

Here are the PTE Core exam sections, in no particular order:

  • Reading (30 minutes): This section of the test has five different question types, including multiple choice questions, and summarizing written text.
  • Speaking and Writing (50 minutes): This section includes seven question types. This is the longest part of the test where you’ll be asked to read aloud, repeat sentences, describe an image, and write an essay or summarize a written text.
  • Listening (30 minutes): This part of the PTE Core test has seven questions, based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once and can take notes.
CLB LevelReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
1088-908089-9089-90
978-7788-8982-8884-88
869-7778-8771-8176-83
760-6869-7860-7068-75
651-5960-6850-5959-67
542-5051-5939-4951-58
433-4141-5028-3842-50
324-3232-4018-2734-41

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Differences Between English Tests for PR by Factors

Comparison FactorsIELTSCELPIPPTE Core
Duration2 hours, 45 minutes3 hours2 hours
Results13 days for paper-based test, after your test date. For computer-based exams, the results will take 3-5 days.3-4 business days after the exam date.Typically, 2 days after the exam date.
CostINR 17,000INR 12,500INR 17,000

NOTE: The costs mentioned are subject to change. Check updated language costs at the time of applying.

Proving your ability to read, write, listen, and speak English is crucial to gaining points for Canada permanent residence eligibility. If you are fluent in French, additional points will be awarded to you, improving your overall PR eligibility score.

Canada PR Visa Approval in 60 Days | Mayank's Visa Story

Now the choice is yours!

Prepare well ace any English proficiency tests and start your Canada immigration process on the right foot.

If you seek professional help, connect with one of the best immigration and visa consultants in Delhi, Nationwide Visas. Get a free consultation session and determine the best option to apply for your situation.

Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com

Good Luck!

Read more on Quora:-What score is needed on the IELTS exam for immigration (PR) to Canada?



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