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English is one of the biggest single levers in both Australian PR points and Canadian CRS. Pick the right test, hit the right band, and your whole application moves.
One band can be worth 10–20 points · Choose the test that suits you
All three are accepted for skilled migration, but they suit different people. The right choice can be worth points and weeks of preparation. Here's how they compare.
The International English Language Testing System. Take the General Training version for migration (not Academic, unless a regulator asks). Human-marked speaking with a live examiner.
The Pearson Test of English — fully computer-based and AI-scored, with results often in 48 hours. Accepted by Australia, and by Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry since 2023.
The Occupational English Test — built around real clinical scenarios for nurses, doctors and allied health. Preferred by many registration boards (AHPRA, NMC, etc.).
This is where English earns its keep. The tables below are indicative — official concordance charts and current rules are what we verify at assessment.
Three tiers. You need at least Competent just to be eligible; Superior is worth 20 points — often the difference between an invitation and the pool.
| Level | IELTS (each band) | PTE Academic (each) | OET (each) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 | 50 | B | 0 (eligibility only) |
| Proficient | 7.0 | 65 | B | 10 |
| Superior | 8.0 | 79 | A | 20 |
Scores must be met in every skill, not on average. See how this feeds your total on the Australia PR points calculator.
Canada converts your test to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Higher CLB = more CRS points, and a strong second language (French) adds even more. CLB 9+ is where the big points sit.
| CLB | IELTS General (L / R / W / S) | CELPIP (each) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 | 7 | Minimum for FSW; entry to the pool |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.5 | 8 | Solid mid-tier CRS points |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 / 7.0 | 9 | The high-value band — big CRS jump |
| CLB 10+ | 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.5 / 7.5 | 10+ | Maximum language points |
Indicative IELTS-to-CLB mapping — always confirm against the official IRCC concordance. PTE Academic is also accepted by IRCC (its own concordance). See the Canada CRS calculator.
Registration boards often set the English requirement before immigration does — and OET was designed for exactly this. Meet the regulator's bar first; the migration points usually follow.
| Pathway | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AHPRA — Australia (nursing/allied) | IELTS 7.0 each · OET B · PTE 65 each | Can combine two sittings within set rules |
| Gulf (DHP/DHA/MOH/HAAD) | Often IELTS 5.0–6.0 / OET C+–B | Varies by regulator & role; verify current rule |
| Germany (nursing) | German B1–B2 (not English) | Language is German; English tests don't apply |
| NCNZ — New Zealand | IELTS 7.0 · OET B | Academic or OET accepted |
| Canada Healthcare category (EE) | CLB 7+ (higher = more CRS) | Plus provincial nursing registration |
Going from IELTS 7 to 8 (Proficient → Superior) can add 10 Australian points or a full CLB level in Canada. We help you decide whether that jump is worth chasing for your profile.
Struggle with a live examiner? PTE's computer speaking may suit you. Prefer human interaction and clinical context? OET or IELTS. The format matters as much as the study.
Some regulators let you combine two recent sittings; some don't. Booking blindly wastes money. We map the rules for your route before you pay the test fee.
Test results are typically valid for two years. Time your sitting so the score is still valid at invitation and visa lodgement — not expired mid-process.
Not sure which test or target band fits your plan?
Get a Test RecommendationChoosing a test
Neither is universally "better" — both are accepted for Australia and for Canada Express Entry. PTE is fully computer-based with faster results and suits people comfortable with an AI-scored speaking section. IELTS has a human examiner and the widest acceptance. We recommend based on your strengths and target score.
For skilled migration you generally need IELTS General Training. Some university admissions and a few regulators ask for Academic. Always confirm which version your specific pathway requires before booking — sitting the wrong one is a common, avoidable mistake.
Scores & points
A lot. In Australia, moving from Competent (IELTS 6) to Proficient (7) is +10 points, and to Superior (8) is +20 points. In Canada, each CLB level increases your CRS, and reaching CLB 9 unlocks a significant jump. English is often the cheapest points to gain.
Yes — for points and eligibility, each skill (listening, reading, writing, speaking) must independently meet the band. An 8, 8, 8, 6 does not count as "Superior." That's why targeted prep on your weakest skill usually gives the best return.
Healthcare
OET was designed for healthcare and is widely accepted by boards like AHPRA and NMC, with a clinical-scenario format many nurses find more natural. IELTS Academic and PTE are also accepted by most. The regulator's English bar often applies before the immigration one, so we start there.
We'll tell you which test suits you, the exact band your pathway needs, and whether chasing a higher score is worth it — before you spend on the test.