Immigrating to Canada? Prove your English language proficiency with the CELPIP test

CELPIP stands for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.

The CELPIP Test is an English language proficiency test that provides test takers with a way demonstrate their ability to function in English. The CELPIP Test is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use by individuals who are applying for permanent resident status and citizenship in Canada.

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What can I expect from the CELPIP Test?

The CELPIP Test is entirely computer delivered by our partner test centres and is completed in a single 3 hour sitting. The test is divided into 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Unlike other English language proficiency tests, CELPIP does not require talking to a person for the speaking component. Instead, you reply to on-screen prompts into a microphone headset for the speaking portion of the test.

Because the test is completely computer delivered, your test results will be available within 4 to 5 days of your test date, and your results are sent to you online.

To learn more about the test day experience, watch our video here about what you can expect on your test day.

Where can I take the CELPIP Test?

The CELPIP Test is available at a location near you, as we partner with over 80 testing locations in Canada and around the world. For more information about our test centre locations, and about available test dates, visit our website.

How can I get ready for the CELPIP Test?

We are eager to support test takers in their journey to work and live in Canada, and have a wide range of study materials to help you prepare for your test, including more than 10 hours of free webinars, a free sample test, a free practice test when you create a CELPIP Account, and our additional tools:

• Free CELPIP Sample Test: Available for free on the CELPIP website, the CELPIP sample test includes test questions and answers to help you understand what to expect on each component of the CELPIP Test.
• Free CELPIP Practice Test: Available for free when you register for a free CELPIP Account, this complete practice test covers each component of the CELPIP Test, and includes detailed answer keys for each section.
• Free CELPIP Webinars and Workshops: Our weekly free CELPIP information sessions are hosted live by a CELPIP expert, giving test takers an overview of the CELPIP Test components, as well as a question-and-answer session. Recorded webinars and workshops are also available on our YouTube page.
• Paid CELPIP Study Materials: Available for purchase in the online store, we have a range of practice tests, online learning programs, study guides and more.

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If you are looking for more tips to help prepare for your test, our CELPIP experts have put together the following strategies to make sure that you meet your CELPIP goals:

1) Get familiar with using a computer

The CELPIP Test is fully computer delivered, so make sure that you can comfortably use a mouse and keyboard. Practice for your computer-delivered test with CELPIP’s free online sample test and free online practice test.

2) Keep in mind that CELPIP is a test of general English proficiency

The CELPIP Test measures your ability to use English in everyday situations. It’s not a test of business English or academic English, so one of the best ways to prepare is just to get out and use English as much as you can in your daily life.

3) Keep track of the time

The CELPIP Test is fully computer delivered, and provides you with a timer on each page, telling you how much time remains for each section. Keeping an eye on the timer will help you pace yourself throughout the test.

4) Use different types of vocabulary words and sentence structures

To demonstrate that you are proficient with English, show the range of different vocabulary you possess in your writing and speaking. Don’t use the same words repeatedly, just use words that would be natural in daily life. Remember to use vary your sentence structure as well, and try constructing a range of sentences that differ in length and complexity.

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5) Speak at a natural pace and in a clear voice

Speak directly into the microphone headset, which should be close to your mouth but without touching your lips. Although you might speak quickly when nervous, try to pace yourself and speak more slowly and at a normal pace.

6) Your accent is not a problem

We understand that many of our test takers are concerned about their accents, however, our raters are trained to disregard them. Unless your accent keeps you from being understood, do not focus on it. Instead, focus on using proper grammar, a range of vocabulary, and giving thorough and complete answers.

7) Take down notes

When you take the CELPIP Test, you will be given notepaper and a pen. You can use these to take notes during any portion of the test, though you may find it particularly useful to organize ideas for your Speaking or Writing responses. It’s also good practice to take notes about main concepts and details during the Listening portion of the test.

8) Review your work

If you have extra time during the test, make sure to read over your responses and ensure that you have answered each question as well as you possibly can. Specifically, spend a few moments reading over your written responses, and make sure that you have no typos or errors that might take away from the clarity of your answers.

9) Stick with what you know

You might encounter some difficult or unfamiliar words in a Reading or Listening passage. Don’t get stuck worrying about vocabulary that you don’t understand. Instead, keep an eye on the general meaning and the portions of the passage that you do understand. Sometimes it is possible to understand a new word based on your knowledge of the words that are around it.

For more information about preparing for your CELPIP Test, or to learn about the test itself, visit our website.

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