CELPIP vs IELTS

Fully Computer-Based Test

All CELPIP test sections, including the speaking section, are computer-based. The test features a personal timer, counter, and spell check to enhance performance and ensure convenience.

Candidates will take the test with fellow test-takers in a centre, and all test-takers will be provided with headphones and other required equipment.

Canadian English Focus

The CELPIP test focuses on North American English. Test takers would be assessed on Canadian accents, social vocabulary, and expressions used in everyday life in Canada.

Quick Results

Test takers will receive CELPIP test results in 3 to 4 business days after completion. They will get notified by email once their result is available and can access it on their CELPIP account.

Candidates can download a PDF report of their results, which can be submitted for official purposes.

CELPIP Test Format Overview

The listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections of the CELPIP test contain different parts with a set number of questions. Note that the CELPIP General and General LS tests have the same listening and speaking format.

An optional practice test precedes each section to help test takers familiarize themselves with the format. The test also contains undisclosed items that do not attract a score. Test takers are advised to pay equal attention to all questions.

Here is a format breakdown of the CELPIP test per section.

Listening

The listening sections contain six parts, and they include:

Reading

The reading section comprises four parts, which are:

Writing

The writing section of the CELPIP comprises two parts. The first requires candidates to write an email of 150-200 words, while the second requires a response to a survey question.

Speaking

The speaking section comprises 8 parts, and they include:

Time Allocation for Each Section

The allocated test time for the General test is about 3 hours, while the General LS test takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. Here is a breakdown of the allocated timing for the different sections.

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

Overview

The CELPIP test is available in over 140 test centres across Canada and around 32 other countries globally. On the official CELPIP website, you will find a list of test centers across different countries.

When you book the test, you can choose a location near you and also select a date and time to take it.

Additionally, there is the CELPIP Online option, which you can take from your home computer. However, the IRCC does not accept CELPIP Online for immigration or citizenship purposes. It may be acceptable in some organizations for employment purposes.

Availability of CELPIP Testing

The availability of the CELPIP test depends on your location. Most countries, especially those with a high Canadian visa application rate, usually have a high booking rate. Therefore, getting your preferred centre can be challenging.

Understand that some countries will have test centres in only one or two major cities. It’s essential to start the booking process early and be open to taking the test in a different city from where you reside if you are outside Canada.

Take Advantage of Official Practice Tests and Resources

The official CELPIP website has free sample tests that can help you understand the test format and nature of questions. CELPIP also has free webinars and podcasts that discuss the test and how best to succeed. There is also a score comparison chart that allows you to study successful CELPIP test scores and how they were achieved.

Additionally, you can also access other resources, including paid ones, and some of them include:

• CELPIP Accelerate Online Course
• Online Practice Tests
• CELPIP Practice and Analysis
• CELPIP Study Guides ebooks
• Common CELPIP Errors

Create a Study Plan

Creating a study plan is integral to succeeding in the CELPIP exam. You can find effective official and unofficial study plans online for beginners and advanced learners. You can also formulate a study plan that aligns with your lifestyle and test goals. Ensure that your study plan is structured and provides you with time to study all the test sections.

Join a CELPIP Preparation Program

CELPIP Preparation Programs or Courses are typically provided in collaboration with official test centers. They include expert-led courses to help test takers reach their target scores on the CELPIP test.

There are over 145 Preparation Course providers across Canada and internationally offering online and in-person classes. The cost of the program will depend on the course provider.

Overview

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is another IRCC-accepted English proficiency test for immigration applications. The IELTS is the most common English language test worldwide and is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English.

There are two types: the IELTS General Training test and the IELTS Academic. For Canadian immigration, only the IELTS General Training test is acceptable.

Many similarities and differences exist between IELTS and CELPIP, and here is a comparative analysis.

Purpose and Focus

CELPIP ensures that candidates have sound English Language skills for life in Canada. However, IELTS has a global reach and is perfect for individuals needing to prove English proficiency globally. Candidates for the IELTS exam would encounter vocabulary and accents reflective of international English standards.

Test Formats

CELPIP offers computer-based (centre-administered) and Online (remote) test options, whereas IELTS provides computer-based, Online, and paper-based choices. While CELPIP Online is not acceptable for Canadian immigration applications, all IELTS formats are acceptable.

Scoring Systems Compared

IELTS uses a band 1.0 – 9.0 scoring system similar to the 1 – 12 points scale used in the CELPIP. Each CELPIP and IELTS test score has its CLB equivalent. While all CELPIP scores directly align with CLB levels, IELTS scores must each be converted to a corresponding CLB level.

Here’s a breakdown of their scoring scale against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:

Speaking Test Format: CELPIP vs IELTS

Candidates for the IELTS speaking test will have a face-to-face interview. For IELTS Online, the speaking test is via video call. The IELTS speaking test is informal, and candidates are advised to be natural. The examiner controls the timing, which can make it challenging to keep up with.

However, the CELPIP speaking test requires candidates to provide their responses via a microphone. The responses are recorded, and an examiner will grade them after the test. Candidates are advised to be natural and speak clearly on the computer.

Which Test is Easier?

IELTS and CELPIP require candidates to study thoroughly to achieve a high score, and determining the easier might be challenging. However, CELPIP’s focus on Canadian English and its mildly informal approach might make it more straightforward. Candidates should carefully evaluate each test and opt for one where they can perform at their best.

Here’s how CELPIP and IELTS compare in terms of difficulty.

Listening

Many candidates consider the IELTS listening test easier because it takes about 30 minutes to complete, compared to 47-55 minutes for CELPIP. IELTS listening has 40 questions based on 4 audio recordings (10 questions each), while CELPIP listening has 38 scored questions and several unscored ones.

CELPIP requires candidates to have good note-taking skills because they will listen to unrepeatable audio passages before reading the questions. IELTS allows applicants to read and analyze questions before listening, which helps students approach the listening task better.

Writing

The CELPIP and IELTS writing section has two tasks. The first task for both tests requires candidates to write an email or letter.

The second task of the CELPIP writing test is a survey response, while IELTS requires writing an academic-style essay. IELTS writing task 1 has a minimum word count of 150, while task 2 is 250. CELPIP’s minimum word count for both writing assignments is 150, but responses can exceed 200.

The CELPIP writing test is more informal but may not necessarily be considered easier. The formality of the IELTS writing task means that applicants must pay more attention. Also, it does not have spell checks, making excellent writing and editing skills crucial.

Reading

The reading test evaluates candidates’ comprehension. CELPIP’s drop-down menu question format makes it easier to find the correct answer than IELTS’ fill-in-the-blanks. Test takers must be mindful of their answers for spelling errors in IELTS.

Additionally, IELTS has over 10 question types compared to CELPIP’s three. For candidates already familiar with Canadian English, CELPIP might be easier to take.

Speaking

The easiest speaking test between CELPIP and IELTS would depend on whether a candidate prefers a face-to-face interaction or a recorded response.

Costs and Retake Policies

Generally, IELTS is slightly costlier to write than CELPIP. Like the CELPIP, IELTS registration costs vary depending on location. In Canada, it costs CAD 300 to CAD 350 plus associated taxes, compared to CELPIP-General cost of CAD 290.

For other countries, the IELTS fee may be higher or lower than Canada’s, and it is imperative to verify the registration fee before signing up.

Retake Policies

Candidates can retake the CELPIP exam after an unsuccessful attempt, but they must wait at least 30 days, or CELPIP will block their registration. Retaking the CELPIP exam requires registering and paying a new fee.

IELTS allows a one-skill retake, which enables candidates with a low score to rewrite one section of the test to improve their score in that specific area. The one-skill retake must be completed within 60 days of the original test day. This retake is only available in certain countries, and candidates should enquire if their centre offers it.

IELTS test takers can also re-register for the entire test if their score is insufficient for its purpose.

Choosing CELPIP for Immigration

CELPIP is suitable when applying for a Canadian permanent residency or citizenship, although it does not necessarily improve an applicant’s chances. The IRCC attaches the same focus to evaluating IELTS as it does to CELPIP for immigration purposes.

CELPIP demonstrates a better knowledge of Canada’s language skills than other English proficiency tests. The questions are taken from daily social interactions and indicate that test takers understand different aspects of Canadian society and culture, daily life, and geography.

Choosing IELTS for Global Recognition

You should take the IELTS if you intend to use the results both in Canada and internationally. Its worldwide reach contributes to why it is considered the foremost English proficiency test globally. IELTS can be used for work, immigration, or academics anywhere. Many organizations prioritize it over other English language proficiency tests.

Making the Final Decision

Your intended purpose for the test should be the primary reason for your choice of test. Another deciding factor is your ability, as it’s advisable to opt for the test that seems the easiest to obtain a high score. For instance, take the IELTS for Canadian immigration if you find it easier or more convenient, and choose the CELPIP if you are already familiar with Canadian English.

Location is another integral factor that can influence your test choice. If CELPIP is not available in your country, you should take the IELTS. It can serve as an alternative to CELPIP in almost all applications.