PTE Core Score Chart and CLB Calculator

PTE Core scores for each CLB level

The minimum PTE Core score for each level, and what that level is used for.

• CLB 10: 89 in listening, 88 in reading, 90 in writing and 89 in speaking. The top of the chart. It is worth the most CRS language points, 34 per skill without a spouse, and a writing score of 90 is the only way to reach it in writing.
• CLB 9: 82 in listening, 78 in reading, 88 in writing and 84 in speaking. None of the programs above asks for it. It is worth 31 CRS points per skill without a spouse, 8 more than CLB 8, and with all four skills at CLB 9 the higher skill-transferability points apply. Writing is the narrowest band, 88 or 89 only.
• CLB 8: 71 in listening, 69 in reading, 79 in writing and 76 in speaking. Worth 23 CRS points per skill without a spouse, 6 more than CLB 7 in each of the four skills.
• CLB 7: 60 in listening, 60 in reading, 69 in writing and 68 in speaking. The minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, for Canadian Experience Class applicants with a TEER 0 or 1 job, and for university graduates applying for a post-graduation work permit. It is also where skill-transferability points begin.
• CLB 6: 50 in listening, 51 in reading, 60 in writing and 59 in speaking. Enough for Canadian Experience Class TEER 2 or 3 jobs and for Federal Skilled Trades, but one level short of the Federal Skilled Worker minimum.
• CLB 5: 39 in listening, 42 in reading, 51 in writing and 51 in speaking. The minimum for Canadian Experience Class TEER 2 or 3 jobs, for college or polytechnic graduates applying for a post-graduation work permit, and for speaking and listening in Federal Skilled Trades.
• CLB 4: 28 in listening, 33 in reading, 41 in writing and 42 in speaking. The minimum for reading and writing in Federal Skilled Trades, and for speaking and listening in a Canadian citizenship application.
• CLB 3: 18 in listening, 24 in reading, 32 in writing and 34 in speaking. Below the minimum of every program on this page, and it earns no CRS points.

CRS points for your PTE Core score

In Express Entry, the Comprehensive Ranking System gives points for each skill of your first official language according to its CLB level. The totals below assume the same level in all four skills; with mixed levels, add the points for each skill.

Below CLB 4 a skill earns no points. Language also unlocks skill-transferability points when it is combined with education or foreign work experience: those start when all four skills reach CLB 7 and increase when all four reach CLB 9.

How PTE Core is scored

PTE Core reports an overall score and a score for each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, all on the same 10 to 90 scale. Many tasks are integrated and count toward two skills: Read Aloud feeds speaking and reading, and Write from Dictation feeds listening and writing. A weak task can therefore pull down two skill scores, which matters when a program needs a minimum in each.

Pearson says most results arrive within two business days, occasionally up to five, and a PTE Core score is valid for two years from the test date. For the task types and timing, see the PTE exam format; for how the scoring works, see how PTE is scored.

Reaching your CLB target

• Writing and speaking set the bar. For CLB 7 they need 69 and 68, while listening and reading need 60. At CLB 9 writing needs 88.
• One point can move a whole level. A 59 in listening is CLB 6 and a 60 is CLB 7, so a score just under a cutoff is worth another attempt at the test.
• Practise under the real timing. Our PTE Core practice tests are scored on the same 10 to 90 scale. Start with the free PTE Core Full Mock Test 1, or drill one skill with PTE Core Writing Test 1 or PTE Core Speaking Test 1.

PTE Core score chart FAQ