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Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
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<h2 id="history">History</h2> <p>CELPIP was developed at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has existed since at least 2002.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> </p><p>In June 2015, with the acquisition of the <a href="/facts/Canadian_Academic_English_Language_Assessment/RF5t1nXR">Canadian Academic English Language</a> (CAEL) Assessment, Paragon Testing Enterprises retired the CELPIP-Academic Test. </p> <h2 id="test-types">Test types</h2> <h3>CELPIP-General</h3> <p>The CELPIP-General Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The CELPIP-General Test is accepted as proof of English language proficiency for those applying for <a href="/facts/Permanent_residency_in_Canada/lblbvAM3">Canadian Permanent Residency</a> and to the <a href="/facts/Association_of_Saskatchewan_Realtors/mK507BJk">Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS (ASR)</a>. </p> <h3>CELPIP-General LS</h3> <p>The CELPIP-General LS Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The CELPIP-General LS Test is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a measure of listening and speaking proficiency for those applying for Canadian citizenship. </p><p>In June 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented the remaining changes to the Citizenship Act. One important change is that applicants between the ages of 14 and 64 must now meet basic language requirements in listening and speaking in English or French. For minors who are between the ages of 14 and 17, registrations for the CELPIP-General LS Test are accepted.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="test-format">Test format</h2> <h3>CELPIP-General</h3> <p>The test is completely computer-delivered, and consists of four sections: listening, reading, and writing and speaking.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a> The Listening component is composed of eight parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.The unscored items in the Reading and Listening section are used for test development. These unscored items can be found anywhere within the component and the test taker will not know which items will be unscored.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a> The total length of all four sections is 180 minutes. </p> <table><tbody><tr><th>Test Component</th><th>Time Allotted</th><th>Number<p>of Questions</p></th><th>Component Sections</th></tr><tr><td rowspan="8">Listening</td><td rowspan="8">47 minutes</td><td>2</td><td>Practice Test</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Part 3: Listening for Information</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Part 4: Listening to a News Item</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Part 5: Listening to a Discussion</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints</td></tr><tr><td>5–8</td><td>Part 7: Unscored Items</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">Reading</td><td rowspan="5">60 minutes</td><td>11</td><td>Part 1: Reading Correspondence</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Part 3: Reading for Information</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints</td></tr><tr><td>8–11</td><td>Part 7: Unscored Items</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Writing</td><td rowspan="2">53 minutes</td><td>1</td><td>Task 1: Writing an Email</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="9">Speaking</td><td rowspan="9">20 minutes</td><td>1</td><td>Practice Task</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 1: Giving Advice</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 3: Describing a Scene</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 4: Making Predictions</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 5: Comparing and Persuading</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 7: Expressing Opinions</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation</td></tr></tbody></table> <h3>CELPIP-General LS</h3> <p>The test is computer-based, and made up of two sections: listening and speaking.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a> The Listening component is composed of eight Listening parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted. </p><p>The total length of all two sections is 67 minutes. </p> <table><tbody><tr><th>Test Component</th><th>Time Allotted</th><th>Number<p>of Questions</p></th><th>Component Sections</th></tr><tr><td rowspan="8">Listening</td><td rowspan="8">47 minutes</td><td>2</td><td>Part 1: Identifying Similar Meanings</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Part 2: Answering Questions</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Part 3: Listening to Problem Solving</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Part 4: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Part 5: Listening for Information</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Part 6: Listening to a News Item</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Part 7: Listening to a Discussion</td></tr><tr><td>5–8</td><td>Part 8: Listening to Viewpoints</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="9">Speaking</td><td rowspan="9">20 minutes</td><td>1</td><td>Task 0: Practice Task</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 1: Giving Advice</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 3: Describing a Scene</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 4: Making Predictions</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 5: Comparing and Persuading</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 7: Expressing Opinions</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="scoring">Scoring</h2> <p>Scores are released 8 business days online after the test taker's test date. Two <a href="/facts/Hard_copy/uUBR0yad">hard copies</a> of the Official CELPIP Score Report are then sent out with Canada Post Regular Mail. </p><p>Express Rating scores are released in the test taker's CELPIP account 3 business days after their test date. Express Rating is available, with an extra fee, for the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test. Hardcopies of the CELPIP Official Score Report are sent through Canada Post Express Post.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> </p><p>The format and scoring of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test are referenced to the <a href="/facts/Canadian_Language_Benchmarks/ah8tAu80">Canadian Language Benchmarks</a> (CLB). Below are the proficiency score levels and their CLB equivalents:<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> </p> <table><tbody><tr><th>CELPIP Level</th><th>CELPIP Descriptor</th><th>CLB Level</th></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Adequate proficiency for daily life activities</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Some proficiency in limited contexts</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>M</td><td>Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess</td><td>0, 1, 2</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Unlike on the IELTS, there are no half-band scores allotted.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> Band scores are only reported in increments of 1. </p> <h2 id="testing-locations">Testing locations</h2> <p>The CELPIP Test is available at over 140 locations across Canada and internationally.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="exam-preparation-resources">Exam preparation resources</h2> <p>One can prepare for the exam by taking free sample tests available through CELPIP's online portal. Alternatively, Paragon provides an opportunity to take a sample test in a real testing centre environment to all prospective test-takers. Among other resources, Paragon produces a wide selection of study materials for each module of the test and also conducts CELPIP Speaking Pro sessions online. </p><p>Paragon also maintains a network of trustworthy CELPIP preparation providers <a href="https://www.celpip.ca/prepare-for-celpip/prep-programs/">https://www.celpip.ca/prepare-for-celpip/prep-programs/</a>. </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Canadian_Academic_English_Language_Assessment/RF5t1nXR">CAEL</a> (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)</li> <li><a href="/facts/IELTS/n0o4cjDL">IELTS</a> (International English Language Testing System)</li> <li><a href="/facts/Department_of_Citizenship_and_Immigration_Canada/kIQPh85L">IRCC</a> (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)</li> <li><a href="/facts/TOEFL/CBV8Y9PI">TOEFL</a> (Test of English as a Foreign Language)</li> <li><a href="/facts/TOEIC/9sEPBgzt">TOEIC</a> (Test of English for International Communication)</li></ul> <h2 id="notes">Notes</h2> <ul><li><a href="https://archive.today/20121217102317/https://www.iccrc-crcic.ca/students/becomingConsultant.cfm">"Becoming an Immigration Consultant." Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Web. 25 May 2012</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/language-testing.asp">"Skilled Workers and Professionals – Selection Factor: Language." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 23 Oct. 2010. Web. 25 May 2012</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/english-proficiency-requirements">"English Proficiency Requirements." English Language Proficiency Requirements. The University of British Columbia. Web. 29 May 2012</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2009/ob094.asp">"Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)." Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 29 May 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120627195802/http://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-academic/about-celpip-a/test-format-and-content/">"Test Format and Scoring." CELPIP Test – Academic. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120618184736/http://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-general/about-celpip-g/test-format-and-scoring/">"Test Format and Scoring." CELPIP Test – General. Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 29 May 2012</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.paragontesting.ca/about/">"About Paragon." Paragon Testing Enterprises. Web. 25 May 2012</a></li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li><a href="https://www.celpip.ca">Official website</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CELPIPTest">Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program</a> on <a href="/facts/Facebook_(identifier)/0IhXFR6u">Facebook</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/celpiptestofficial/">Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program</a> on <a href="/facts/Instagram_(identifier)/33s91jnV">Instagram</a> </li> <li><a href="https://x.com/CELPIPTest">Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program</a> on <a href="/facts/Twitter/VWwDNGUm">Twitter</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsSYTLCLK0K2kq6hFSX476A">Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program's channel</a> on <a href="/facts/YouTube_channel_(identifier)/db276jst">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/">IRCC</a> (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)</li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>"English Language Tests". www.paragontesting.ca. Retrieved 2015-09-23. <a href="https://www.paragontesting.ca/english-language-tests/" target="_blank">https://www.paragontesting.ca/english-language-tests/</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>"CELPIP Preparation Program – CELPIPTest.ca". CELPIPTest.ca. Retrieved 2016-06-08. <a href="https://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-preparation-program/" target="_blank">https://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-preparation-program/</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>"Where can I take a third-party language test for my immigration application?". www.cic.gc.ca. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-01. <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=125&t=6" target="_blank">http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=125&t=6</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>"Do I need a language test to immigrate to Canada?". www.cic.gc.ca. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 2015-10-01. <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=638&t=6" target="_blank">http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=638&t=6</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>"Acceptable language proof to apply for citizenship wizard". www.cic.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2015-09-23. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150925091517/http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/language-step-6.asp" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20150925091517/http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/language-step-6.asp</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>"Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program 'CELPIP'". ubc.ca. Archived from the original on 5 November 2002. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20021105191037/http://www.ares.ubc.ca:80/CELPIP/01_CELPIP_tests.html" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20021105191037/http://www.ares.ubc.ca:80/CELPIP/01_CELPIP_tests.html</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>"CELPIP Home". ubc.ca. Archived from the original on February 8, 2003. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030208030316/http://www.ares.ubc.ca/CELPIP/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20030208030316/http://www.ares.ubc.ca/CELPIP/</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>"Registration for Test Takers Under 18". CELPIPTest.ca. 2015-07-30. Archived from the original on 2016-09-17. Retrieved 2016-04-27. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160917172848/https://www.celpiptest.ca/2015/07/registration-for-minors/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20160917172848/https://www.celpiptest.ca/2015/07/registration-for-minors/</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>"CELPIP-General Test: Test Format and Scoring". www.celpiptest.ca. Archived from the original on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2015-10-02. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150925090358/https://www.celpiptest.ca/about-celpip-g/test-format-and-scoring/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20150925090358/https://www.celpiptest.ca/about-celpip-g/test-format-and-scoring/</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>"CELPIPTest.ca". CELPIPTest.ca. Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-04-14. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160325004417/https://www.celpiptest.ca/about-celpip-g/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20160325004417/https://www.celpiptest.ca/about-celpip-g/</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>"CELPIP-General LS Test Format and Scoring". www.celpiptest.ca. Archived from the original on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2015-10-02. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150925090356/https://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-general-ls/celpip-general-ls-test-format-and-scoring/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20150925090356/https://www.celpiptest.ca/celpip-general-ls/celpip-general-ls-test-format-and-scoring/</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:12"><p>"CELPIPTest.ca". CELPIPTest.ca. Retrieved 2016-04-25. <a href="https://www.celpiptest.ca/express-rating/" target="_blank">https://www.celpiptest.ca/express-rating/</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:13"><p>"CELPIP Levels and Descriptors". www.celpiptest.ca. Archived from the original on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2015-09-23. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150925090400/https://www.celpiptest.ca/scores/proficiency-levels-and-their-descriptors/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20150925090400/https://www.celpiptest.ca/scores/proficiency-levels-and-their-descriptors/</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:14"><p>"CELPIP vs IELTS – a detailed, in-depth analysis of the CELPIP and IELTS". 8777 IELTS. 2018-11-25. Retrieved 2019-01-16. <a href="https://8777ielts.com/2018/11/25/better-exam-ielts-celpip/" target="_blank">https://8777ielts.com/2018/11/25/better-exam-ielts-celpip/</a> <a href="#fnref:14" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:15"><p>https://www.celpip.ca/take-celpip/where-do-we-test-online/ <a href="https://www.celpip.ca/take-celpip/where-do-we-test-online/" target="_blank">https://www.celpip.ca/take-celpip/where-do-we-test-online/</a> <a href="#fnref:15" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>