CELPIP Test Canada: What is a CELPIP Test?

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

Published on March 2, 2022

Table of Contents

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.

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.

What is the difference?

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

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

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

CELPIP and Express Entry:

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

The CELPIP exam score is known as CELPIP levels and ranges from M,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and the 12th level being the topmost. All test sections of CELPIP are with equivalent level results based on the individual’s test result.

CELPIP LEVEL M = Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess

CELPIP LEVEL 3 = Some proficiency in limited contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 4 = Adequate proficiency for daily life activities

CELPIP LEVEL 5 = Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 6 = Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 7 = Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 8 = Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 9 = Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts 

CELPIP LEVEL 10 = Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 11 = Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts

CELPIP LEVEL 12 = Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts

Tests Durations:

Listening: 47-55 minutes.

Reading: 60 minutes.

Writing: 53-60 minutes.

Speaking: 15-20 minutes

Registration:

You can register via mail, in-person or online.

Guidelines for online registration:

  • Prepare your (authentic) documents.
  • Prepare a valid credit/debit card to make an online payment.
  • Visit the official website of CELPIP.
  • Submit all your necessary details.
  • Select the test date and center.
  • Make an online payment.

Fees:

CELPIP Test registration fee: INR 10845 plus taxes.

Note: To register for a CELPIP Test, candidates need to make payment through a Money order.

Express Rating Fee:

Express Rating – General Test: CAD 100.00 + tax
($150.00 CAD + tax for international testing)

Express Rating – General LS Test: CAD 70.00 + tax

As with any other test, you must also give time and effort to prepare for your CELPIP test. One recommended thing to do is to practice on the actual CELPIP test. Several ways and strategies are available on the CELPIP website itself; to prepare and secure your success for the CELPIP test.

CELPIP Test Canada FAQ

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.

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

Learn more about language exams for Canada: