PTE Core Score for Express Entry: CLB 7 PTE Core Score and CRS

Express Entry programme language minimums

Programme	Abilities	Minimum English level
Federal Skilled Worker · first official language	All four skills	CLB 7
Canadian Experience Class · TEER 0 or 1	All four skills	CLB 7
Canadian Experience Class · TEER 2 or 3	All four skills	CLB 5
Federal Skilled Trades	Speaking and listening	CLB 5
Federal Skilled Trades	Reading and writing	CLB 4

These are language minimums, not a complete eligibility assessment. FSW first-language selection points and CRS ranking points are different systems. Meeting a language requirement alone does not determine an invitation or permanent residence.

PTE Core score for CLB 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 in each skill

CLB target	Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
7	60	60	68	69
8	71	69	76	79
9	82	78	84	88
10	89	88	89	90

Each cell is the minimum score for that skill. Do not average the skills or use an overall score. For a lower programme threshold, use the complete chart in the calculator.

PTE Core score to CLB calculator

CRS first-official-language points per ability

CLB per ability	With spouse or common-law partner	Without spouse or common-law partner
Less than CLB 4	0	0
CLB 4 or 5	6	6
CLB 6	8	9
CLB 7	16	17
CLB 8	22	23
CLB 9	29	31
CLB 10 or more	32	34

Use the “without spouse or common-law partner” column if your spouse or common-law partner is not coming with you to Canada, or is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

These are the principal applicant’s CRS points for each ability, not the spouse’s own language points and not the FSW selection grid. Apply the relevant row separately to listening, reading, speaking and writing. Other CRS factors and eligibility conditions still apply.

How long are PTE Core results valid for Express Entry?

IRCC requires results to be less than 2 years old both when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. A result that was valid at profile creation can expire before the application. Check its date at both steps.

Does PTE Core count for Canadian citizenship?

Yes. IRCC lists PTE Core results of 28 or higher in listening and 42 or higher in speaking for citizenship language proof. Its page says to include a copy of results meeting the threshold even if they are expired. This citizenship rule is separate from Express Entry’s result-validity rule.

Sources and dates

Source: IRCC accepted tests and per-skill tables. Checked 2026-10-23.

Source: Pearson Core CLB chart. Checked 2026-10-23.

Source: IRCC Express Entry language minimums and result validity. Checked 2026-10-23.

Source: IRCC CRS: principal applicant’s first official language. Checked 2026-10-23.

Source: IRCC CRS: when to use the without-spouse column. Checked 2026-10-23.

Source: IRCC citizenship: PTE Core language proof. Checked 2026-10-23.

Questions students ask

What PTE Core score do I need for CLB 7 and CLB 9 for Express Entry?

The CLB 7 PTE Core score for Express Entry is Listening 60, Reading 60, Speaking 68, Writing 69; the programme minimum depends on your application and, for Canadian Experience Class, your job’s TEER category. CLB 9 requires Listening 82, Reading 78, Speaking 84, Writing 88.

Do I need CLB 9 just to enter Express Entry?

Not for every programme. The language minimum depends on the programme and, for CEC, the TEER category. A target above the minimum can change CRS points but does not establish eligibility by itself.

Is PTE Core accepted for Canada PR and citizenship?

IRCC accepts PTE Core for Express Entry. Its citizenship language-proof page also accepts Core with listening 28 or higher and speaking 42 or higher.

Can I use expired PTE Core results?

For Express Entry, results must be less than 2 years old at both required steps. For citizenship, IRCC says qualifying results can be submitted even if expired. Check the rule for the application you are making.