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Overview of the CELPIP exam
CELPIP, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, is an English language proficiency test used by Canada to evaluate the English language skills of immigrants.
The purpose of CELPIP is to assess the language skills of foreign nationals for immigration and employment. It evaluates the candidate’s ability to communicate in English for everyday use, such as:
The CELPIP test scores are accepted by the IRCC, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, for various Canada PR or permanent residency and immigration streams. They are also used for professional certification in multiple organizations in Canada.
There are different types of CELPIP tests aimed at different kinds of candidates. The two primary types of CELPIP tests are:
The CELPIP General Test is an English language proficiency test. It is aimed at applicants for Canada PR through IRCC, international students wanting to study in Canada, and skilled international professionals to work in Canada.
It is computer-based and is used to evaluate an applicant’s listening, writing, reading, and speaking skills for everyday use.
The CELPIP General-LS Test is an English language proficiency test used in Canada. It is aimed at applicants for Canadian citizenship through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and focuses on listening and speaking skills.
The CELPIP mock tests help you prepare for the actual test. The CELPIP mock test follows the same pattern as the actual exam. It has four sections, including:
The CELPIP LS test includes only the following sections:
You must fulfill certain conditions to be eligible for the CELPIP test.
Candidates 16 years of age or older can take the CELPIP test for Canada immigration purposes. Applicants under 18 must provide a signed consent document from their parents.
To take the CELPIP test, you must be 16 years old or older. There is no nationality requirement for the test, but you must have a national ID issued by the concerned authorities.
The CELPIP test is aimed at foreign nationals who want to apply for Canada PR, Canadian citizenship, or employment in Canada. Applicants for these purposes are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English speaking.
Detailed information on the type of applicant and their eligibility is given in the table below.
Type | Purpose | Test | Eligibility |
Immigration and Permanent Residency | Canada PR through Federal Skilled Worker Program or Provincial Nominee Programs | CELPIP General | A minimum score of CLB 7 |
Canadian Citizenship | Application for Citizenship of Canada | CELPIP General LS | A minimum score of CLB 4 |
Employment in Canada | Work in Canada | CELPIP General | A score of at least CLB 7 |
Detailed information about the CELPIP General Test is given below.
Section |
Skills |
Time |
Questions |
Speaking |
Reply to on-screen prompts verbally |
15–20 minutes |
8 |
Writing |
Respond to questions with written answers |
53–60 minutes |
2 |
Listening |
Listen to passages and answer questions |
47–55 minutes |
6 |
Reading |
Read passages and answer questions |
55–60 minutes |
4 |
Detailed information about the CELPIP General LS test is given in the table below.
Section | Skills | Time | Questions |
Listening | Listen to passages and answer questions | 47–55 minutes | 6 |
Speaking | Reply to on-screen prompts verbally | 15-20 minutes | 8 |
There are eight tasks for the speaking section in the CELPIP test. You are asked to:
There are two tasks in the writing section of the CELPIP test. The CELPIP writing test consists of the following:
To register and schedule for the CELPIP test, you are required to visit the official website of CELPIP and follow the steps given below:
Important points to remember for the CELPIP test:
The fees for the CELPIP tests range from CAD 195 to CAD 290.
Detailed information about the fees for the CELPIP tests is given in the table below.
Type | Fees (in CAD) |
General Test | 290 |
General LS Test | 195 |
If you submit your request seven days before the scheduled test date, you must pay an additional fee of CAD 50 to reschedule the CELPIP test.
The cost of study materials to practice for the CELPIP test ranges from CAD 20 to CAD 100.
The eligibility requirement for the CELPIP test is given below. You must:
The comparison between CELPIP and IELTS tests is given in the table below.
Parameter | CELPIP | IELTS |
Full Form | Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program | International English Language Testing System |
Applicants | Foreign nationals who want to apply for work in Canada and Canadian permanent residency | Candidates who want to apply for work, study, or settle in any of the English speaking country |
Sections | Reading, writing, listening, speaking | Reading, writing, listening, speaking |
Test Type | • CELPIP General - Aimed at candidates applying for permanent residency and work in Canada • CELPIP General LS - Aimed at candidates applying for citizenship and work in Canada |
• IELTS Academic – Aimed at candidates wanting to pursue higher education or work • IELTS General Training – Aimed at candidates wanting to migrate to English-speaking countries |
Required Scores | Level 7 or more | Minimum score of 7.0 – 8.0 bands |
Test Focus | Canadian English | International English (Academic and General) |
Test Format | Computer Based Test | Computer-Based and Paper-Based Test |
Test Fees | CAD 195 to CAD 290 | CAD 322 to CAD 352 |
The CELPIP and IELTS tests have a validity of two years.
The structure of CELPIP and IELTS is similar. Both have four sections: reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Which test is better for Canadian immigration?
The CELPIP-General test is better for Canadian immigration. The test assesses functional English language skills in everyday life. It ensures that foreign nationals have the required proficiency in the English language. It also helps in better communication and participation in Canadian society.
Conversion metrics: CELPIP to IELTS and vice versa
The results of CELPIP are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the maximum score. The approximate correlations of CELPIP scores with IELTS bands are given below. If you score, CELPIP 12 is IELTS 9, CELPIP 10 is IELTS 8, CELPIP 8 is IELTS 7, and so on.
To improve your CELPIP scores, you should practice regularly with the test papers, manage your time effectively, improve your vocabulary, enhance your grammar skills, listen attentively and write notes, engage with the speaking prompts, and proofread your writing responses before submission.
Strategies for various sections: