Rules, comparisons and data

Can I use PTE Academic practice material for PTE Core?

Pearson says no. Its PTE Core FAQ explains that PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI preparation is built on academic English, while PTE Core is built on everyday English, such as a magazine article or writing an email, with no lectures or academic articles. Both are two-hour tests of all four skills at a test centre, but practise with Core material.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

How the content differs

From Pearson's PTE Core FAQ and PTE Academic FAQ. Pearson says that apart from the content, the two tests share many of the same features.

PTE AcademicPTE Core
Used forUniversity study worldwide; Australia, New Zealand and UK visas; professional registrationCanadian permanent residence and citizenship
ContentGenuine academic texts and lecturesEveryday situations
Example materialLectures and academic articlesA magazine article; writing an email
FormatAbout two hours, four skills, test centreAbout two hours, four skills, test centre
Score scale10–9010–90

Official PTE Core preparation

Pearson's PTE Core FAQ suggests starting with its format guide, which covers every question type with how to answer, a step-by-step video and tips. It also lists a free online course, an offline practice test and a test tips guide for PTE Core.

For more practice, try our PTE Core practice test and PTE Core email practice.

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If you switched from PTE Academic

Pearson's advice is to prepare with Core material because the content is different. Writing an email is one of the Core examples it gives; see our Write Email scoring criteria.

Remember the split: Pearson says PTE Academic is still the only PTE test suitable for studying in Canada, and PTE Core is for permanent residence and citizenship (PTE Core FAQ).

Pearson updates its policies from time to time. Check the linked page before you act. This guide is general information, not official PTE advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is PTE Core practice different from PTE Academic practice?+

Yes. Pearson says Academic material uses academic English and Core uses everyday English, so it advises Core-specific preparation.

Does PTE Core have lectures?+

No. Pearson says PTE Core does not ask you to consider lecture materials or academic articles.

Is PTE Core shorter than PTE Academic?+

No. Pearson describes both as two-hour tests taken at a test centre.

What free PTE Core practice does Pearson offer?+

A format guide with videos and tips, a free online course, an offline practice test and a test tips guide.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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