New English Proficiency Test Option for Canada PR Seekers
A new avenue for testing English proficiency has emerged for individuals aspiring to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Pearson has recently unveiled PTE Core, a fresh addition to its suite of English language proficiency assessments. Endorsed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the previous year, PTE Core is now an accepted means of demonstrating English language proficiency for those seeking permanent economic immigration to Canada or Canadian citizenship, with testing slated to commence from February 12.
Gurmeet Sharma
PTE Core, a complementary offering to the existing Pearson Test of English portfolio, shares similarities with its counterpart, PTE Academic. It is a computer-based examination lasting two hours, evaluating four fundamental English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Geared toward vocational candidates, PTE Core emphasizes real-world applications rather than academic scenarios. Crafted to align with Canada's specific migration criteria and IRCC's language proficiency benchmarks, it serves as a viable option for assessing English proficiency for vocational endeavors globally.
Expressing enthusiasm about the rollout of PTE Core in India, Prabhul Ravindran, Director of English Language Learning at Pearson India, highlighted its role in facilitating the aspirations of individuals aiming to settle and work in Canada. The introduction of PTE Core aligns with Pearson's overarching objective of becoming a premier provider of English language assessments for dedicated learners worldwide.
Amid Canada's post-pandemic focus on economic resurgence and expansion, IRCC is broadening its Levels Plan to accommodate escalating demand. The approval of PTE Core comes at an opportune juncture, opening new avenues for test-takers, particularly in professions such as nursing, engineering, and web development.
Addressing the economic migration needs of Canada, PTE Core complements PTE Academic, which has been recognized by IRCC since August 2023 for Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications. PTE Academic enjoys widespread acceptance among educational institutions in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the majority of universities in the United Kingdom.
Delivered through Pearson VUE, the fully digital PTE Core test harnesses cutting-edge AI technology, supplemented by human raters for scoring. Stringent security protocols, including biometric data collection, ensure equitable and accurate evaluation of English language proficiency. Test-takers can conveniently schedule PTE Core examinations online up to 24 hours in advance, benefit from year-round availability at test centers worldwide, and typically receive results within two days.
PTE Core is slated for introduction across Pearson's extensive global network, encompassing over 400 PTE centers across 118 countries, including 25 test centers in Canada.
