PTE 65 to CELPIP: What CELPIP Score Matches PTE 65 for Australia?
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 3 min read
For years, PTE 65 in every skill was the number Australian PR applicants aimed for, because it meant Proficient English and 10 points. On 7 August 2025 Home Affairs changed the PTE Academic lines and added CELPIP-General as an accepted test, so "PTE 65" no longer means what it did, and the CELPIP equivalent is not one number. This post explains what replaces PTE 65 on CELPIP. Scores come from Home Affairs' published instrument (LIN 25/016) at the time of writing; confirm the current rule for your visa on the Home Affairs website.
What CELPIP score is equal to PTE 65?
For Australia, PTE 65 in each skill was the old line for Proficient English. The CELPIP scores for Proficient English are 9 in Listening, 8 in Reading, 10 in Writing and 8 in Speaking.
Home Affairs does not publish a direct conversion from one test to another. It sets a minimum score in every accepted test for each English level, so the fair comparison is between the lines for the same level, not between single numbers.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic, tests before 7 August 2025 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| PTE Academic, tests from 7 August 2025 | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| CELPIP-General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
Is PTE 65 still Proficient English for Australia?
Only for PTE tests taken before 7 August 2025. For tests taken from that date, PTE 65 in every skill is Competent English, because Proficient now needs 69 in Writing and 76 in Speaking.
A PTE result from before 7 August 2025 can still be used under the old lines until 6 August 2028 or three years from the test date, whichever comes first. If you hold one with 65 in every skill, it already gives you 10 points while it is valid.
What CELPIP score matches PTE 79 and PTE 50?
PTE 79 in every skill was the old line for Superior English, which on CELPIP needs 10 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 12 in Writing. PTE 50 was the old Competent line, which on CELPIP needs 7 in every skill.
| English level | Points | Old PTE line (each skill) | CELPIP-General (L / R / W / S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 (meets the minimum) | 50 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 |
| Proficient | 10 | 65 | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 |
| Superior | 20 | 79 | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 |
Is CELPIP Proficient easier than PTE 65 was?
It depends on your weakest skill. CELPIP asks for less in Reading and Speaking (8 out of 12) but more in Writing (10 out of 12) and Listening (9).
- If Speaking held you below 65, CELPIP's Speaking line of 8 is often a better fit, and its Speaking tasks are rated by trained human raters.
- If Writing held you below 65, CELPIP is unlikely to help: Writing 10 is CELPIP's hardest line for Proficient.
- If you were stuck on fast PTE tasks such as Read Aloud or Repeat Sentence rather than on your English, CELPIP's longer, everyday tasks may suit you better.
Does PTE 65 convert to a CLB level for Canada?
Not directly. Canada does not accept PTE Academic for permanent residence; it accepts PTE Core, which has its own CLB conversion chart published by IRCC.
If you are applying to Canada, convert PTE Core scores with IRCC's official chart. A CELPIP level needs no conversion: CELPIP 9 in a skill is CLB 9.
How do I check if I can reach CELPIP Proficient?
Take a timed CELPIP practice test and compare each skill with 9 / 8 / 10 / 8, starting with Writing. Book the real test only when every skill reaches its line in practice.
The free CELPass diagnostic estimates your level in each skill in about 25 minutes. It reports CLB levels, which are the same numbers as CELPIP levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP 9 equal to PTE 65?
Not exactly. Both were or are part of the Proficient English line for Australia, but Home Affairs sets separate minimums per skill and publishes no direct conversion between tests.
Can I mix my PTE 65 result with CELPIP scores?
Do not assume so. Plan to meet every skill's line on one test result.
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.