CELPIP: Proving English Language Ability for Canadian Immigration

If you want to apply to a Canadian skilled worker immigration program, you must take either the CELPIP, IELTS General Training, or the PTE Core exam in order to demonstrate your English language proficiency.

There are plenty of preparation materials and courses available to help you get ready for your CELPIP exam. For instance, you can take free CELPIP sample tests on the CELPIP website.

Of the two tests, only the CELPIP is accepted for Canadian immigration. Those that wish to study in Canada may wish to take the CAEL.

You can find CELPIP test locations on their website.

The cost depends on your location but generally speaking costs around $300 CAD.

The CELPIP takes about three hours to complete in one sitting:

• Listening: 47-55 minutes
• Reading: 55-60 minutes
• Writing: 53-60 minutes
• Speaking: 15–20 minutes

CELPIP exam scores are available online 4-5 days after your test.

You can submit a re-evaluation request of some or all components of your CELPIP exam within six months of taking the test. You need to pay a re-evaluation fee. The re-evaluation fee for a given component will be refunded if your CELPIP level changes following the re-evaluation. CELPIP notes that re-evaluations of the Listening and Reading components are unlikely to change your scores since they are computer rated.

In addition, you can repeat the test whenever you wish. New fees will apply.

No. The CELPIP is meant to provide a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's English proficiency at a given time. In order for the results to be accurate, all modules need to be completed within the same time frame.

CELPIP results are valid for a period of two years. CELPIP results issued within 24 months from the date of submission of an application should remain valid throughout the application process.

CELPIP scores correspond with CLB levels. For instance, a CELPIP score of 10 is a CLB level 10. A CELPIP score of 7 is a CLB level 7.

It is only delivered via computer.

The score you need to be eligible for Canadian immigration depends on the skilled worker program you are applying to.

The minimum CLB level that is set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a CLB 4. Some programs have a CLB level 4 requirement.

Other programs have higher language requirements. The requirements tend to vary between a CLB 5 to a CLB 7.

For some programs, the higher your CLB level, the more points you receive. For other programs, you simply need to prove you meet the minimum level as part of the requirements to be eligible for permanent residence.

Canadian immigration language testing rules are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They are not set by language testers such as IELTS or CELPIP. Tests such as the CELPIP are meant to test your general English language proficiency, whereas tests to study in Canada are meant to assess your ability to pursue educational programs.

Both exams are accepted for Canadian immigration and both assess your English language skills objectively. Ultimately, you should choose the test you feel most comfortable with.