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PTE Academic vs PTE Core vs UKVI: Which Test to Choose?

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Planning to take the PTE but you are confused about which version is right for you? You’re not alone. With PTE Academic, PTE Core, and PTE Academic UKVI now available, many test takers are unsure which option fits their goals.

While all three tests assess your English proficiency, they differ in purpose, format, and where they are accepted. In this post, we will explain the key differences so you can choose the best PTE test for your situation.

Table of Contents

What are the different PTE tests?

Let’s look at what each test is and who it’s designed for.

PTE Academic

PTE Academic is a widely recognized English test accepted by thousands of universities and professional bodies around the world. It’s designed for students and professionals applying for academic programs, professional licenses, or visas in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

PTE Core

PTE Core is Pearson’s newest test and is approved by Canada’s IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for work and permanent residency applications. It’s a general English test, focused more on day-to-day communication and workplace language, rather than academic English.

PTE Academic UKVI

PTE Academic UKVI is almost identical to PTE Academic but is approved as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If your UK visa application specifically requires a SELT, this is the version you need. The test content is the same as PTE Academic, but the registration and ID process are stricter, and you’ll receive a Unique Reference Number (URN) for UKVI.

Test Format, Content, Scoring & Results

Despite being used for different purposes, all three test share a common structure:

Sections

Each test evaluates four key skills:

  • Speaking and Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening

Learn more about the different PTE sections and question types here: All Question Types with Answers - Pearson Test of English Academic

Content Differences

  • PTE Academic & Academic UKVI: Focus on academic English—ideal for university settings.
  • PTE Core: Focuses on general, everyday English—suitable for work or casual communication.
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Example: PTE Academic may ask you to summarize an academic lecture, while PTE Core might involve understanding conversations in a workplace or community setting.

Scoring System

All tests use the Global Scale of English (GSE), which ranges from 10 to 90 points. This provides a consistent way to understand English proficiency across all versions.

You’ll get individual scores for:

  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening

And an overall score!

They are fully computer-based and graded using AI scoring technology. Learn more about how scoring works here: PTE Scoring: How Pearson's AI Calculates Your Results

Result Timeline

One of the biggest advantages of PTE is speed:

  • Results are typically available within 2 business days, often even faster.
  • All three versions (Academic, Core, UKVI) follow a similar timeline.

Which PTE test is right for you?

Choosing the right PTE test depends on your goal and the country you’re applying to:

  • If your school, immigration body, or visa specifically asks for a SELT, or mentions UKVI, choose PTE Academic UKVI.
  • If you're applying to Canada for PR or work, choose PTE Core.
  • If you're aiming for university or college programs, PTE Academic is your best choice.
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You should always double-check with the institution you are applying with to determine which test you need to take!

Conclusion

Although the names are similar, PTE Academic, PTE Core, and PTE Academic UKVI are each designed for a different purpose.

  • Studying abroad? Go with PTE Academic!
  • Immigrating to Canada? Pick PTE Core!
  • Applying for a UK visa and need a SELT? Choose PTE Academic UKVI!

Each test follows a similar format, uses AI scoring, and delivers results quickly.

Need help preparing? Arno offers tools to boost your vocabulary and build confidence across all PTE versions.