Understand your CELPIP Test
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a general English language proficiency test.
The CELPIP Test measures your English language proficiency in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The CELPIP Test assesses all four skills, while the CELPIP LS Test only assesses Listening and Speaking.
Test Format
Listening
Time allotted: 46-55 minutes
| Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving |
| Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation |
| Part 3: Listening for Information |
| Part 4: Listening to a News Item |
| Part 5: Listening to a Discussion |
| Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints |
Reading
Time allotted: 43-56 minutes
| Part 1: Reading Correspondence |
| Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram |
| Part 3: Reading for Information |
| Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints |
Writing
Time allotted: 53 minutes
| Task 1: Writing an Email |
| Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions |
Speaking
Time allotted: 15 minutes
| Task 1: Giving Advice |
| Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience |
| Task 3: Describing a Scene |
| Task 4: Making Predictions |
| Task 5: Comparing and Persuading |
| Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation |
| Task 7: Expressing Opinions |
| Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
Unscored Items
The Listening and Reading Tests contain unscored items used for test development. These unscored items can be found anywhere within the Listening and Reading Tests and will have the same format as the scored items. You will not be able to tell scored items from unscored items, so apply your best effort to the entire test.
Test Scores
The chart below shows how CELPIP scores correspond to CLB, CEFR, and DHA English proficiency levels. CELPIP scores are valid for two years from the date your score report is issued.
| CELPIP 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:
|
| 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:
|
| 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 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 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 | / | / | / |
Download CELPIP Score Descriptors
Learn what we look for at each CELPIP Level for speaking and writing scores.
Free Online Sample Test
The free online sample test will let you familiarize yourself with the test format and timing, experience the types of questions that you will encounter on test day, and see the correct answers for the Listening and Reading components.
Attend a Free Info Session
Attend one of our online CELPIP information sessions to learn more about the CELPIP Tests. Listen from home or on the go. All you need to join us are speakers, an internet connection, and a computer or smart device (Apple or Android).