CELPIP

CANADIAN ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY INDEX PROGRAM

The test is designed to measure your knowledge of English, and abilities in everyday situations that involve
communicating and interacting with others.

CELPIP-General Test
This test assesses your functionality in 4 aspects of English:
 Listening
 Reading
 Writing
 Speaking
The CELPIP-General Test is for those applying for permanent residence status in Canada. The time
estimated to take this test is 3 hours.

LISTENING
The time limit is 47-55 minutes, and there are 7 subsections with specific types of questions

assigned for each:

1 question of practice task

8 questions regarding Listening to Problem Solving
5 questions regarding Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
6 questions about Listening for Information
5 questions regarding Listening to a News Item
8 questions referring Listening to a Discussion
6 questions about Listening to Viewpoints

READING
5 subsections to be completed in 55-60 minutes;

1 Practice Task
11 questions about Reading Correspondence
8 questions regarding Reading to Apply a Diagram
9 questions to assess Reading for Information
10 questions about Reading for Viewpoint.

WRITING
Two subsections that must be completed in 53-60 minutes:

 The first task is to write an Email

 The second task is to respond to Survey Questions
Speaking
9 tasks to be completed in 15-20 minutes:

Part 0: Practice Question

Part 1: Giving Advice
Part 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
Part 3: Describing a Scene
Part 4: Making Predictions
Part 5: Comparing and Persuading
Part 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Part 7: Expressing Opinions
Part 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

SCORES
There is no minimum pass score; instead CELPIP assigns you a level according to your score. There are 12
levels, being 1 the lowest and 12 the highest.

CELPIP Test scores are available in 8 business days after your test date, and are available in the account on
CELPIP’s website that you opened when register. There is an Express Rating that has your tests results
ready in 3 business days after your test date, but requires an extra fee.

Your CELPIP Official Score Report will also be delivered by mail to your registered address, via Canada
Post.

RETAKING THE TEST

If you failed the test you have the chance to retake it, but you must wait at least 30 days before re-applying.

Your score report will specify areas where you failed. Use this information to create a study schedule that
focuses on those areas where you have difficulties.