PTE Score Chart — What the Bands Mean
PTE reports every score on a 10–90 scale. This chart explains what the common thresholds represent, the targets institutions actually set, and where to find the per-skill CLB conversion for Canadian immigration.
The 10–90 scale at a glance
Typical interpretations — always confirm the exact requirement with your institution or program.
| Score band | Broad level | Commonly accepted for |
|---|---|---|
| 79–90 | Expert-range English | Competitive programs, top visa point brackets, professional registration |
| 65–78 | Very good English | Most university admissions and many skilled-migration thresholds |
| 50–64 | Competent English | Some admissions and vocational requirements (often 58+) |
| 30–49 | Intermediate English | Below most formal requirements — a preparation zone |
| 10–29 | Beginner range | Foundation work before test booking |
Academic targets vs Core targets
PTE Academic requirements are usually set on the overall score — 58, 65 and 79 are the recurring cut-offs across universities and visa point tables. PTE Core works differently: Canadian immigration converts each skill separately to a CLB level and reads your lowest one, so the per-skill chart matters more than the overall — see the dedicated PTE Core score chart for the full CLB conversion table.
Frequently asked questions
What does a PTE score of 65 mean?
On the 10–90 scale, 65 sits in the 'very good' range and is one of the most common university admission requirements; in visa point systems it often marks a middle points bracket.
Is 79 in PTE hard to get?
79+ corresponds to expert-range English and demands strong bands across all four skills — most candidates reach it through targeted work on their weakest skill rather than more of their strongest.
How do PTE Core scores convert to CLB?
Per skill, through the published Pearson–IRCC equivalency — for example CLB 9 requires roughly 82–89 depending on the skill. Our PTE Core score chart lists the full table.
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