Picking the right PTE test: PTE Core vs PTE Academic

ɫèAV Languages
Image of a woman with a headset looking at her laptop

Reading time: 3 minutes

When preparing to prove your English proficiency—be it for studying abroad, immigration, or professional goals—selecting the right test is extremely important. PTE, renowned worldwide for its English language assessments, offers various tests catering to different needs, including PTE Core and PTE Academic.

This blog post aims to clarify the differences between these two tests, helping you pick the test that aligns more with your aspirations.

Understanding PTE Core and PTE Academic

PTE is a world-leading provider of English language tests, trusted by universities, colleges, governments and professional bodies across the globe. Test scores are accepted in many countries, but which test you choose depends on where you want to go and your reasons why.

What is PTE Core?

PTE Core is the test you need to achieve your Canadian dream, approved for economic visa categories.But if you are looking to study in Canada, that is where PTE Academic comes in, approved for both SDS and non-SDS routes.

PTE Core invites you to experience a test structure designed to assess your general English skills, as opposed to your Academic English, in a short, computer-based format. PTE Core evaluates all language skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking—in one seamless test.

What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is often the pathway to enrolment for students wanting to study at top universities. Specifically tailored for the academic environment, PTE Academic scores are widely recognized by institutions and are also accepted for visa purposes by the Australian, New Zealand, and UK Visas and Immigration Service. If your destination is higher education or a professional license abroad, PTE Academic is your way in.

It's also praised for its ability to accurately reflect the speaking abilities of introverts, making it a considerate option for different personality types.

Test features and acceptance

When choosing the PTE test you need, consider the following features:

Test format

Both PTE Core and PTE Academic offer a computer-based test, which is excellent news for those who prefer not to have the extra stress of speaking to an examiner. Both tests are split up into three parts: Part 1: Speaking & Writing, Part 2: Reading, and Part 3: Listening.

Speed of results

With both tests, the results arrive rapidly—typically in just two business days—due to PTE's unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise that also strives to reduce bias.

Global recognition

An impressive list of institutions worldwide recognizes PTE Academic. Its scores are specifically sought after in the academic arena and by Australian, New Zealand, and UK visa authorities. Accepted by over 300 universities across the world, PTE Academic is the English test you need if you are looking to study overseas.

It is also accepted by the Australian and New Zealand governments for migration visas, so it is the test of choice if that is your dream destination.

PTE Core is recognized by the Canadian government (IRCC) for all economic visas and permanent residency applications.

Preparation and support

For those looking to prepare ahead of the test, be it PTE Academic or PTE Core, ɫèAV offers a range of supporting resources so you can put your best foot forward on test day.

For PTE Academic, this includes five unique scored practice tests to give you a feel for the full test experience, what to expect, the type of questions that will be asked, and other .

For PTE Core, there is a taster test you can try out your skills on, , a handbook, and much more.

Finding your best fit

The choice between PTE Core and PTE Academic ultimately hinges on your future plans and destination country.

To make an informed decision, check out PTE's useful links, which clarify and requirements.

How do I start studying for PTE?

Embarking on the journey to master PTE begins with understanding your current level and building a solid study plan tailored to your needs. Arm yourself with our, including practice tests and, to familiarize yourself with the question types and formats you'll encounter.

Learn more about PTE

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • A student writingon a paper with other students doing the same in the background

    More commonly misspelled English words

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Spelling can often feel like navigating a maze. But fear not, for you are not alone in this quest. Whether you're a fluent speaker or learning English as a second language, the challenge of spelling is universal.

    Yet, just as heroes rise to conquer their foes, you too can triumph over misspelled words. With dedication and the right tools, you'll soon find yourself spelling with confidence and ease. Carrying on from our previous post, 'The most commonly misspelled words in English', let's explore more commonly misspelled words and empower ourselves with the knowledge to spell them correctly.

  • a teacher stood with two students sat a desk

    What’s it like to teach English in Spain?

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Tim Marsh has been teaching English since 1985 and has taught over 3,500 students, with ages ranging from six to 65. He is therefore well placed to describe teaching English as a “difficult and demanding” job, as well as to share the five lessons he’s learned during his impressive time in his career…

    1. Know your stuff

    “The Spanish expect paid professionals to know everything about their expertise but there are few teachers of the English language who do know everything. We should prepare lessons adequately when teaching aspects we’re not entirely confident about.

    Many CELTA tutors say that if you are asked a question that you cannot answer confidently, you shouldn’t panic but instead inform the student that you will check and give them the detailed answer at the following lesson. This may be useful when you first start out, but it shouldn’t happen frequently, as your honesty will not always be appreciated!”

    2. Expect the unexpected

    “Teaching English is very rewarding and can be full of surprises. As a result, it’s not a good idea to try to follow a rigid teaching plan. Write a plan that’s flexible enough to allow for a good dose of spontaneity to enter into proceedings. I can honestly say that not one single day is the same as another.

    If a Spaniard is not in the mood for working on a particular skill, as will happen from time to time, then be prepared to change that lesson at the drop of a hat. It’s always a good idea to keep four or five ‘favourite’ lessons filed within easy reach for just such occasions – preferably skills lessons that can be easily adapted to the theme that you are currently working on.

    Whatever you had planned for this week can always be done next week. The customer is always right and, when living in Spain, big lunches, high temperatures, Barcelona against Real Madrid and the after-match party can bring about very unexpected lessons!”

    3. Stick to what you’re being paid to do

    “The Spanish are extremely friendly people who love to talk and are happy to share – sometimes in great detail – the problems in their working and even private lives. In an effort to establish friendly relationships, they often create an intimacy: what is referred to in Spanish as ‘confianza’.

    This is much the same kind of trust and confidence that we have with our doctors or lawyers, so, unless you’re careful, you can find yourself doubling as teacher and therapist, which will alter the dynamic of the classroom.

    A teacher of English teaches English. Stick to what you know, stick to what you’re being paid to do and create a professional framework in which to do your best as a teacher and not as a therapist.”

    4. Do not offer guarantees

    “The busiest time of the year is often during the summer, when language schools begin to fill up as state-school exam results come in. Parents enroll their children on intensive or exam revision courses so that they can take their resits in September.

    English courses are often expensive and parents will expect a guarantee that their child will pass the school English exam at the end of the summer. Never offer a guarantee! There are usually a number of reasons why the child has failed in the first place and it is better to lose a client than to make promises you can’t keep.”

    5. Have a good pair of shoes

    “Many years ago, the famous soprano Rita Hunter was asked what she considered to be the most important requirement when singing opera. She answered, “A good pair of shoes.” She went on to say that when she was appearing in a Wagner opera that started at 5.30 pm and didn’t finish until 11 pm, the most important thing to look after was her feet.

    I’ve always tried to avoid institutions that insist on a uniform or on wearing a shirt and tie. Students often feel uncomfortable in a classroom where the teacher is formally dressed. I have always found the working environment much more relaxed when dressed in a similar way to my students. This and the fact that in Spain the temperature can hit the 30s in June and stay there into September mean that I dress casually, often in shorts. And I always wear a good pair of shoes.”

  • A business woman stood in front of a board of sticky notes, with others looking at the sticky notes.

    Start-up guide: Language training for your business

    By Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    As HR professionals, you understand the importance of equipping your workforce with the skills they need to thrive. One such critical skill is proficiency in business English. Implementing a corporate language training program can seem daunting, but with the right resources and a clear plan, you can set your organization on a path to success. Here’s a methodical guide to help you get started with resources to help you along the way.