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

$280 + Taxes (where applicable)

Evaluates test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills and is used for permanent residence applications and professional designations. This is the Canadian price, international pricing will vary. Learn more about international pricing here.
Single 3-Hour Test Sitting
Takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be done in one sitting with no separate speaking session
IRCC Approved for PR Status
The CELPIP - General test is the IRCC approved test for Permanent Residency applications

CELPIP - General LS Test

$195 + Taxes

Evaluates test taker’s English speaking and listening skills and is used for citizenship applications and professional designation.
Single 1-Hour Test Sitting
Takes approximately 1 hour 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 about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Listening
Listen to passages and answer questions
47–55 minutes
Reading
Read passages and answer questions
55–60 minutes
Writing
Respond to questions with written answers
53–60 minutes
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts verbally
15–20 minutes
CELPIP - General LS total test time is about 1h10m and is done in one sitting
Listening
Listen to passages and answer questions
47–55 minutes
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts verbally
15–20 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. Since the CELPIP test scores have been calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, we have included the CLB level equivalencies for your information.

Test Level DescriptorCELPIP LevelCLB Level
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts1212
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts1111
Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts1010
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts99
Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts88
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts77
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts66
Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts55
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities44
Some proficiency in limited contexts33
Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs 21,2
Insufficient information to assess 1/
Insufficient information to assess 0/
Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test componentNA/

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 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, 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?
CELPIP
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
CELPIP
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
paragon