Switching from PTE to CELPIP for Australian PR: Why People Do It and When It Makes Sense
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 5 min read
Since CELPIP-General joined Australia's accepted English tests on 7 August 2025, a common question from people stuck on a PTE Academic score is whether to try CELPIP instead. For some it is the right move; for others it means paying to learn a new test and landing in the same place. This post explains why people switch, the score lines that make it work or not, and how to try CELPIP without wasting a test fee. Scores are from Home Affairs' published instrument (LIN 25/016) at the time of writing; confirm the current rules for your visa on the Home Affairs website.
Why are people switching from PTE to CELPIP?
Mostly because both tests changed on the same day. On 7 August 2025 PTE Academic's Australian score lines and test format changed, and CELPIP became an accepted alternative with its own, differently shaped lines.
- PTE Speaking now needs 76 for Proficient and 88 for Superior, where it used to need 65 and 79. CELPIP Speaking needs 8 for Proficient and 10 for Superior, out of 12.
- Pearson added new Speaking tasks in August 2025 and says human experts now review responses alongside its automated scoring, chiefly to catch memorised answers. Template-heavy preparation is less reliable than it was.
- Some test takers want a person, not only software, to judge their Speaking and Writing. CELPIP Writing and Speaking are rated by trained human raters.
- CELPIP's longer, everyday tasks, such as an email to a neighbour or advice to a friend, feel closer to real conversation than short, fast academic tasks.
What are the CELPIP and PTE scores for Australian PR?
Proficient English, worth 10 points, needs PTE 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 or CELPIP 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking). Superior English, worth 20 points, needs PTE 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 or CELPIP 10 / 10 / 12 / 10.
| English level | Points | PTE Academic | CELPIP-General |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 (meets the minimum) | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 |
| Proficient | 10 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 |
| Superior | 20 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 |
Notice where each test sets its highest line: Speaking for PTE, Writing for CELPIP. That single fact decides whether switching helps you.
Who is switching most likely to help?
People whose PTE Speaking is the only skill keeping them at Competent or Proficient, and whose Writing is strong. For them, CELPIP moves the hardest line from the skill they struggle with to one they are good at.
- You reach the PTE Writing line but Speaking stays below 76 however much you practise.
- You speak clearly in a real conversation but lose marks on fast tasks like reading aloud or repeating sentences.
- You can write a clear, organised 150–200 word email in under half an hour.
- You are comfortable with Canadian everyday topics: workplaces, neighbours, community events. You need no knowledge of Canada, just everyday English.
When is switching to CELPIP a bad idea?
When Writing is your weak skill, or when you are already close in PTE. CELPIP needs 10 in Writing for Proficient and 12, the top of the scale, for Superior, so a Writing problem in PTE usually gets harder, not easier, in CELPIP.
- You are one or two points short in one PTE skill: another focused attempt is usually quicker than a new test.
- You hold a valid PTE result from before 7 August 2025 that already gives the points you need. Those results can be used until 6 August 2028 or three years from the test date, whichever comes first.
- Your invitation or nomination deadline is close: you need time to learn a new format, sit the test and receive results.
- You are aiming for Superior: CELPIP 12 in Writing is reached by few test takers.
What changes when you prepare for CELPIP instead of PTE?
Almost all of the task types. Your English carries over, but PTE habits such as speaking as fast as possible or using a fixed template for every answer do not suit CELPIP, where human raters look for relevant, organised and natural answers.
| Skill | CELPIP-General | What to unlearn from PTE |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 8 tasks: giving advice, a personal experience, describing a scene, making predictions, comparing and persuading, a difficult situation, giving an opinion, an unusual situation. Up to 30 seconds to prepare and 60–90 seconds to speak. | Fixed templates and speed. Answer the actual question in a clear order. |
| Writing | An email (Task 1) and a survey response (Task 2), 150–200 words each, in 53 minutes in total. | Essay structure. Match the tone to the reader and cover every point in the prompt. |
| Reading | 4 parts, all multiple choice: a letter, a diagram, an information text, viewpoints. | Fill-in-the-blank and reordering tasks are gone. |
| Listening | 6 parts, all multiple choice, each recording heard once. | Dictation tasks are gone; note-taking on conversations matters more. |
How do I switch without wasting a test fee?
Measure before you book. Take a timed CELPIP practice test and compare each skill to 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 for Proficient, with Writing first, since it is CELPIP's hardest line for Australia.
- Take the free CELPass diagnostic or a free official CELPIP practice test to get a level in each skill. CELPass shows CLB levels, which are the same numbers as CELPIP levels.
- Compare your weakest CELPIP skill with your weakest PTE skill: which is closer to its own line?
- If CELPIP looks closer, spend two to four weeks on its task types, especially Writing Task 1 and the Speaking tasks.
- Take a full timed mock test before you book, and book only when every skill is at or above the line.
- Check the Home Affairs page for your visa and your state's nomination criteria one more time before the test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine PTE and CELPIP scores for Australia?
Do not assume so. Home Affairs assesses results test by test, so plan to meet every skill's line on the same CELPIP test.
Is PTE Academic still accepted for Australian visas?
Yes. CELPIP was added alongside PTE Academic, IELTS and the other accepted tests; nothing was removed for PTE.
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.