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CELPIP exam page

CELPIP Test 2025
Format, Scores & Registration

celpip

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.

🍁Find a CELPIP Test Center Near You

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.


🍁Click here to take a CELPIP sample test

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