Worth mentioning here that Pearson’s website now indicates that the PTE Core Test “will be available to book in early 2024” (previously: late 2023). Says Pearson: “[the test is] for people who wish to work, migrate, or seek permanent residency in Canada, and will be recognized by the Canadian Government (IRCC) for all economic visa categories.”
In many (all?) of the above categories only IELTS and CELPIP scores are currently accepted, so the introduction of a new test is a consumer-friendly development. The IELTS and CELPIP tests are also 3+ hour tests which can be pricey. I predict that the Pearson test will be shorter and cheaper. But we’ll see.
I’ve been writing about this test since February of 2023, and am looking forward to seeing some concrete details. Note that this was formerly called the PTE Essential Test.