CELPIP vs PTE Academic for Australian Visas: Scores, Scoring and Which to Choose

By CELPass Editorial Team · Updated 2026-10-12

For years PTE Academic was the most popular test for Australian skilled migration. On 7 August 2025 two things changed at once: Home Affairs added CELPIP-General to its accepted tests, and new PTE score requirements started alongside Pearson's updated PTE test. This guide compares CELPIP and PTE Academic for Australian visas using Home Affairs' published scores at the time of writing. Confirm the current rules for your visa on the Home Affairs website before you book. Applying to Canada instead? Canada uses PTE Core, a different test; see the Canadian comparison linked at the end.

Does Australia accept both CELPIP and PTE Academic?

Yes. Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic and, since 7 August 2025, CELPIP-General for visas that ask for Vocational, Competent, Proficient or Superior English.

For results dated from 7 August 2025, only tests taken in person at a test centre count. PTE Core, the version Canada accepts, is not the same test as PTE Academic, and CELPIP-General LS, the two-skill citizenship test, does not meet Australia's four-skill requirement.

How do CELPIP and PTE Academic scores compare for Australia?

For Proficient English, worth 10 points, PTE Academic needs 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 and CELPIP needs 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking). For Superior English, worth 20 points, PTE needs 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 and CELPIP needs 10 / 10 / 12 / 10.

Minimum per skill (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking), from Schedule 2 of LIN 25/016, for tests taken from 7 August 2025
English level	Points	CELPIP-General (M–12)	PTE Academic (10–90)
Competent	0 (meets the minimum)	7 / 7 / 7 / 7	47 / 48 / 51 / 54
Proficient	10	9 / 8 / 10 / 8	58 / 59 / 69 / 76
Superior	20	10 / 10 / 12 / 10	69 / 70 / 85 / 88

Before 7 August 2025, PTE used the same score in every skill: 50 for Competent, 65 for Proficient and 79 for Superior. Advice that still quotes those numbers describes the old test.

Where is each test hardest for Australia?

PTE Academic's highest line is Speaking, at 76 for Proficient and 88 for Superior out of 90. CELPIP's highest line is Writing, at 10 for Proficient and 12, the top of the scale, for Superior.

So the two tests put the pressure on different skills. A test taker whose Speaking keeps them at Competent in PTE meets a lower Speaking line in CELPIP (8 for Proficient), but has to reach CELPIP 10 in Writing instead. Someone with strong Writing and nervous Speaking may find CELPIP's balance suits them; someone with fluent Speaking and weaker Writing may be better off in PTE.

How is each test scored?

PTE Academic is scored mainly by automated systems; Pearson says that since August 2025 human experts also review responses, chiefly to catch memorised or copied answers. CELPIP Writing and Speaking are scored by trained human raters on four dimensions each.

CELPIP raters judge Speaking on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability and Task Fulfillment, and Writing on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfillment. That rewards answers that are relevant and well organised for a real reader or listener, rather than answers built to a fixed template.

How CELPIP is scored

How do the CELPIP and PTE Academic formats differ?

PTE Academic is shorter and made of many short, fast tasks with academic content, several of which test two skills at once. CELPIP is longer, with fewer and longer tasks about everyday life and work, and each section tests one skill.

Check each test's official website for current format, fees and centres.
	CELPIP-General	PTE Academic
Run by	Paragon Testing Enterprises	Pearson
Length	About 3 hours, one sitting	About 2 hours, one sitting
Content	Everyday life and work in Canada	Academic topics
Speaking	8 tasks, 60–90 seconds each, with preparation time	Many short tasks, such as reading aloud and repeating sentences, plus newer tasks added in 2025
Writing	An email and a survey response, 150–200 words each	Summaries and an essay
Listening and Reading answers	Multiple choice only	Several types, including typing and reordering
Scores	Levels M–12 per skill	10–90 per skill
Results	Online, usually within a few business days	Online, usually within a few days

Is CELPIP easier than PTE for Australian PR?

Not for everyone. There is no reliable public evidence that either test gives higher English levels in general. CELPIP is easier for some people because its Speaking line is lower and its tasks are longer and more conversational; PTE is easier for others because its Writing line is lower and the test is shorter.

Who should choose CELPIP over PTE?

CELPIP is worth trying if Speaking is the skill holding you back in PTE, if you prefer human raters, or if you are tired of preparing for short, fast task types.

Your PTE Speaking is stuck below 76 (or 88) while your other skills are close.
Your Writing is strong: you can write a clear, well-organised 150–200 word email under time pressure.
You prefer everyday topics to academic ones.
You want a test where a person judges what you mean, not only how you sound.
You may also apply to Canada, where CELPIP counts for Express Entry.

Who should stay with PTE Academic?

Stay with PTE if you are already close to your target there, if Writing is your weakest skill, or if you need results quickly.

You are one or two points short in one skill: another PTE attempt with focused practice is usually faster than learning a new test.
Your Writing is your weakest skill: CELPIP asks for 10 in Writing for Proficient and 12 for Superior.
Your deadline is close and you need results within days.
There is no CELPIP test centre or date near you.

Can I still use a PTE result taken before August 2025?

Yes, for a while. Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 can be used until 6 August 2028 or three years from the test date, whichever comes first, and are judged against the old scores (50, 65 or 79 in every skill).

If you already hold a valid old result that gives you the points you need, there is no reason to retake either test. Check the date rule on your visa's page before relying on it.

How do I decide between CELPIP and PTE Academic?

Compare your weakest skill against each test's own line. Take an official practice test in each format, or use your latest PTE scores, and see which test needs the smaller jump in the skill that holds you back.

Frequently asked questions

Is PTE Core accepted for Australian visas?

Home Affairs lists PTE Academic, not PTE Core. PTE Core is the version IRCC accepts for Canadian economic immigration.

What CELPIP score equals PTE 79 for Australia?

There is no single equivalent. PTE 79 in every skill was Superior English under the rules before 7 August 2025. For CELPIP, Superior English needs 10 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 12 in Writing.

More guides

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.