CELPIP vs IELTS: Which Test Should You Take in Canada?

Test takers have different reasons for choosing CELPIP or IELTS, given that both tests are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). What you choose depends on what you need the test for, how many places it is accepted in, the costs, and the format that best fits your needs.

This blog explains what CELPIP and IELTS are, how the tests differ, and what you should choose depending on whether you want to study, work, or immigrate to Canada.

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a fully computer-delivered English assessment. It assesses a test taker’s English abilities in a variety of everyday situations to demonstrate language proficiency for Canadian immigration or citizenship.

IELTS is a secure English-language test that is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations across the globe, from educational institutions to employers, as well as government and professional bodies. It assesses English-language proficiency across four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking in either an academic, higher education or practical, everyday setting.

The test type you need to take (IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training) will depend on your intent. If you want to study in higher education in an English-speaking country, you might need to take the IELTS Academic test.

Here are a few things to consider while trying to decide if CELPIP or IELTS is the right test for you in Canada:

IELTS General Training, which is scored from 1–9 and CELPIP, which is scored from 1–12, are both accepted by the IRCC, with scores mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Generally, a CLB 7–9 is required for Express Entry.

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is a national standard used to measure language proficiency for immigration and citizenship purposes. The required minimum level and number of points you get for your language skills depend on the specific program you are applying to.

IELTS and CELPIP are both entirely compatible with CLB.

Here’s how IELTS and CELPIP scores compare with CLB levels:

A test of language proficiency will be considered easier or more difficult based on a test taker’s strengths and preferences. Some prefer a test that is delivered in one sitting with no face-to-face speaking. Others find it easier and less intimidating to engage with a human being. Here are a few things to consider while trying to decide which test is right for you:

Format: CELPIP is offered as a single 3-hour session, while IELTS splits the speaking component that involves face-to-face interactions with an examiner.

Speaking component: CELPIP test takers must speak into a computer, whereas IELTS test takers have conversations with a human.

Writing component: Writing for the CELPIP is done entirely on a computer, whereas IELTS offers this component on paper as well, which some test takers find more comfortable.

Listening and Reading components: There may be different accents used in the IELTS, including South Asian accents, while CELPIP tends to use only Canadian accents. These differences may also appear in the scenarios you read about, as CELPIP focuses on navigating Canadian scenarios while IELTS favours situations that are more global.

CELPIP and IELTS are both accepted by the IRCC as proof of language proficiency for Canadian immigration and PR. Test takers can choose between the two based on their individual preferences, informed by the differences listed in this blog.

Among the key differences are:

• Format in which both tests are offered

• Focus on Canadian English as opposed to global accents

• Choice of engaging with a human examiner for the Speaking component

The CELPIP General test evaluates English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for permanent residence applications by the IRCC. It is also accepted for professional designations and by universities, colleges, and vocational programs.

The IELTS General Training test looks at English-language skills in a work or social environment. If you plan to study in secondary education, enrol in vocational training, move abroad for work, or migrate to Canada, this is the test you might need to take. It assesses English language proficiency across four language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. While the Listening and Speaking components of IELTS General Training are the same as IELTS Academic, the Reading and Writing components differ.

Here are some of the differences between CELPIP and IELTS that come up when one looks at each of the four components being evaluated to test language proficiency.

Listening: CELPIP vs IELTS

• The CELPIP Listening test is 55 minutes long, uses Canadian/North American accents, and features multiple-choice questions that are answered after the audio, requiring test takers to take notes.

• The IELTS Listening component is 30 minutes long, features a variety of accents (from British and Australian, to South Asian as well as Canadian and American), and requires test takers to listen to recordings and answer multiple-choice questions. This component has four parts, with 10 questions in each part. The questions are in the same order as the information in the recording. Parts 1 and 2 deal with everyday social situations, while parts 3 and 4 deal with educational and training situations.

Reading: CELPIP vs IELTS

• The CELPIP Reading test runs for 60 minutes and features short passages with multiple-choice answers to a series of questions. Test takers have 60 minutes to complete the IELTS Reading component, which consists of three reading passages or texts. In the IELTS Academic, these texts are taken from academic sources like textbooks, journals, or articles. In the IELTS General Training test, the texts are more everyday and practical, such as advertisements, notices, or workplace-related documents.

Writing: CELPIP vs IELTS

• The CELPIP Writing test is 60 minutes long and requires test takers to complete two tasks. Task 1 is about describing a picture or responding to a prompt, while Task 2 is about writing an email on a given situation. The focus is on everyday Canadian English and practical tasks.

• IELTS test takers also have 60 minutes in total to complete two tasks for the Writing component. In the General Training version, Task 1 requires writing a letter, often based on a given situation, while Task 2 involves writing an essay on a general topic. Preparing for the IELTS Writing test typically involves practicing writing essays and descriptions, understanding the format and expectations of each task, and improving your grammar and vocabulary.

Speaking: CELPIP vs IELTS

• The CELPIP Speaking test is a 11 to 14-minute computer-based test with eight 60–90 second tasks. Test takers are required to speak into a microphone headset to answer questions about familiar topics, speak at length on a given topic, and discuss abstract ideas.

• The IELTS Speaking component is the same for both General Training and Academic and assesses your use of spoken English. All speaking tests are conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner and are recorded in case they need to be reviewed.

The CELPIP General Test costs CAD $295 + Taxes (where applicable). The CELPIP - General LS Test costs CAD $199 + Taxes.

The IELTS fee is slightly higher, given the many advantages offered by the test, all of which are highlighted below.

The cost of an IELTS test in Canada ranges between CAD $322 and $352 before tax. The price for the exam is the same whether you take IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic. There is no separate registration fee or payment processing fee. There is also no late payment fee. In some locations, the test fee may be slightly higher.

IELTS and CELPIP scores are both accepted for immigration purposes in Canada and are both valid for two years after completion. You can take either test to prove your English language proficiency, and neither will give you preferential treatment in your visa application process.

CELPIP tests are officially accepted by several governments, professional organizations, colleges, universities, and employers.

IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.

There may be limitations in terms of the number of test centres offering either test, because some may not be as widely available internationally. Also, CELPIP does not offer an equivalent of the IELTS One Skill Retake.

There are several reasons why IELTS may be considered the most flexible English proficiency test worldwide, starting with the fact that it is recognized and accepted around the globe. If you take IELTS on a computer, you will get your results typically within 48 hours of taking your test.

You can also now retake any one component (Writing, Reading, Listening, or Speaking) without redoing all four, by choosing IELTS One Skill Retake. Here are a few other reasons:

Global reach: IELTS is recognized in over 150 countries and offered by test centres in all major cities

Worldwide acceptance: More than 12,000 organizations across the globe recognize IELTS as the gold standard of English language testing

Transparent and rigorous: Prepared and assessed by a panel of certified examiners

More than a test: Millions of migrants and students have relied on IELTS to help them unlock their dreams