CELPIP exam page
2025-02-07 2025-02-07 16:16CELPIP exam page
CELPIP Test 2025
Format, Scores & Registration

The CELPIP test is a language proficiency test recognized by the IRCC for immigration, citizenship, work and study purposes in Canada.
CELPIP – General:
O Evaluates Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills.
O Required for Express Entry, PNP, and work-related immigration applications.
O Aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.
CELPIP – General LS:
O Only evaluates Listening and Speaking skills.
O Accepted for Canadian citizenship applications.
Who needs to take CELPIP Test?
O Permanent Residency Applicants
O Canadian Citizenship Applicants
O Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
O Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
O Temporary Residents (Study Permits)
O Temporary Residents (Work Permits)

CELPIP vs IELTS
Feature | CELPIP – General | IELTS – General Training |
Test Format | Fully computer-based | Paper-based or computer-based |
Accent Used | Canadian English | Multiple accents (British, American, Australian, etc.) |
Listening | Audio plays once, questions appear while listening | Audio may include multiple accents, requiring note-taking |
Reading | Multiple-choice questions based on everyday Canadian texts | Includes academic-style passages and short-answer questions |
Writing | Computer-based typing with spell check | Handwritten or computer-typed, no spell check |
Speaking | Recorded responses on a computer (no human examiner) | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
Scoring System | 1 to 12 (aligned with CLB) | 0 to 9 (band score) |
Results Time | 3-4 business days | 13 days (paper-based) / 3-5 days (computer-based) |
CELPIP vs. IELTS: Which Test is Right for You?
Choose CELPIP if:
You want a test that focuses on Canadian English.
You are comfortable speaking to a computer instead of a human examiner.
You want faster results.
Choose IELTS if:
You prefer handwriting your answers instead of typing.
You feel more comfortable speaking to a real examiner in person.
You are applying for both Canada and other countries (since IELTS is globally accepted).
CELPIP Test Format & Sections
CELPIP – General Test is fully computer-based. The test is completed in one sitting and takes about 3 hours to complete. CELPIP – General LS Test only includes the Listening and Speaking sections and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes time to complete.
CELPIP Listening
Duration: 47–55 minutes
Number of Parts: 6 parts
Question Types: Multiple-choice, sentence completion
Part |
Description |
1. Listening to Problem Solving |
Answer questions based on a conversation. |
2. Listening to a Daily Life Conversation |
Understand informal conversations. |
3. Listening for Information |
Extract key details from discussions. |
4. Listening to a News Item |
Identify main ideas and opinions in news. |
5. Listening to a Discussion |
Follow group discussions in workplace or academic settings. |
6. Listening to a Viewpoint |
Recognize perspectives and supporting arguments. |
CELPIP Reading
Duration: 55–60 minutes
Number of Parts: 4 parts
Question Types: Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks
Part | Description |
1. Reading Correspondence | Understand emails or messages. |
2. Reading to Apply a Diagram | Interpret information from a visual (chart, map, schedule). |
3. Reading for Information | Extract key points from articles or reports. |
4. Reading for Viewpoints | Compare multiple perspectives on a topic. |
CELPIP Writing
Duration: 53–60 minutes
Number of Tasks: 2 tasks
Task Types: Formal email, opinion-based response
Task | Description |
Task 1: Writing an Email | Write a professional email in response to a scenario. |
Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | Express your opinion on a given topic. |
CELPIP Speaking
Duration: 15–20 minutes
Number of Tasks: 8 tasks
Test Format: Recorded responses on a computer
Task | Description |
1. Giving Advice | Provide recommendations for a given situation. |
2. Talking About a Personal Experience | Describe an event or experience. |
3. Describing a Scene | Explain details from an image. |
4. Making Predictions | Predict outcomes of a situation. |
5. Comparing & Persuading | Compare options and persuade someone. |
6. Dealing with a Difficult Situation | Handle a workplace or customer service problem. |
7. Expressing Opinions | Share and justify an opinion. |
8. Describing an Unusual Situation | Explain an unexpected event. |
CELPIP Score Chart & CLB Equivalency
CELPIP Level | Listening Score ( /38) | Reading Score ( /38) | Writing Score | Speaking Score | CLB Level |
12 | 35-38 | 33-38 | 12 | 12 | CLB 12 |
11 | 33-35 | 31-33 | 11 | 11 | CLB 11 |
10 | 30-33 | 28-31 | 10 | 10 | CLB 10 |
9 | 27-31 | 24-28 | 9 | 9 | CLB 9 |
8 | 22-28 | 19-25 | 8 | 8 | CLB 8 |
7 | 17-23 | 15-20 | 7 | 7 | CLB 7 |
6 | 11-18 | 10-16 | 6 | 6 | CLB 6 |
5 | 7-12 | 8-11 | 5 | 5 | CLB 5 |
4 | 0-7 | 0-7 | 4 | 4 | CLB 4 |
M | Below testable range | Below testable range | M | M | Below CLB 4 |
How CELPIP Scores Impact Express Entry & Immigration
For Express Entry. A CLB 9 or higher can significantly boost your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score, improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If you score CLB 7 or above, you are eligible for most Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
For Citizenship Applications. A minimum of CLB 4 is required .
CELPIP vs. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is a national standard used to assess language proficiency for immigration, work, and citizenship applications.
CLB Level | CELPIP Score Equivalent | Language Proficiency |
CLB 12 | CELPIP 12 | Advanced Fluent |
CLB 11 | CELPIP 11 | Advanced Fluent |
CLB 10 | CELPIP 10 | High Advanced |
CLB 9 | CELPIP 9 | Advanced |
CLB 8 | CELPIP 8 | Upper Intermediate |
CLB 7 | CELPIP 7 | Intermediate |
CLB 6 | CELPIP 6 | Lower Intermediate |
CLB 5 | CELPIP 5 | Basic Proficiency |
CLB 4 | CELPIP 4 | Limited Proficiency |
Below CLB 4 | CELPIP M | Insufficient for immigration purposes |
CELPIP Registration and Fees
CELPIP – General: $280 – $300 CAD
CELPIP – General LS: $195 – $250 CAD
Test Locations
CELPIP tests are available in multiple cities across Canada and select international locations. To find an available test center near you, visit the official CELPIP webpage.
Why Choose CCC College for Your CELPIP Canada Preparation?
Our CELPIP Preparation program is tailored for non-native speakers who want to boost their immigration prospects and gain practical language skills. Whether your goal is to meet immigration requirements, or simply communicate with confidence, we’ve got you covered.
Enroll in CCC College’s CELPIP Preparation Program and improve your TEF Canada test score today