Picking the right PTE test: PTE Core vs PTE Academic

app Languages
Image of a woman with a headset looking at her laptop

Reading time: 3 minutes

When preparing to prove your English proficiency—be it for studying abroad, immigration, or professional goals—selecting the right test is extremely important. PTE, renowned worldwide for its English language assessments, offers various tests catering to different needs, including PTE Core and PTE Academic.

This blog post aims to clarify the differences between these two tests, helping you pick the test that aligns more with your aspirations.

Understanding PTE Core and PTE Academic

PTE is a world-leading provider of English language tests, trusted by universities, colleges, governments and professional bodies across the globe. Test scores are accepted in many countries, but which test you choose depends on where you want to go and your reasons why.

What is PTE Core?

PTE Core is the test you need to achieve your Canadian dream, approved for economic visa categories.But if you are looking to study in Canada, that is where PTE Academic comes in, approved for both SDS and non-SDS routes.

PTE Core invites you to experience a test structure designed to assess your general English skills, as opposed to your Academic English, in a short, computer-based format. PTE Core evaluates all language skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking—in one seamless test.

What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is often the pathway to enrolment for students wanting to study at top universities. Specifically tailored for the academic environment, PTE Academic scores are widely recognized by institutions and are also accepted for visa purposes by the Australian, New Zealand, and UK Visas and Immigration Service. If your destination is higher education or a professional license abroad, PTE Academic is your way in.

It's also praised for its ability to accurately reflect the speaking abilities of introverts, making it a considerate option for different personality types.

Test features and acceptance

When choosing the PTE test you need, consider the following features:

Test format

Both PTE Core and PTE Academic offer a computer-based test, which is excellent news for those who prefer not to have the extra stress of speaking to an examiner. Both tests are split up into three parts: Part 1: Speaking & Writing, Part 2: Reading, and Part 3: Listening.

Speed of results

With both tests, the results arrive rapidly—typically in just two business days—due to PTE's unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise that also strives to reduce bias.

Global recognition

An impressive list of institutions worldwide recognizes PTE Academic. Its scores are specifically sought after in the academic arena and by Australian, New Zealand, and UK visa authorities. Accepted by over 300 universities across the world, PTE Academic is the English test you need if you are looking to study overseas.

It is also accepted by the Australian and New Zealand governments for migration visas, so it is the test of choice if that is your dream destination.

PTE Core is recognized by the Canadian government (IRCC) for all economic visas and permanent residency applications.

Preparation and support

For those looking to prepare ahead of the test, be it PTE Academic or PTE Core, app offers a range of supporting resources so you can put your best foot forward on test day.

For PTE Academic, this includes five unique scored practice tests to give you a feel for the full test experience, what to expect, the type of questions that will be asked, and other .

For PTE Core, there is a taster test you can try out your skills on, , a handbook, and much more.

Finding your best fit

The choice between PTE Core and PTE Academic ultimately hinges on your future plans and destination country.

To make an informed decision, check out PTE's useful links, which clarify and requirements.

How do I start studying for PTE?

Embarking on the journey to master PTE begins with understanding your current level and building a solid study plan tailored to your needs. Arm yourself with our, including practice tests and, to familiarize yourself with the question types and formats you'll encounter.

Learn more about PTE

More blogs from app

  • A person in a white hoodie sits at a desk, working on a laptop, with bookshelves in the background.

    How to support weaker learners remotely in language classes

    By
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Language teachers know that remote teaching accentuates differences within a class. Students who need more time, repetition and reassurance can feel lost – unless we intentionally design for them. This guide explains how to support weaker learners online, assist struggling students remotely, and help language students who find classes difficult, all without slowing down the rest of the students. Using clear routines, inclusive online teaching and the right tools, you can create virtual classrooms where confidence and progress grow for every learner.

    Start with clarity and differentiation in online language teaching

    Differentiation in online language teaching begins with a precise understanding of all your students' needs.

    • Run brief skill checks at the start of each unit (listening, reading, vocabulary, grammar); a handful of well-targeted items reveals where weaker learners need focus.
    • Map access and conditions. Ask about device type, bandwidth and study environment to plan contingencies for low-tech days.
    • Set one micro-goal per learner per week (for example, “Use three new adjectives to describe a photo.”). Small, specific goals keep momentum.

    Remote teaching strategies for mixed-ability classes

    Mixed ability is the norm online. Structure your lessons to reduce cognitive load and keep every learner engaged; again this helps support struggling learners.

    • Use a predictable flow: Connect (review and warm-up) > Input (listening/reading) > Focus (language noticing) > Practice (guided) > Use (communicative) > Reflect (self-check).

    Offer "must / should / could" pathways:

    • Must secure essential outcomes for all learners
    • Should consolidate skills for those ready to go further
    • Could stretch confident learners without overwhelming others

    Keep tasks short (5–8 minutes) and signal the mode clearly (listen, read, speak, write).

    Scaffolding techniques for online language learning

    Weaker learners thrive on intentional scaffolds that lower barriers and build independence.

    Listening

    • Pre-teach a handful of key words with visuals or quick gestures.
    • Play audio in short chunks with a single purpose each time: gist, detail, then language noticing.
    • Reveal transcripts only after the second listen to confirm understanding, not replace it.

    Reading

    • Set a clear purpose (“Find two reasons the writer gives for…”) before reading.
    • Provide mini glossaries and encourage highlights and margin notes.
    • Model skimming and scanning strategies with a quick think-aloud.

    Speaking

    • Share sentence frames and functional language (“I agree because…”, “Could you clarify…?”).
    • Give rehearsal time with private voice notes before live speaking.
    • Use small groups with roles (timekeeper, summarizer, supporter) and prompt cards.

    Writing

    • Co-construct a model paragraph, then move to guided writing with checklists and word banks.
    • Encourage drafting and redrafting with a single improvement focus (for example, verb endings).

    Online ESL support strategies like these are included in many tasks, making it easier to scaffold without reinventing materials.

    How to engage weaker learners during online lessons

    Engagement is a design choice. Create multiple entry points and safe participation.

    • Offer varied response modes: chat, polls, reactions and voice. Let learners choose their on-ramp.
    • Structure breakout rooms intentionally. Pair confident learners with developing ones, share clear prompts and keep instructions visible.
    • Visit rooms to coach, not catch. Praise specific behaviors (“Nice turn-taking and great use of follow-up questions.”).

    Inclusive teaching online is about psychological safety. Normalize effort and mistakes: “Thanks for trying that structure – let’s polish it together.”

    Ways to motivate struggling students in virtual classrooms

    Students are most motivated when their progress is visible and they receive constructive, concise feedback.

    • Use quick, auto-graded practice for instant wins on accuracy.
    • Keep teacher feedback focused: one or two points per task, delivered as short audio/video notes when possible.
    • Allow resubmission with a success criterion (“Record again aiming for clearer word endings.”).
    • Celebrate micro-achievements publicly (with consent) and privately to build self-belief.

    Tips for supporting mixed-ability groups online

    Build independence with targeted asynchronous supports.

    • Post short screencasts (under five minutes) explaining tricky points.
    • Share downloadable task cards or checklists for low-bandwidth days.
    • Encourage weekly learning logs: What I tried, What worked, What I’ll try next.
    • Use spaced repetition through assignable mobile practice.

    How to adapt language lessons for different levels online

    Planning for multiple levels is easier when you think in layers.

    • Layer input: same topic, different text/audio lengths and complexity.
    • Layer support: word banks, sentence frames and visuals for those who need more; open prompts for advanced learners.
    • Layer outcomes: all learners meet the core objective; confident learners add a twist (for example, an extra opinion or example).

    How to help low-level students in online classes

    • Keep instructions concise and consistent. One slide = one task.
    • Model, then co-construct before independent work.
    • Use strategically: allow brainstorming in the first language, then pivot to English for performance.
    • Provide accessible materials: readable fonts, captions, transcripts and mobile-friendly tasks.

    Supporting your remote learners is both an art and a system. When you design with clarity, scaffold intentionally, and use the right digital supports, you can support weaker students remotely and online, as well as support struggling learners in language classes with confidence.

  • Teaching with purpose: Why the GSE still works in 2025

    By
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    We live in a world in which change is a constant. While change has always existed, lately it has definitely accelerated. There is an idea in society that we should embrace change and adopt whatever is new, with an underlying assumption – wrong to many – that what is new is always better.one that is often wrong

    In the world of ELT, new materials are developed every year. It is unthinkable for most teachers to be using teaching materials that were published 10 years ago. Some would even claim that anything published before 2020 is already out-dated.

    How does all this impact on the Global Scale of English (GSE) – published over 10 years ago? When it was launched in 2014, it constituted a significant innovation in ELT. The following quotes were provided by ELT experts at the time of launch.

  • Three individuals are engaged in a discussion around a table in a library, surrounded by books, with one person gesturing with their hands.

    Ready to study in the USA? Not all tests are created equal

    By
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    If you’re planning to study in the USA, you’ve probably looked into English proficiency tests for university admissions. And you’ve probably noticed – they’re not all the same.

    • Some are more expensive.
    • Some take weeks to deliver results.
    • Some require you to travel to a test centre.

    The app English Express Test is different.

    What makes the app English Express Test special?

    This online English test is designed for international students who want to move quickly and confidently through the admissions process.

    • Take it from home– No travel needed. The app English Express Test is fully online, so you can complete your exam from anywhere in the world.
    • Get certified results in 48 hours– No long waits. Receive your official English proficiency scores fast, so you can meet university deadlines with ease.
    • Pay less– It’s one of the most affordable English tests for US university applications, helping you save on costs.
    • Accepted by a growing number of US universities– Use your results to apply to top institutions across the United States.
    • Built for momentum, not delays– Designed to help you move forward, not slow you down.

    Why this test matters

    When you’re applying to study in the USA, every day counts. You’re juggling application deadlines, coordinating with universities and planning your next big move. You need an English language test that supports your ambitions, not one that holds you back.

    What makesapp English Express Test different?

    • AI scoring for fairness and consistency– Advanced technology ensures your results are accurate and impartial.
    • Security inbuilt– Take your test with confidence, knowing your identity and results are protected.
    • CEFR and GSE-aligned results– Trusted by universities and colleges, your scores are mapped to international standards for English proficiency.

    It’s everything you need for your US university application, without the stress.

    Ready to take the test?

    If you’re searching for an English proficiency test that fits into your life and helps you move forward, the app English Express Test is ready when you are. Take your test today and start your journey to studying in the USA with confidence.