CELPIP: test format, scoring and practice
A computer-based test of everyday Canadian English, taken in one sitting. Speaking is recorded on the computer, not with an examiner in the room.
At a glance
| Versions | CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS |
|---|---|
| Length | About 3 hours |
| Scoring | Each skill gets a level from 1 to 12, which lines up with the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Many immigration routes ask for 7 or 9. |
| Question types | 20 |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
Listening
About 50 minutes
Six parts, from solving a problem on the phone to hearing different viewpoints. Each recording plays once.
- Listening Part 1: Problem SolvingYou hear a conversation in sections about a problem and answer questions after each section.
- Listening Part 2: Daily Life ConversationYou hear an everyday conversation and answer questions about it.
- Listening Part 3: Listening for InformationYou hear one person give information, such as a talk or an explanation, and answer questions.
- Listening Part 4: News ItemYou hear a short news report and answer questions about it.
- Listening Part 5: DiscussionYou watch a video of several people discussing a topic and answer questions.
- Listening Part 6: ViewpointsYou hear a report presenting different viewpoints on an issue and answer questions.
Reading
About 55 minutes
Four parts: letters and emails, a diagram, an information text and a viewpoints article.
- Reading Part 1: Reading CorrespondenceYou read a letter or email and answer questions, including completing a reply.
- Reading Part 2: Reading to Apply a DiagramYou use a diagram, such as a schedule or a price list, together with a short text to answer questions.
- Reading Part 3: Reading for InformationYou read a passage and match statements to its paragraphs.
- Reading Part 4: Reading for ViewpointsYou read an article with different opinions and a reader's comment, then answer questions.
Writing
About 53 minutes
An email (about 27 minutes) and a survey response where you choose an option and defend it (about 26 minutes).
Speaking
About 15 minutes
Eight short tasks with a little prep time each, from giving advice to describing an unusual object.
- Speaking Task 1: Giving AdviceYou give advice to a person in a situation.
- Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal ExperienceYou describe a past experience on a given topic.
- Speaking Task 3: Describing a SceneYou describe a picture to someone who can't see it.
- Speaking Task 4: Making PredictionsUsing the same picture, you predict what will probably happen next.
- Speaking Task 5: Comparing and PersuadingYou choose between two options and persuade someone that your choice is better.
- Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult SituationYou choose how to handle an awkward situation and speak to the person involved.
- Speaking Task 7: Expressing OpinionsYou give and support your opinion on a topic.
- Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual SituationYou describe an unusual object or scene to someone who can't see it.
If you're just starting
- Write emails in the right tone: friendly for a friend, polite and clear for a manager or company.
- In Speaking, use every second of the response time; a strong finish beats stopping early.
- Everyday Canadian English matters more than academic words: think rent, commute, community centre.