What is the CELPIP?

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a general English language proficiency test.

The CELPIP Test allows test takers to demonstrate their ability to function in English. The test clearly, accurately, and precisely assesses a test taker’s English abilities in a variety of everyday situations, such as communicating with co-workers and superiors in the workplace, interacting with friends, understanding newscasts, and interpreting and responding to written materials.

What is the difference between the
CELPIP - General and CELPIP - General LS?

There are two types of CELPIP tests to choose from. Make sure to confirm which version of the test you are required to take.

CELPIP - General Test

$295 + Taxes (where applicable)

Evaluates test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills and is used for permanent residence applications, professional designation, and by Universities, Colleges and Vocational Programs. This is the Canadian price, international pricing will vary. Learn more about international pricing here.
Single Test Sitting
Takes under 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete and can be done in one sitting with no separate speaking session
Government Approved for Immigration and Visa Purposes
The CELPIP - General test is the approved by the Australian and Canadian governments for immigration and visa applications

CELPIP - General LS Test

$199 + Taxes

Evaluates test taker’s English speaking and listening skills and is used for citizenship applications.
Single 1-Hour Test Sitting
Takes approximately 70 minutes to complete and can be done in one sitting with no separate speaking session
IRCC Approved for Citizenship Status
The CELPIP - LS test is the IRCC approved test for Canadian citizenship applications
CELPIP - General total test time is under 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Listening
Listen to passages and answer questions
46–55 minutes
Reading
Read passages and answer questions
43–56 minutes
Writing
Respond to questions with written answers
53 minutes
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts verbally
15 minutes
CELPIP - General LS total test time is about 1h10m and is done in one sitting
Listening
Listen to passages and answer questions
46–55 minutes
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts verbally
15 minutes

Test Scores

Each component of the CELPIP – General Test and the CELPIP – General LS Test is given a CELPIP level. Below is a chart of each CELPIP level and its corresponding description. CELPIP test scores have been calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, as well as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and we have included the CLB and CEFR level equivalencies for your information.

Test Level Descriptor CELPIP Level CLB Level CEFR Level Australia DHA Level
Expert proficiency in high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts  12 12 C2

Superior English – At least:

  • CELPIP 10 for Listening
  • CELPIP 10 for Reading
  • CELPIP 12 for Writing
  • CELPIP 10 for Speaking


Advanced proficiency in high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts  11 11 C1
Highly effective proficiency in some high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts  10 10 C1

Proficient English – At least:

  • CELPIP 9 for Listening
  • CELPIP 8 for Reading
  • CELPIP 10 for Writing
  • CELPIP 8 for Speaking



Effective proficiency in some high-stakes social, educational, or workplace contexts  9 9 B2
Good proficiency in more demanding social, educational, or workplace contexts  8 8 B2
Adequate proficiency in somewhat demanding social, educational, or workplace contexts  7 7 B2 Competent English – At least a CELPIP 7 for each component
Developing proficiency everyday social, educational, or workplace contexts  6 6 B1
Acquiring proficiency in everyday social, educational, or workplace contexts  5 5 B1 Vocational English – at least a CELPIP 5 for each component
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities 4 4 A2 /
Some proficiency in limited contexts 3 3 A2 /
Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs  2 1,2 A1 /
Insufficient information to assess  1 / / /
Insufficient information to assess  0 / / /
Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test component NA / / /

Test Policies

These policies describe the rules that apply to late arrivals, cancellations/transfers of test session registrations, cancellations of orders, and related matters.

Who Accepts CELPIP

The CELPIP Tests prove English language proficiency for immigration, visa purposes, and professional designation.

The CELPIP Tests are accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a variety of permanent residency and immigration streams; the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) in Australia for visa purposes, as well as for professional certification for a number of organizations. Click below for a complete list of organizations that accept CELPIP scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can we help you with?
I had taken other English language proficiency before, and CELPIP was more relatable to me. All of the questions were situations I was familiar with from daily life, and were like conversations I had experienced personally.
- Chrisna D., CELPIP Test Taker
When I took CELPIP, I found it was like speaking English in real life. You speak every day with your boss and with your friends, and the CELPIP Test represents those every-day, real-life language situations.
- Rafaela B., CELPIP Test Taker