Is PTE Core accepted for Canadian permanent residency (PR)?

Yes. PTE Core is officially accepted by IRCC for Canadian permanent residency applications, including Express Entry. It is an approved English language test alongside IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General.

What is the difference between PTE Core and PTE Academic?

PTE Core focuses on everyday English and is primarily designed for Canadian immigration purposes. PTE Academic focuses on academic English and is commonly used for university admission and certain visa applications. Both assess four English skills and use a 10–90 scoring scale, but their question types differ.

How accurate is the AI scoring?

Lume marks your answers using the published PTE Core scoring criteria. No practice platform can give you the exact same score as Pearson, so use your Lume score as a guide. If your mock test scores are above your target in every skill, you are in a good position.

How long are PTE Core scores valid?

PTE Core scores are valid for two years from the test date. For Canadian Express Entry and most immigration applications, your results must still be valid when required by IRCC. If your scores expire, you will generally need to retake the test. Different rules can apply when using past results as proof of language ability for citizenship.

Can I use Lume on my phone?

Yes. You can practise, watch lessons and use Skills Lab on your phone. For mock tests, we suggest a computer with a headset, so it feels like the real test.

How long does it take to prepare for PTE Core?

Preparation time depends on your current English proficiency and target CLB level. Some test takers may need a few weeks to become familiar with the exam, while others may require several months to improve their English skills. Taking a practice test on Lume Test platform can help you identify areas that need improvement.

How long is the PTE Core test?

About 2 hours across 3 parts. Part 1 Speaking and Writing runs 50 to 65 minutes, Part 2 Reading runs 27 to 37 minutes, and Part 3 Listening runs 22 to 37 minutes.

How is PTE Core scored?

PTE Core uses the same 10 to 90 scale as PTE Academic, reporting an overall score plus Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Scores map directly to Canadian Language Benchmark levels.

What PTE Core score do I need for CLB 7?

CLB 7 requires Listening 60 to 70, Reading 60 to 68, Speaking 68 to 75 and Writing 69 to 78. CLB 6 requires Listening 50 to 59, Reading 51 to 59, Speaking 59 to 67 and Writing 60 to 68.

How long does it take to get PTE Core results?

Pearson states that most test takers get their PTE Core results within two business days, and it can take up to 5 working days.

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Everything you need to prepare for the PTE Core exam.

Four simple steps, from your first lesson to your best score.

Step 1

of 4 · Learn

Learn how to answer every question type.

Watch short video lessons from a Pearson Accredited Trainer. Learn the tips, the traps and what the test is looking for.

✓Video lessons for questions types of all 4 modules
✓Tips that help you save time and marks
✓Templates, study materials and exam guides

Watch the first lesson

★ Pearson Accredited Trainer

Lesson 1: How PTE Core is scored8 min · Free

How each part is scored

8 min

Read Aloud: speak clearly, at a steady pace

6 min

Describe Image: a simple 3-sentence plan

5 min

Write From Dictation: easy marks to keep

5 min

PDFExam guide PDFTemplates PDFTips sheet

Step 2

of 4 · Practise

Practise with exam questions. Get your score in seconds.

Answer real exam-style questions and get instant AI scoring. Lume shows you what went wrong and what to practise next.

✓Over 3,000 questions for all 4 skills
✓All 19 scored question types, including the new ones
✓Clear feedback and recommendations after every answer

Try a PTE Core question

Repeat Sentence

Scored in 3 seconds

You heard the sentence once

What you said · tap a coloured word

Ithewillbebetteron

Content 8/9 wordsFluency 4/5Pronunciation 3/5

think/θɪŋk/

θsaid /t/

ɪclear

ŋclear

kclear

You said /t/, not /θ/. Put your tongue lightly between your teeth and blow.

Next for you: Write From Dictation · 10 questionsStart

Step 3

of 4 · Test

Take a scored practice test.

It feels like the real test: same parts, same timing. When you finish, you get a score for every skill, so you know exactly where you are.

✓Full-length and timed, like test day
✓Overall score from 10 to 90
✓A score breakdown for Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening

Take a mock test

Mock test 1 · your result

Target 65

Overall scoreClose to your target. Speaking and Listening need the most work.

Speaking

Writing

✓

Reading

✓

Listening

What to do next: Practise Repeat Sentence and Write From Dictation. Each one gives you marks in two skills.

Step 4

of 4 · Improve

Build the English skills behind your score.

Use Lume Skills Lab^© to improve your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and listening with short drills. Two minutes a day adds up.

✓Short drills, about 2 minutes each
✓Built around the mistakes in your answers
✓Practise on your phone, anywhere

Try Skills Lab

Lume Skills Lab^© · Word Partners

The government plans to measures to reduce traffic.

Video lessonsShort lessons for all 4 sections.

3,000+ exam questionsPractise across all four skills.

Instant AI scoringKnow how you performed in seconds.

Detailed feedbackSee exactly where you lost marks.

Scored mock testsMeasure your test-day readiness.

Lume Skills Lab^©Build the skills behind your score.

Personal study planKnow what to work on next.

Study resourcesGuides on essential exam materials.

Never wonder what to study next.

Tell Lume your target score and where you are now. Lume will create a study plan for you.

What PTE Core score do you need?65

Your scores now

Speaking

Writing

Reading

Listening

TODAY · FRIDAY

Do it today

Focus: Speaking and Listening · 36 min

0/4

Lesson: speak clearly

6 min

Repeat Sentence · 15 questions

15 min

Respond to a Situation · 3 questions

10 min

Skills Lab: Tongue Twisters

5 min

Get my Study Plan

PTE Core exam structure and scoring.

You take the test on a computer. It has 3 parts and 19 question types.

Overall score: 10–90
Skill scores: 4
Test length: ~2 hours
Results: ~2 days

Same criteria as the real testContent, fluency, pronunciation, grammar, spelling

A score for each partSee which part of your answer lost marks

What to do nextThe exact word, sound or sentence to fix

The 3 parts and 19 question types

19 scored question types. 6 of them give you marks in two skills. Pick a skill to see which ones count for it.

Part 146–50 min

Speaking and Writing

Not scored
Tip: Sent to the institutions you choose. Rehearse 30 calm seconds.
ContentFluencyPronunciation
Tip: Keep a steady pace. A restart costs more fluency than a small slip.
Practise Read Aloud
ContentFluencyPronunciation
Tip: Keep speaking even if you miss a word. Stopping loses more marks.
Practise Repeat Sentence
ContentFluencyPronunciation
Tip: Main trend, two details, one conclusion. Then stop.
Practise Describe Image
Vocabulary
Tip: One word or a short phrase is enough.
Practise Answer Short Question
Right toneFluencyPronunciation
Tip: Answer the situation you are given, in the tone it needs.
Practise Respond to a Situation
ContentLengthGrammarVocabulary
Tip: Write one sentence only. If the form is wrong, you can lose all the marks.
Practise Summarize Written Text
ContentEmail conventionsLengthGrammarVocabularySpelling
Tip: Cover all 3 bullet points and match the tone. Keep within 80–120 words.
Practise Write Email

Part 222–30 min

Reading

Marks for each right word
Tip: Use grammar to remove wrong options. Then pick the word that sounds natural.
Practise Fill in Blanks (Drop Down)
Marks for each right answerwrong answers lose marks
Tip: Only choose what you are sure of.
Practise Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Marks for each pair in the right order
Tip: Find the opening sentence first, then pair the rest.
Practise Re-order Paragraphs
Marks for each right word
Tip: Read the full sentence before you drag.
Practise Reading: Fill in the Blanks
Right or wrong
Tip: Remove two wrong options first. Then choose.
Practise Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Part 331–39 min

Listening

ContentLengthGrammarVocabularySpelling
Tip: Write 20 to 30 words. Focus on the main points and check your spelling.
Practise Summarize Spoken Text
Marks for each right answerwrong answers lose marks
Tip: Only choose what you are sure of.
Practise Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Marks for each right wordspelling counts
Tip: Type as you hear it, fix spelling at the end.
Practise Fill in the Blanks
Right or wrong
Tip: Read the question before the audio starts.
Practise Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Right or wrong
Tip: Listen for the main idea to guess the missing last word.
Practise Select Missing Word
+1 for each right click−1 for each wrong click
Tip: Follow the text with your cursor. Click only when you are sure.
Practise Highlight Incorrect Words
Marks for each right word
Tip: Type the sentence straight away, then check the grammar and spelling.
Practise Write From Dictation

Free study materials

Download, print and keep them next to you while you study.

PDF

PTE Core exam guide

Download

PDF

Speaking and Writing templates

Scoring guide

4-week study planner

Download

Real students. Real scores.

Reviews and score cards shared by students who prepared with Lume.

What students say

65 → 90

The platform was easy to use, the study materials were well organized, and the mock tests helped me improve my confidence and overall score.

Hardeep KaurExpress Entry (PR) · 30 days

50 → 70

The feedback shows the exact word that cost me marks. No teacher could give me that at 11pm.

BootaCitizenship · 60 days

58 → 79

Scored mock tests helped me manage the strict time limits on Repeat Sentence and Reading.

ZainabProvincial Nominee Program (PNP) · 30 days

47 → 68

The AI scoring for Read Aloud and Describe Image was spot on. My oral fluency went from 52 to 78.

KenjiWork permit · 60 days

71 → 84

I needed high marks for my PR visa. The Write From Dictation prediction list and daily drills did the trick.

ElenaPR visa · 30 days

61 → 79

Practising with Pearson-style templates and instant speech analysis boosted my confidence completely.

ArjunAtlantic Immigration Program (AIP) · 60 days

68 → 88

Skills Lab was a game changer for Summarize Written Text and Listening section timing. Scored 88 overall!

MinhExpress Entry (CLB 9) · 30 days

63 → 79

Clear breakdown of pronunciation vs content marks helped me fix my pacing in Speaking within 10 days.

SarahHealthcare Express Entry · 60 days

Real score cards

Marijorie🇵🇭 Philippines

Cariza🇵🇭 Philippines

Mary🇵🇭 Philippines

David🇵🇭 Philippines

Dishell🇵🇭 Philippines

Shared with each student’s permission. Got your PTE Core result? Send us your score card

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Practice questions with AI scoring
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The first video lesson
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Free PDF guides and templates
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Questions
students often ask.

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Big goals start with better preparation.

Behind every English test is a bigger goal. We built Lume to give test takers honest, specific feedback so they know exactly where they stand and what to improve.

Our goal: to be the most trustworthy part of your preparation.

Start free today Try a PTE Core question

One place to learn,practise and pass yourPTE Core.

Everything you need to prepare for the PTE Core exam.

Learn how to answer every question type.

Practise with exam questions. Get your score in seconds.

Take a scored practice test.

Build the English skills behind your score.

Never wonder what to study next.

Do it today

PTE Core exam structure and scoring.

The 3 parts and 19 question types

Speaking and Writing

Reading

Listening

Free study materials

Real students. Real scores.

What students say

Real score cards

Start free. Upgrade when you are ready.

Questionsstudents often ask.

Big goals start with better preparation.

One place to learn,
practise and pass your
PTE Core.

Questions
students often ask.