PTE Academic vs PTE Core: What’s the Difference & Which Test Should You Take in Canada?

 PTE Academic vs PTE Core: What’s the Difference & Which Test Should You Take in Canada?

If you are planning to migrate to Canada or apply for permanent residency, chances are you’ve come across PTE Core, the new English language proficiency test accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). But you might also be familiar with PTE Academic, which has been around for years for university admissions and professional registrations.

So, what exactly is the difference between PTE Academic and PTE Core? Why did Pearson introduce a new version of the test? And which one should you choose for your goals?

In this detailed blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about PTE Academic vs PTE Core, focusing especially on what modules or question types have been eliminated in the PTE Core version. We’ll also briefly discuss two new tasks in the PTE Core test — Respond to a Situation and Email Writing — and provide links to full guides that explain these in depth.

If you’re preparing for PTE Core, don’t forget to check out my complete book that includes all question types, detailed explanations, sample answers, strategies, and four full-length PTE Core practice tests — available here: PTE Core Complete Guide & Practice Tests on Amazon.ca.

Understanding the Purpose: PTE Academic vs PTE Core

Both PTE Academic and PTE Core are English language tests conducted by Pearson. However, their purpose and target audience are different:

• PTE Academic is mainly for study abroad, student visas, and academic admissions. It focuses on advanced academic English skills, such as essay writing and interpreting academic lectures.

• PTE Core, on the other hand, is designed specifically for Canadian immigration and work purposes. It tests everyday workplace and community English skills — practical, real-world communication rather than academic comprehension.

While the format (computer-based test, AI scoring, four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) remains similar, some tasks have been replaced or removed to make the test more aligned with Canadian life and work situations.

Main Difference: What’s Removed in PTE Core

Let’s now break down what’s been eliminated or changed from the PTE Academic test to create the PTE Core test.

1. No More Summarize Written Text

In PTE Academic, the Summarize Written Text task in the Writing module required test-takers to read a passage and write a one-sentence summary. This was aimed at testing academic comprehension and synthesis.

In PTE Core, this task has been removed because it’s too academic and not relevant for general immigration purposes.

Instead, you’ll find Email Writing — a much more practical writing task that reflects real-world communication.

Learn how to write high-scoring emails step-by-step in this detailed guide:
How to Write Perfect Emails in PTE Core.

2. No Essay Writing in PTE Core

Perhaps the biggest change is that essay writing has been completely eliminated.

In PTE Academic, the essay (200–300 words) tested your ability to construct logical academic arguments, a skill needed for university studies. However, for immigration, such tasks were unnecessary.

PTE Core has simplified this — the focus is on short, practical communication. Instead of essays, you’ll find writing tasks that resemble emails or responses to workplace situations.

3. No Academic Summaries in Listening

The Summarize Spoken Text task in PTE Academic required you to listen to a short academic lecture and write a summary.

In PTE Core, this has been replaced by Respond to a Situation, which is more about reacting to everyday scenarios (like workplace communication or daily interactions) rather than academic content.

Learn how to handle this question type perfectly here:
Respond to a Situation in PTE Core: Step-by-Step Strategy.

4. Simplified Reading Module

While the Reading module structure is similar, PTE Core eliminates overly academic reading passages. Instead of university-level texts, you’ll see passages based on workplace communication, community notices, and general topics.

Tasks like Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks and Re-order Paragraphs are still there, but they are simpler and focus on practical vocabulary and comprehension rather than academic tone.

5. Speaking Tasks Now Reflect Real-Life English

PTE Core retains the same speaking format (using a microphone to record your voice), but with content that suits general life and work.

Tasks like Describe Image and Retell Lecture, which were heavily academic, are replaced by more realistic speaking prompts that assess your ability to communicate naturally in Canadian work or social settings.

For example, instead of describing a graph, you might be asked to respond to a workplace message or give your opinion on a simple topic, similar to how you would talk to a colleague or manager.

New Tasks in PTE Core: Respond to a Situation & Email Writing

Two new question types — Respond to a Situation (in Speaking) and Email Writing (in Writing) — define the practical focus of PTE Core.

Let’s look at them briefly.

Respond to a Situation (Speaking Section)

In this task, you’ll be presented with a short scenario on the screen — for example, a message from your colleague or boss. You’ll then have 30 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to respond verbally.

The goal is to check how naturally and effectively you can handle everyday communication in English.

For example:

You received a message from your team leader asking why you were unable to attend the meeting yesterday. Record your response explaining the reason and suggest an alternative time to meet.

You are scored based on fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and coherence.

To master this task with examples and strategies, read this detailed blog:
📘 Respond to a Situation in PTE Core – Step-by-Step Guide.

Email Writing (Writing Section)

The Email Writing task replaces long essay writing. You’ll be asked to write a short email (about 50–80 words) in response to a situation — for example, replying to a customer, manager, or government officer.

You must write in a polite and professional tone, clearly stating the purpose, providing information, and ending appropriately.

Example prompt:

You have recently received a delivery with damaged items. Write an email to the supplier explaining the issue and requesting a replacement.

Your score depends on grammar, vocabulary, tone, structure, and clarity.

For complete examples and writing structure, read this blog:
How to Write Perfect Emails in PTE Core.

Recommended Resource for PTE Core Preparation

If you are planning to take PTE Core in Canada, you need a resource that covers all new question types, format updates, and provides realistic practice tests.

That’s exactly what my latest book offers — a complete guide to PTE Core (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) with:

• All question types and structures

• Proven strategies and scoring insights

• Practice exercises and vocabulary tips

• 4 full-length mock tests designed exactly like the official exam

Get your copy here: PTE Core Complete Guide & Practice Tests (Amazon.ca)

This book is perfect for anyone targeting Canadian PR or Work Visa pathways through IRCC-approved English testing.

SEO Summary: Why PTE Core Matters for Canadian Test Takers

If you are preparing for PTE Core Canada, it’s essential to understand how it differs from PTE Academic. The PTE Core test is simpler, more practical, and designed for real-world English communication rather than university-level skills.

Key takeaways:

• No essay writing or academic summaries

• Focus on workplace and everyday English

• New tasks: Respond to a Situation and Email Writing

• Accepted by IRCC for immigration and PR applications

Whether you’re applying for Express Entry, work permits, or Canadian citizenship, mastering PTE Core’s new format can give you a clear edge.

To prepare effectively, check out my in-depth blogs on these two major question types:
✅ Respond to a Situation in PTE Core – Step-by-Step Guide
✅ How to Write Perfect Emails in PTE Core

And for complete preparation — including all sections, strategies, and 4 practice tests — grab your copy here:
📘 PTE Core Complete Guide & Practice Tests on Amazon.ca

If you are preparing for PTE Academic instead of PTE Core and looking for a reliable, all-in-one preparation resource, you can get the PTE Academic Complete Guide — specially designed for Canadian test takers. It covers all sections, question types, strategies, and sample answers to help you achieve your target score. You can find it here: PTE Academic Complete Guide on Amazon.ca.

Final Thoughts:
Both PTE Academic and PTE Core are reliable and AI-scored tests by Pearson, but your choice should depend on your purpose. For study abroad, go for PTE Academic. For Canadian immigration or work, PTE Core is your best bet.

With the right preparation and understanding of these new modules, you can confidently achieve your desired CLB level and move one step closer to your Canadian dream.