CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a Canadian government-approved general English language test.
This test is designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for people applying for PR (Permanent Residence) and citizenship.
The CELPIP test is the most taken test for immigration and professional designation in Canada.
This test measures test takers’ English language skills in different everyday situations in the most accurate manner. This test checks language proficiency in the situations like commission with co-staff or seniors at the workplace, interaction with friends or relatives, understanding or responding to written materials, and understanding newscasts.
In this blog, we will explain everything about CELPIP that test takers’ must know before taking the test. Let’s start with “why take CELPIP before discussing what is CELPIP?”
Why Take CELPIP?
The CELPIP test is Canada’s leading general English test for professional designation and immigration.
- Computer-Delivered: Done in just one sitting and includes features such as a word counter, personal timer, and spell-check.
- Quick online result: The result is available after 4 to 5 days of taking the test.
- Single North American Accent: Easy-to-understand English and vocabulary are taken from Everyday situations.
- Free Study Materials: Free sample tests, online information sessions, videos, webinars, and preparation courses are available on the CELPIP’s Online portal.
What is CELPIP?
CELPIP is an English language test that allows test takers to demonstrate their ability to function in English.
There are two types of CELPIP tests:
- CELPIP-General: This test is suitable for people who need proof of English language skills when applying for permanent resident status in Canada under the Canada Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program, Start-up visa program, or for employment.
- CELPIP-General LS: This test is suitable for people who need proof of speaking and listening proficiency for Canadian citizenship. And also, this is accepted by IRCC as one of only two designated English languages for Canadian citizenship.
What is CELPIP’s Test Format?
CELPIP-GENERAL
This test is entirely computer-delivered and consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The unscored items in the listening and reading sections are used for test development. The test taker won’t know which items will be unscored, and these unscored items can be found anywhere in the component.
| Test component | Total No. Of Questions | Time Allotted | Component Sections |
| Listening | 44- 47 questions | 47-55 Minutes | Practice task Part 1: Listening to Problem-Solving Part 2: Hearing a Conversation from Daily Life Part 3: Listening for Information Part 4: listening to a News Item Part 5: Listening to Discussion Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints Part7: Unscored items |
| Reading | 47-50 questions | 55-60 Minutes | Practice task Part 1: Reading Correspondence Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram Part 3: Reading for Information Part4: Reading for Viewpoints Part7: Unscored items |
| Writing | 2 questions | 53-60 minutes | Task 1: Writing an Email Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions |
| Speaking | 9 questions | 15-20 minutes | Practice Task Task 1: Giving advice Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience Task 3: Describing a Scene Task 4: Making Predictions Task 5: Comparing & Persuading Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation Task 7: Expressing Opinions Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
CELPIP-General LS
This test is also computer-based, consisting of two sections listening and speaking.
| Test Component | No. Of Questions | Time Allotted | Component Sections |
| Listening | 39 questions | 47-55 Minutes | Practice task Part 1: Listening to Problem-Solving Part 2: Hearing a Conversation from Daily Life Part 3: Listening for Information Part 4: Listening to a News Item Part 5: listening to a Discussion Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints |
| Speaking | 9 questions | 15-20 Minutes | Practice Task Task 1: Giving Advice Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience Task 3: Describing a Scene Task 4: Making Predictions Task 5: Comparing & Persuading Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation Task 7: Expressing Opinions Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
What is CELPIP’s Test Score?
Each component of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test is assigned a CELPIP level. Each CELPIP rank and its corresponding description are shown in the chart below. We have included the CLB level equivalencies for your convenience because the CELPIP test scores have been calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
| CLB Level | CELPIP Level | Test Level Descriptor |
| 12 | 12 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 11 | 11 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 10 | 10 | Highly effective proficiency in community contexts and workplace |
| 9 | 9 | Effective proficiency in community contexts and workplace |
| 8 | 8 | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 7 | 7 | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 6 | 6 | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 5 | 5 | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
| 4 | 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
| 3 | 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts |
| 0,1,2 | M | Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess |
| – | NA | The test taker did not receive this test component because it was not administered. |
Who Accepts CELPIP
After knowing what is CELPIP, you must know who accepts the CELPIP test. Both types of CELPIP Tests are accepted by different governments, professional institutions, employers, colleges, and universities.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accept the CELPIP test for the following purposes.
- Permanent Resident Status
- Canadian Citizenship
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Start-up Visa Program
- Various Provincial Nominee Programs
Professional Organizations
Here is the list of professional organizations that accept the CELPIP test.
- Alberta Human Services – Child Care Certification
- BC Corrections
- BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
- BC Health Care Assistant (HCA) Program
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba
- Professional Business Accountants’ Society of Canada
- Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCPSO)
- Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission (SREC)
Universities, Colleges, and Vocational Programs
- Alberta Institute of Massage
- Ashton College
- Bow Valley College (Health Care Aide Certificate only)
- Canadian Arts & Sciences Institute
- Canadian Imperial College
- Coast Mountain College
- Discovery Community College
- Dominion Herbal College
- First College
- Focus College
- Gateway College Great Plains College
- Granville College
- MaKami College
- McKenzie College
Exam Preparation Sources Of CELPIP Test
After understanding what is CELPIP, it is important to know some sources to prepare for the CELPIP exam. To prepare for the exam, use the free sample tests available on CELPIP’s online portal. Alternatively, Paragon allows all prospective test takers to take a sample test in an actual testing center setting. Among other things, Paragon creates a wide range of study materials for each test module and offers CELPIP Speaking Pro sessions online.
You may also find our other blog, “CELPIP vs IELTS: Which Is Better Option For You?” interesting.
Test Day Rules
Here are some rules for test day written below:
Scented Products: Please do not use colognes, aftershaves, perfumes, and other scented products on test day. Other people in the room may become ill due to these products.
Children: Children are not permitted in the exam room, and test takers are not allowed to take breaks to feed or otherwise care for a child. Neither Paragon Testing Enterprises nor the test center will accept responsibility for children who are not supervised. Test takers will be denied entry if they attempt to leave unsupervised children outside the testing room.
Prohibited Materials: The following items are not permitted in the testing facility. If any of these items are found with you during the test, you may be removed from the room, and Paragon Testing Enterprises may cancel your scores:
- Fitness tracking devices
- Watches of any kind, including a smartwatch
- Mobile devices, cell phones, or any electronic devices
- Study notes or paper of any type & Test Preparation materials
- Large, bulky jewelry
- Pencils, pen, other writing instruments, or dictionary
- Clothing accessories, such as hoods, hats, gloves, scarves, etc., unless worn for medical purposes or religious
- Weapons or Firearms
- Dangerous or illegal materials
Final Words
In this post, we have discussed what is CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program), its format, types and why CELPIP is taken.
In the end, we have discussed some important test day rules, after discussing the sources for preparing the CELPIP exam.
We hope you enjoyed this post and we are able to clear all your queries about what is CELPIP. If you still have any questions contact our experts or let us know through comments. For more content like this, keep visiting CourseMentor™.
FAQs
Is CELPIP easier than IELTS?
The answer to this question depends upon person-to-person. Some may find IELTS easy, and others may find CELPIP easy. But, both exams test your English language proficiency, so the difficulty level for both exams is the same.
Is CELPIP eligible for Canada PR?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts the CELPIP exam for permanent residency and citizenship.
