Have you chosen the correct language proficiency exam according to your requirements? If you are unsure, you need to read this for detailed clarification. PTE is one of the most popular English proficiency tests, chosen by many students, migrants, and working professionals. It is accepted globally and makes it easier for people to achieve their goals. To ease this path even more, Pearson introduced a new exam, PTE Core. This new exam launch might narrow the path but has created confusion about what to choose.

So here is a detailed guide to the PTE exam you want to take to achieve your goals.

What Is PTE Core & PTE Academic

PTE Academic 

The PTE Academic test, delivered entirely by computer, is a gateway to assess your English proficiency for academic pursuits. It evaluates your abilities to speak, write, read, and understand academic-level English through a computer interface.

PTE Core

The PTE Core test is like a computer checkpoint to see how well you can use English in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It’s different from some tests because it focuses on general English, the kind you’d use talking to friends, reading news articles, or writing emails.

Purpose Of PTE Core & PTE Academic

PTE Academic – A gateway to global opportunities

The PTE Academic test is your passport to a world of educational opportunities. Whether you’re a –

• High school graduate aiming for a prestigious undergraduate program
• A professional seeking a career-changing master’s degree
• Researcher pursuing a groundbreaking Ph.D. position,

PTE Academic can help you demonstrate your English language proficiency and fulfill visa application requirements. It’s a streamlined solution for ambitious students and professionals who want to turn their academic and career aspirations into reality on a global stage.

PTE Core – Open doors for residency in Canada

Earning permanent residency in Canada opens doors to a world of possibilities. Those who are seeking this country for their future must look forward to this test. Here are two main reasons why this test was introduced

• PTE Core is a way towards permanent residency in Canada, as the scores impact IRCC directly.
• This test is also accepted for Canadian citizenship applications.

Acceptance From Countries

PTE Academic—The test is primarily for academic purposes, and 3,500 universities and colleges globally accept its scores.

PTE Core– It is only accepted in Canada and recognized by IRCC

Test Format:

PTE Academic:

Divided into 4 sections, Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening

Duration: 2 hours

Question Types In Different Sections

• Speaking & Writing: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentences, Describe Images, Re-tell Lectures, Answer Short Questions, Summarize Written Text, Essay
• Reading: Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer, Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, Single Answer
• Listening: Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Multiple Choice, Single Answer, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation

Validation – 2 years

PTE Core

Segregated in 4 parts- Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening

Duration: 2 hours

Question Types In Different Sections

• Speaking & Writing: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Respond To Situation, Answer Short Questions, Summarize Written Text, Write Email
• Reading: Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer, Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, Single Answer
• Listening: Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, Single Answer, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation

Major Difference In Question Type Between PTE Core and Academic 

PTE Academic was introduced earlier, but the Core was added as individuals’ needs and demands varied. 

Besides the country acceptance, the test format has two major changes: the addition of two question types—Respond To Situation and Write Email. 

Scoring System

PTE Academic:

• Foundations Courses: Minimum score of between 36-50
• Undergraduate Degrees: Minimum score of between 51-60
• Postgraduate Degrees: Minimum score of between 57-67

PTE Core:

In this test, you will score between 10-90 points, which is further checked according to CBL, which ranges from 3(min) to 10(max).   

Bonus Practice Tips For Both Exams

Till now, you might have gotten an idea about what you will choose, but only the exam selection will not help you. So here are bonus exam preparation tips that you can apply for both exams.

• Prepare A Plan: This is all about creating a study schedule that works for you.  Identify your test date and work backward to set realistic weekly or monthly goals.  This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation journey.
• Practice Section Wise: Dedicating specific study time to practice each section individually will ensure you develop a well-rounded skillset.  Plenty of resources are available online and in textbooks to help you practice each section effectively.
• Give Mock Tests: Taking mock tests under timed conditions is a fantastic way to simulate the actual test environment and experience.  This will help you manage your time effectively, identify areas that need improvement, and build confidence for the real test day.
• Enhance English Language Skills: There’s always room for improvement! Read books, articles, and news websites in English. Watch movies and TV shows in English and try to shadow the pronunciation. Engage in conversations with native speakers whenever possible. All these activities will strengthen your overall English language proficiency.

Knowing the difference between these two exams is very important as you will get a straight approach towards your goal. For helping you throughout your journey, Gurully is here to help you. Gurully provides exclusive practice material for PTE exam preparation. We provide you with section-wise practice, question-wise practice & mock tests with an AI-powered scoring system.

Our real-time exam simulation will help you understand the exam environment in advance. Along with that, we have prediction files that will give you an idea about how questions might come, and it will strengthen your preparation.

Conclusion

You should choose the PTE exam that aligns with your goals. If you are looking to study abroad, take the PTE Academic exam. This test is accepted by over 3,500 universities and colleges worldwide. The PTE Core exam is the better choice if you seek permanent residency in Canada.

This exam is specifically designed for Canadian immigration purposes. Both exams are two hours long and test your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The PTE Academic exam focuses on academic English, while the PTE Core exam focuses on general English. Besides the question types, everything is the same. Save this blog for future reference.