Hello, future Canadian! Chances are, if you're reading this, you're planning your PTE Core test to achieve your Canadian dream. Worry not, we have you covered with all you need to know about PTE Core test dates in Canada for 2025.

Here's what makes PTE Core perfect for Canada-bound students like you: it's a computer-delivered test that covers Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening in under 2 hours. Most importantly, your results typically arrive within 48 hours (though they can take up to 5 business days in rare cases).

Where to take PTE Core in Canada, how fast results arrive, and a one-line action plan

The Bottom Line: Canada has 27+ PTE centers in all the major provinces, you'll receive your results within 1-2 days, and your action plan is straightforward: book at least 2 weeks in advance to get the best times.

Who should choose PTE Core vs PTE Academic

Here's a fast decision maker for you: Choose PTE Core if applying for Canadian PR, work permits, or Express Entry. Select PTE Academic if planning to study in Canada or other countries. That simple!

Why PTE Core is important to Canada in 2025

IRCC acceptance & where PTE Core comes in immigration streams

Now let's discuss the big picture. PTE Core is accepted by IRCC for all major immigration streams such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and work permits. This is not another English test – it's your doorway to Canadian permanent residency.

You may be thinking, "Why would Canada accept a separate test?" Excellent question! While PTE Academic is all about university-level English, PTE Core tests your skill in coping with real-life Canadian scenarios – just what immigration officials wish to observe.

Real advantage: speedy AI-driven scoring for close visa/university timelines

It's here where PTE Core excels: AI-based marking provides results in 48 hours on average. Put this in perspective with other tests taking between 5-13 days, and you'll see why so many students are making the change to PTE Core.

Consider this – if your Express Entry application deadline is near, those few days can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. With PTE Core, you have the confidence of knowing your scores will come in swiftly.

Scoring & CLB mapping

Here's the important part – your PTE Core scores are converted to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels:

Pro tip: Target CLB 9 to get the most Express Entry CRS score. Taking a leap from CLB 8 to CLB 9 can grant you 25+ points!

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All PTE Core test centres in Canada — province index

Let me provide you with the full rundown of where to take your PTE Core test in Canada:

Ontario — Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Kingston

Ontario is your best option for getting a slot! You have 8 test centres to choose from: Toronto (6 centres):

•            Downtown (Bay Street) – 40+ test slots per month, TTC accessible

•            Midtown (St. Clair Avenue) – 35+ test slots per month, close to subway

•            East (Sheppard Avenue) – 30+ test slots per month, free parking

•            West (Eva Road) – 30+ test slots per month, convenient for Mississauga residents

Other Ontario Locations:

•            East Mississauga – Test slots are available almost everyday

•            Ottawa Holland Ave – 25+ test slots per month, bus route 85

•            Ottawa Blair Towers – 20+ test slots per month, close to shopping center

•            Hamilton McMaster Innovation Park – 15+ test slots per month

British Columbia — Vancouver, Surrey

West Coast students, you're well covered:

•            Vancouver Bentall Centre – 35+ test slots per month, linked to SkyTrain

•            Burnaby Dominion Street – 20+ test slots per month, bus accessible

•            Surrey Guildford Landmark – 20+ test slots per month, lots of parking

•            Victoria Broughton Street – 15+ test slots per month

Transit tip: For Vancouver Bentall Centre, ride SkyTrain to Burrard Station – it's a 2-minute walk.

Alberta — Calgary, Edmonton

Prairie provinces with reliable options:

•            Calgary Downtown (Bow Valley Centre) – 25+ test slots monthly

•            Calgary Marlborough Mall – 20+ test slots monthly, free parking

•            Edmonton Downtown – 20+ test slots monthly, LRT accessible

Quebec — Montreal, Quebec City

Important note for Quebec test-takers: Though PTE Core is accepted across the country, Quebec has further French language criteria for provincial programs. Ensure you're familiar with both!

•            Montreal Rene Levesque Boulevard – 25+ test slots per month, Metro accessible

Manitoba — Winnipeg

•            Winnipeg Broadway – 20+ test slots per month, bus route 18

•            Winnipeg Sterling Lyon – 15+ test slots per month

Saskatchewan — Regina, Saskatoon

•            Regina Prince of Wales Drive – 15+ test slots per month

•            Saskatoon Tower at Midtown – 15+ test slots per month

Nova Scotia — Halifax

•            Halifax Clayton Park – 20+ test slots per month

•            Halifax Mumford Centre – 15+ test slots per month

Smaller provinces & territories: PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Yukon

Newfoundland and Labrador:

•            St. John's Water Street – 10+ test slots per month

For residents of PEI, New Brunswick, and Yukon: You may have to go to Halifax or other major centres. Keep this in mind when setting your schedule!

Need practice tests specific to Canadian immigration? ExamsDojo's PTE Core course features email writing templates and situation response approaches specifically designed for Canadian contexts!

How to book & schedule PTE Core test dates (official step-by-step)

Use Pearson test-centre locator: step-by-step

I'll guide you through booking in a step-by-step manner as if I'm sitting right beside you:

1. Visit the official website: pearsonpte.com and hit "Book a test"

2. Respond to screening questions:

·       Where are you testing? Choose "Canada"

·       What's your purpose? Select "Work," "Settle," or "Join Family" (this makes you eligible for PTE Core, not Academic)

3. Locate yourself: Enter your province or city

4. Choose your slot: Click on available dates and times

5. Create/login to myPTE account: Use the same email you'll use throughout the process

6. Finalize payment: CAD $340 by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover

Here's a tip from the inside: System displays real-time availability, so don't hang around if you find a good slot, take it! Peak hours get booked immediately.

Booking tips: account setup, acceptable ID names, timezone & refund policy reminders

Critical booking reminders:

•            Your name on the booking must exactly match your passport – even middle names matter!

•            Book at least 24 hours in advance (though 48 hours is safer)

•            Time zones can be tricky – double-check whether times are shown in local or Eastern time

•            Refund policy: Cancellation 14+ days prior to test: Full refund, 7-13 days prior to test: 50% refund, less than 7 days prior to test: no refund

Quick story: Sarah of Delhi booked her test but mentioned "Sarah" rather than her passport name "Sarah Mehta." She needed to reach out to customer care and incur rescheduling charges. Don't be like Sarah!

Fees, reschedule, cancellation & refunds

How to check exact fee in your cart

The PTE Core standard fee in Canada is CAD $340. Here is what you should know about fees:

Money-saving tip: Book this at least 14 days beforehand. This leaves you with most flexibility without any additional cost.

Top causes of result delays and how to proceed

Most common delay reasons:

1. Multiple PTE accounts – Never make duplicate accounts! Stick with the same email address throughout

2. Audio quality issues – Speak clearly during recording parts

3. Technical issues – Uncommon, but may occur at test centres

4. Manual review flags – Sometimes high marks triggers extra checking

Name/ID discrepancy after making a reservation

Most common mismatches:

·       Middle name missing or added

·       Spelling variations

·       Married/Maiden name

·       Cultural name differences

Process of correction:

1.       Notify Pearson immediately - don't wait until test day

2.      Submit documentation confirming correct legal name

3.      Receive written confirmation of name change

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FAQs

Q. When are test dates announced for PTE Core in Canada?
Pearson releases dates on a regular basis throughout the year. Look at the live availability on the official test-centre locator. New slots come online 2-3 months ahead of time, with weekly capacity added depending on demand.

Q. How quick are PTE Core results?
The majority of candidates get results within 48 hours, although in exceptional circumstances it can take a maximum of 5 business days. Results are normally quicker than this time - numerous students have indicated receiving scores within 24 hours.

Q. Is PTE Core accepted in Canada for PR and work?
Yes! IRCC accepts PTE Core for all immigration and work/permanent residence streams such as Express Entry, PNP, and work permits.

Q. Can I do PTE Core online from Canada?
At present, PTE Core is only provided at certified test centres. Visit Pearson's website for any information regarding online test availability, as this can change in 2025.

Q. How much does PTE Core cost in Canada?
The regular fee is CAD $340, and there is an extra fee for late booking (within 48 hours). Check precise pricing when checking out on the official Pearson booking website.

Q. How do I report my PTE Core scores to IRCC or institutions?
Use the "send scores" facility in your Pearson account upon receiving results, or add recipients when you book. IRCC has a direct link, so no special codes are required.

Q. What identification is accepted on test day?
Passport is accepted everywhere. Canadian PR card is also accepted in Canada, but your ID should exactly match your registration name.

Q. What if my result is delayed by more than 5 days?
Get in touch with Pearson support with your candidate ID and utilize the delayed score inquiry form on their website. Include your immigration deadline in your request for priority processing.

Q. Which cities have the most regular PTE Core test dates?
Toronto and Vancouver usually provide the most frequent times with 35-40 test slots per month at major facilities. Halifax and Regina provide 10-20 monthly openings.

Q. Can I retake PTE Core right away if not satisfied with score?
Yes, no waiting time between attempts. Yet, leave 2-3 weeks for further preparation to better your scores. Have a look at our retake strategies for best improvement.

Ready to score well on your PTE Core exam? ExamsDojo provides focused PTE Core preparation tailored specifically to meet Canadian immigration needs. Our artificial intelligence-based mock tests, expert guidance, and well-tested strategies have been successful with thousands of students in attaining their desired CLB marks.

Begin your free trial test today and embark on your way to your Canadian dream!

Don't forget to bookmark this guide and forward it to fellow Canadian dreamers. Your path to Canada begins with that ideal PTE Core score – and we'll be there to guide you toward it!