PTE Core Vs PTE Academic: What Are the Differences?
Many candidates want to know the differences when comparing PTE Core vs PTE Academic.
Knowing this information allows candidates to aim at the correct test to achieve their goals.
Let’s discover the difference between the two exams with LUME Test right now!
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PTE Core is the latest member of the Pearson English tests.
It’s designed to assess candidates’ English proficiency, including listening, writing, reading, and speaking.
The test focuses on real-world situations, such as conversations that happen in daily life or the workplace.
So, test takers need to demonstrate their English skills by reading new articles, writing emails, or talking with friends or colleagues.
PTE Core is 100% computer-based, guaranteeing accuracy and eliminating bias, which can happen with human examiner exams.
It’s recognized by IRCC (the Canadian government) for all visa types for migration and work.
This test is also a criterion for Study Direct Stream (SDS) and Non-SDS visas.
If you want to settle your future in Canada, PTE Core is a gateway to that.
PTE Academic, as its name states, is an English test that focuses on academic contexts.
It also tests four English skills, but examinees mainly need to deal with interviews and lectures during the exam.
The test is suitable for candidates who seek higher education or work in professional settings.
Many prestigious universities and educational institutions in English-speaking countries require this test as one of the must-have criteria.
It’s also accepted by the UK, Australian, and New Zealand institutions for all immigration categories.
Similar to PTE Core, the PTE Academic scoring system also uses AI so that students receive accurate results based on their ability.
| PTE Core | PTE Academic | |
| Purpose | The test is more likely to meet work-related demands.
It also can help candidates with work and migration visas to Canada. |
It’s designed for those who are looking for higher education and migration. |
| Content focus | Daily conversations and workplace communication | Academic language, including professional lectures. |
| Format | Highlighted tasks are summarizing spoken information, giving presentations, and understanding workplace documents. | Highlighted tasks include understanding academic texts, summarizing lectures and writing essays. |
| Scoring system | From 10-90. Questions focus on practical communication skills. | From 10-90. Questions are related to academic settings. |
| Test recognition | Employers and professional departments may require it as a prerequisite. | It’s accepted by universities, colleges, and immigration authorities worldwide. |
| Booking | Candidates can book both of the tests online, though there are small differences in the detailed steps. | |
| Fee | The test prices vary depending on regions and local policies. Candidates may need to pay tax in some countries. | |
PTE Academic is one of the criteria for studying in over 300 universities across the world.
Candidates can also take this test to obtain migration visas to Australia and New Zealand.
On the other hand, PTE Core is usually required for working purposes.
This test is especially accepted by the Canadian Government (IRCC) for permanent residency applications and all economic visas.
Therefore, it is for you if you want to work or live in Canada.
The PTE Core aims for dialogs in daily life and at the workplace.
Meanwhile, the PTE Academic exam provides more educational settings.
In particular, candidates need to demonstrate their ability to comprehend lectures or expert interviews.
Both tests consist of 3 parts:
The reading and listening durations are the same, yet they are different in the speaking and writing parts.
The section lasts 50 minutes in PTE Core, while it’s 54-67 minutes in PTE Academic.
Since the difference between PTE Core and Academic is their content, their question types are not the same.
Instead of retelling lectures and Writing Essays in the academic version, the other tests include Responding to Situations and Writing Emails.
The scoring mechanism is computer-based for both exams, measuring comprehension of four skills.
Candidates are given points on the Global Scale of English, from 10 to 90.
PTE Core score correspondents to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark), while the scores for PTE Academic are usually required as follows:
PTE Academic is accepted by universities in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, opening a high-educational gateway for international students.
Australian and New Zealand governments also require it as a must to apply for their migration visas.
Meanwhile, PTE Core is recognized by the Canadian government (IRCC) for work and permanent residency purposes.
Candidates must have a PTE account to register for PTE Academic, yet PTE Core does not require this step.
When booking for the academic version, you need to complete your profile with information matching your ID or passport.
While with the other type, candidates can proceed faster due to the test’s priority to availability and quick booking.
There will be a detailed page where you can select the center, date, and time for PTE Academic.
Meanwhile, PTE Core creates a more friendly interface with the “Find an Appointment”portal.
Usually, the PTE Core is more expensive than the Academic test.
For example, PTE Core costs AUD 445, while the price of the academic one is AUD 410.
However, the fee varies depending on countries, policies, taxes, and local situations.
Sometimes, candidates need to pay 5-24% tax.
We advise you to check this information carefully before booking the exam.
Now you know the difference between PTE Core and PTE Academic.
Next are our suggested factors to consider while choosing which type of test is suitable for you.
First, you should know what PTE tests the institutions or organizations that you’re applying to require.
Confirming with them will ensure you’re taking the correct path to reach your dream.
PTE Academic is recognized worldwide, for example, by the UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian visa authorities.
However, you should clarify your purpose in order to take the correct test.
As mentioned above, PTE Academic mostly serves study purposes, while you may need PTE Core for working and migration applications.
Though candidates can take both tests almost everywhere in the world, their availability is not the same (even in one center).
Thus, it’s necessary to check this information to ensure you take the correct test.
Sometimes, there’s no strict requirement for the test type so you can choose the one based on your familiarity.
For example, if you’re more confident in the lecture’s language, PTE Academic is your choice.
On the other hand, if you are more familiar with non-academic settings, go for PTE Core.
After the discussion above about PTE Core vs PTE Academic, we hope you can make a decision on what test to take.
No matter what your choice is, ensure you prepare yourself well before sitting the exam.
Check out more blogs from LUME Test for useful information!
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