The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, or CELPIP, is a method for assessing English language skills such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Paragon Testing Enterprises, a division of the University of British Columbia, administers the CELPIP exam.
Paragon is the only Canadian company delivering Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designated English proficiency tests. The CELPIP test is available in two types: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS.
The CELPIP-Academic Test was retired by Paragon Testing Enterprises in June 2015, after the acquisition of the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the CELPIP exam for moving to Canada.
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What is CELPIP?
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a test of English proficiency for entry into Canada. The exam is widely acknowledged in many professions, which contributes to its popularity. The purpose of the test is to assess linguistic skills in English. CELPIP is only available in Canada.
The test is the foundation for your confidence that you will be able to adapt to Canadian culture and communication methods.
Overview of the CELPIP Exam
Overview of the CELPIP exam presented here summarises all the important and relevant information about the exam:
Parameters |
Description |
Official Name of CELPIP |
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program |
Testing Authority |
Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC) |
Parent Country |
Canada |
Type of Exam |
English language assessment |
Exam Duration |
CELPIP General: 3 hours CELPIP General LS: 1 hour and 10 minutes |
Parts/Section |
4 (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) |
Exam Fees |
INR 10,845 + taxes |
Minimum Score Required for PR in Canada |
5 or higher in each component |
Why Choose CELPIP?
There are numerous reasons why one should select the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. Some of these causes are as follows:
The Use of Canadian English
This exam is unique in that it is written in Canadian English. The same is true of the Canadian accent. The exam is fully Canadian orientated because it is designed exclusively for Canada.
Computer-Based Examination
The CELPIP, unlike the other tests, is a computer-based test. Apart from the test, there is no hassle with the interviews and other processes. Reading and writing are displayed on the screen, while speaking and listening are accomplished through the speaker and microphone.
Online Results
The CELPIP exam results are available within 8 business days. The exam results are published online.
Free Study Materials
If you give the CELPIP exam, you will get and have access to free sample tests, videos, online information sessions, preparation courses, and webinars to prepare for your exam.
Types of CELPIP Exams
There are 2 types of CELPIP exams, which are as follows:
- CELPIP General
- CELPIP General LS
CELPIP General
IRCC, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, and the Real Estate Council of British Columbia all recognize the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program or CELPIP General test. The candidate's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are assessed in the CELPIP General Test.
The CELPIP-General Test is a common exam used by persons seeking permanent resident status in Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Start-up Visa Program, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and a variety of Provincial Nominee Programs. This test is also appropriate for persons looking for work. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada have authorised the CELPIP-General Test (IRCC).
CELPIP General LS
The CELPIP-General LS Test assesses the candidate's functional Listening and Speaking abilities. This LS test is given to persons who need to demonstrate their listening and speaking skills in order to obtain Canadian citizenship. The CELPIP General Test takes nearly 3 hours to complete and can be completed in one sitting with no separate speaking session.
CELPIP Exam Centres in India
Currently, the CELPIP test is only available in 7 states in India which are:
-
New Delhi
-
Karnataka
-
Haryana
-
Maharashtra
-
Chandigarh
-
Tamil Nadu
-
Telangana
CELPIP Test Dates 2022
Candidates in India can only take the CELPIP-General Test. This CELPIP test is available in three cities: Chandigarh, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The CELPIP General Test is given several times a year. However, you must choose a date and time for registration based on your location. You can register for the test whenever it is convenient for you.
CELPIP General LS vs IELTS
The table tabulated below will explain the difference between CELPIP General LS vs IELTS General Test:
CELPIP General LS vs IELTS |
IELTS General |
CELPIP General LS |
100% Computer-based |
Yes |
Yes |
Single North American Accent |
No |
Yes |
Skills Tested in 1 Sitting |
No |
Yes |
Who Accepts CELPIP?
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is recognized by a number of organizations. These are some examples where your CELPIP scores will be required:
-
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
-
Numerous Provincial Nominee Programs
-
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
-
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
-
Permanent Resident Status
-
Canadian Citizenship
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
-
Start-up Visa Program
How to Apply for CELPIP Exam?
There are three ways to register for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program:
-
Through mail
-
In-person
-
Online
Online Registration
Those who live outside of Canada and will be taking the exam only outside of Canada must register online:
-
Check that you have a genuine identity document
-
To make an online payment, you needed a valid credit/debit card
Here are the steps CELPIP Test Online Registration Procedures:
-
Visit the CELPIP's official website
-
Please include all relevant information
-
Choose a test date and location
-
Make a payment online
Know the Uses of the CELPIP Exam!
CELPIP Registration Fee
The CELPIP Test registration fee is INR 10,845 + taxes.
CELPIP Registration Form (PDF) - This form can only be used to register within Canada.
To register for a CELPIP Test, candidates must pay using a money order. The CELPIP test registration period ends one business day before the test date or when the sitting is full, whichever comes first.
Express Rating Fee
Types of CELPIP |
Fees in CAD |
Express Rating General Test |
100 + tax (150 + tax for international testing) |
Express Rating General LS Test |
70 + tax |
Regular Rating General Test and General LS Test |
Free |
CELPIP Test Format
The table tabulated below will explain you the CELPIP test format and exam pattern:
Test Type |
CELPIP-General |
CELPIP-General LS |
Components |
Writing Speaking Listening Reading |
Speaking Listening |
Test time |
3 hours |
1 hour and 10 minutes |
The CELPIP exam is completely computer-based, with no further appointments or interviews. The examination pattern or test format is as follows:
CELPIP Listening Section
The total time allotted for the CELPIP Listening section is 47 minutes.
CELPIP General Test
Component Sections |
Number of Questions |
Practice Test |
2 |
Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving |
8 |
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation |
5 |
Part 3: Listening for Information |
6 |
Part 4: Listening to a News Item |
5 |
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion |
8 |
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints |
6 |
Part 7: Unscored Items |
58 |
CELPIP General LS Test
Component Sections |
Number of Questions |
Part 1: Identifying Similar Meanings |
2 |
Part 2: Answering Questions |
8 |
Part 3: Listening to Problem Solving |
5 |
Part 4: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation |
6 |
Part 5: Listening for Information |
5 |
Part 6: Listening to a News Item |
8 |
Part 7: Listening to a Discussion |
6 |
Part 8: Listening to Viewpoints |
5-8 |
CELPIP Reading Section
The total time allotted for the CELPIP Reading section is 60 minutes.
CELPIP General Test
Component Sections |
Number of Questions |
Part 1: Reading Corresponding |
11 |
Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram |
8 |
Part 3: Information Reading |
9 |
Part 4: Viewpoints Reading |
10 |
CELPIP Writing Section
The total time allotted for the CELPIP Writing section is 53 minutes:
CELPIP General Test
Component Sections |
Number of Questions |
Task 1: E-mail writing |
1 |
Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions |
1 |
CELPIP Speaking Section
The total time allotted for the CELPIP Speaking section is 15-20 minutes. Below is the speaking section test format for the CELPIP General test and CELPIP General LS test:
Component Sections |
Number of Questions |
Task 0: Practice Task |
1 |
Task 1: Giving Advice |
1 |
Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience |
1 |
Task 3: Describing a Scene |
1 |
Task 4: Making Predictions |
1 |
Task 5: Persuading and Comparing |
1 |
Task 6: Difficult Situation Dealing |
1 |
Task 7: Opinion Expression |
1 |
Task 8: Unusual Situation Description |
1 |
CELPIP Scores and Results
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program results get available online in eight business days. Those who require a CELPIP score quickly can select Express Rating and receive their results online in three working days.
Candidates are notified via email when their CELPIP score is ready. Candidates can view their scores in their CELPIP accounts online. They can access the results for two years after the test date.
Note: Additional CELPIP Official Score Reports cost around CAD 20 + Taxes.
A CELPIP level is assigned to each component of the CELPIP - General Test and the CELPIP - General LS Test. Each CELPIP level and its related description are shown in the chart below. We have provided the CLB level equivalencies for your convenience because the CELPIP exam scores have been calibrated to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
CELPIP Level |
CELPIP Descriptor |
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level |
M |
Insufficient proficiency or information to assess |
0, 1, 2 |
3 |
Some competence in specific contexts |
3 |
4 |
sufficient proficiency for day-to-day activities |
4 |
5 |
Proficiency in community and corporate settings is required |
5 |
6 |
Still gaining proficiency in community and workplace settings |
6 |
7 |
Competence in community and workplace settings |
7 |
8 |
Excellent proficiency in community and workplace settings |
8 |
9 |
Effective proficiency in community and workplace settings |
9 |
10 |
Highly effective proficiency in community and workplace settings |
10 |
11 |
Excellent proficiency in community and workplace settings |
11 |
12 |
Excellent proficiency in community and workplace settings |
12 |
CELPIP Levels & Approximate Scores for the Listening Test
Tabulated below are the CELPIP Listening test levels and the approximated scores that you have achieved at each level:
CELPIP Levels |
Approximate Scores (Out of 38) |
10-12 |
35-38 |
9 |
33-35 |
8 |
30-33 |
7 |
27-31 |
6 |
22-28 |
5 |
17-23 |
4 |
11-18 |
3 |
7-12 |
M |
0-7 |
CELPIP Levels & Approximate Scores for the Reading Test
Tabulated below are the CELPIP Reading test levels and the approximated scores that you have achieved at each level:
CELPIP Levels |
Approximate Scores (Out of 38) |
10-12 |
33-38 |
9 |
31-33 |
8 |
28-31 |
7 |
24-28 |
6 |
19-25 |
5 |
15-20 |
4 |
10-16 |
3 |
8-11 |
M |
0-7 |
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