CELPIP Test Canada: What is a CELPIP Test?

50 /100 Points
is the minimum score requirement in CELPIP for PR

CELPIP Test Canada or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is Canada’s proficiency test on the general English language.

CELPIP is also the official English test designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), for permanent residence applications where eligible individuals must obtain at least 67 points out of 100

This test determines the functional ability of an individual in the English language. In this article are some CELPIP test guides and information to help you understand and get a desirable CELPIP test result.

The CELPIP Test Canada can accurately assess a test taker’s English abilities in everyday situations. These situations can be communicating in the workplace or interacting with friends. It can also be understanding newscasts and interpreting and responding to written materials. Generally, the CELPIP test evaluates your English listening skills, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Published on September 25, 2023

Table of Contents

📝 CELPIP VS. IELTS

The CELPIP and IELTS exams are both challenging and require dedication and study preparation.

Both ways, taking any of these tests requires you to prove a specific English proficiency level for your immigration process.

Most of the test takers chose to take the CELPIP exam. They find the CELPIP listening test a lot easier than on the IELTS.

CELPIP Test Canada
As with any test, preparing for the CELPIP or IELTS requires time and attention to detail.

But of course, although the CELPIP listening test can be easier, it still comes with its set of challenges and still requires studying. The following are some differences between the two listening tests.

What is the difference?

Duration:

The CELPIP listening test is longer – (almost 1 hour) 

IELTS listening test is about 30 minutes 

Format:

CELPIP has six sections

IELTS has four sections

Style:

Both can be done on the computer now, but the IELTS also has a paper-based version available. Generally, most candidates prefer the computer-delivered IELTS.

Approach:

CELPIP – you only get to read the questions after you’ve listened to the audio passage. It means that note-taking is super important. 

IELTS – you have 1 minute to read and analyze your questions before you listen, and this helps you prepare yourself for what’s coming. 

Question Types:

CELPIP – has three different question types 

IELTS – has six

Multiple Choice:

CELPIP – always includes a drop-down menu

IELTS – has fill-in-the-blank style answers

Spelling:

CELPIP – only has a drop-down menu with options, so you won’t have to worry about spelling. 

IELTS – considers spelling (the main reason: why many candidates get answers wrong)

Accents:

CELPIP – only includes Canadian accents 

IELTS – includes speakers with various accents (British, American, Australian) 

Video:

CELPIP listening test includes a video 

IELTS does not have a video

✏️ CELPIP Test Canada: The CELPIP Test Guide

The Express Entry immigration selection is the main immigration program of Canada, and all immigration applicants going through the program must prove their language ability in English or French. In this program, candidates are vying for the ITA – an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The language eligibility to enter the Express Entry pool: CELPIP test results are issued with marks from 1 to 12, the same as the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs).

Scoring high on CELPIP can help you get extra points and improve your Express Entry score!

You will get 12 points for each module in CELPIP, and its scores are ranged with the Canadian language benchmark (CLB). Therefore, CELPIP level = CLB level. The following are the Express Entry scores assigned to immigrants for CELPIP.

CELPIP Scoring in Canada
❓ Commonly Asked Questions About CELPIP Test Canada

The CELPIP Test is available internationally, specifically available now in UAE, USA, Philippines, India, and Singapore.

A CELPIP score of 8 means” Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts “. If you got a 9, it means” Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts “, while 10 means” Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community”.

The validity of your CELPIP results by the IRCC ruling is for two years from the date of issuance of the results. You will be removed from the pool once your CELPIP results become invalid, and you will not be eligible for an ITA for permanent residence once it happens.

The various English spoken in Canada is Canadian English. It is a mix of British English, American English, and Canadianism. Do note that CELPIP accepts both British and American English spellings.

You can only register for one test session within four days.

Learn more about language exams for Canada:

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