CELPIP: English language test for immigration to Canada
Let's explore the key features and benefits of the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) test.
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a Canadian test designed to assess English language proficiency. Developed at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2002, it is now administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises in close collaboration with Immigration Canada. As such, CELPIP serves as a Canadian alternative to the international IELTS test and is widely used for immigration purposes.
Types of CELPIP Tests
There are two versions of the test, each suited for different needs: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS.
CELPIP-General is suitable for candidates applying for immigration programs to obtain permanent residency and certain professional licenses. The entire test takes less than 3 hours (2 hours 50 minutes to be exact) and is conducted entirely on a computer in one session, assessing four skills:
- Listening — 47-55 minutes
- Reading — 55-60 minutes
- Writing — 53-60 minutes
- Speaking — 15-20 minutes
CELPIP-General LS is designed for Canadian citizenship applications and some professional licenses. This test takes 1 hour 10 minutes and assesses only two skills:
- Listening — 47-55 minutes
- Speaking — 15-20 minutes
Advantages of CELPIP
CELPIP offers several advantages that make it user-friendly. The computer-based format includes helpful features like a timer, automatic word counter, and spell check, making the process more objective and standardized.
The test is conducted exclusively on computers at official test centers — remote testing is not possible. Since it was developed specifically for Canada, it focuses on vocabulary and accents used in everyday situations in the country. Test results are available online within 3-4 business days after taking the test.
A wide range of preparation materials is freely available on the official website, including tests, videos, and courses, both paid and free. Videos and webinars explain the test structure in detail and provide useful tips for taking the test.
Additionally, there's an option to take a free practice test and practice various types of tasks. From 2025, CELPIP will be accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes, expanding its usability.
Disadvantages of CELPIP
Unfortunately, CELPIP is limited in its geographical availability. This test cannot be taken remotely, and official test centers are not available in all regions of the world.
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Currently, testing is available at over 180 locations worldwide, including the following countries and regions:
- East Asia: Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan
- South Asia: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India
- Southeast Asia: Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Middle East: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
- Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany
- North America: USA, Canada
- Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica
Moreover, since the test is designed for immigration programs and obtaining permanent residency and citizenship, it is generally not suitable for those looking to take a language exam for study permits.
Types of Tasks
Each skill assessment includes various tasks with different numbers of questions:
| Skill Assessed | Task Types | Number of Questions |
| Listening | Practice Task | 1 |
| Part 1: Listening for Problem Solving | 8 | |
| Part 2: Listening to Daily 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 | |
| Reading | Practice Task | 1 |
| Part 1: Reading Correspondence | 11 | |
| Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram | 8 | |
| Part 3: Reading for Information | 9 | |
| Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints | 10 | |
| Writing | Task 1: Writing an Email | 1 |
| Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | 1 | |
| Speaking | 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: Comparing and Persuading | 1 | |
| Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | 1 | |
| Task 7: Expressing Opinions | 1 | |
| Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation | 1 |
CELPIP Scores
Each section of the test is scored on the CELPIP level scale. The scores obtained reflect the level of English language proficiency.
Since CELPIP results are aligned with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, which are specified in the requirements for all immigration programs, the test developers provide equivalencies between CELPIP and CLB levels for candidates:
| Proficiency Level | CELPIP Score | CLB Equivalent |
| Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 12 | 12 |
| Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 11 | 11 |
| Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 10 | 10 |
| Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 9 | 9 |
| Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 8 | 8 |
| Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 7 | 7 |
| Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 6 | 6 |
| Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 5 | 5 |
| Adequate proficiency for basic daily life activities | 4 | 4 |
| Some proficiency in limited contexts | 3 | 3 |
| Limited proficiency in contexts of immediate need | 2 | 1,2 |
| Insufficient information for assessment | 1 | - |
| Insufficient information for assessment | 0 | - |
| Not administered: test taker did not receive a score for the component | N/A | - |
Test Results Validity and Retaking Options
CELPIP test results are valid for 2 years from the test date. This validity period is recognized by most immigration organizations, including IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). It's important to plan your application so that your results remain valid when you submit it.
You can retake the test as many times as you want, but there are some rules. You can only register for one test session within 5 calendar days. Breaking this rule may result in cancellation of your registration. Paragon Testing Enterprises recommends additional preparation before retaking the test. If you're not satisfied with your result, you need to retake the entire test — retaking individual sections isn't possible. Also, within 6 months after taking the test, you can request a re-evaluation of some or all CELPIP-General components for an additional fee.
Cost and Registration Process
As of 2025, the CELPIP-General test costs about $280 CAD, and the CELPIP-General LS test costs $195 CAD. However, the price may vary depending on the country where you plan to take the test. This is due to local taxes and fees. Prices for international test centers may differ from those in Canada.
You can register for a specific date and time to take the test online on the website, choosing the desired CELPIP center in a specific country.
After registering for the test, you'll receive a confirmation email with your registration number, name as it appears on your ID, information about the test location, and requirements for identification documents you need to bring.
On the test day, arrive 45 minutes before the start time. Registration closes 15 minutes before the start, and latecomers are not admitted. You must bring the original ID used during registration, which will be the only item allowed in the test room. Other items, including electronic devices, must be stored in a bag or locker. Test center staff may conduct a personal search and will take your photograph. Remember that cheating or attempting to cheat on the test can result in the cancellation of your test results.
Note that you can only register for one test session within 5 calendar days. Registration for a test session closes one business day before the test or when maximum capacity is reached.
How to Prepare for the Test?
As mentioned earlier, the CELPIP website offers many materials for self-preparation. In 2025, over 100 hours of preparation videos, practice tests, podcasts, and other materials are available. All registered users get access to free practice tests for both exam versions.
However, sometimes self-study may not be enough.
Preparing for CELPIP
If you want to be confident in achieving your desired results, consider seeking help from specialists. The Canadian language school ILAC offers specialized courses to prepare for international tests, including CELPIP. The test developers themselves recommend this school for those aiming for good results.
Our company is an ILAC partner, so you can enroll in courses directly through us. Our assistance is completely free, and we can offer special prices. For any questions, you can contact us at mail@immigrant.today.
