The CELPIP Listening Score Chart helps test-takers understand how their raw listening scores translate into CELPIP proficiency levels. It also allows candidates to compare their results with other major English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
The CELPIP Listening Test includes 38 scored questions divided into six real-life listening sections. There is no negative marking, so guessing never reduces your score. Your final level depends on both the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions you answered correctly.
What Is the CELPIP Listening Test?
The Listening Test is the first section of the CELPIP General Test. It measures how well you understand spoken English used in daily life and workplace situations in Canada.
Key Details
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Duration: 46–55 minutes
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Scored Questions: 38
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Practice Task: 1 (not graded)
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Question Type: Multiple choice
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Audio Playback: Only once
Structure of the CELPIP Listening Test
The Listening Test is divided into six parts, each testing a different listening skill.
Breakdown of Listening Sections
| Part | Section Name | Duration | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice | Practice Task | ~1 minute | Familiarization |
| 1 | Listening to Problem Solving | ~8 minutes | Understanding solutions |
| 2 | Listening to a Conversation | 5–10 minutes | Daily English usage |
| 3 | Listening for Information | ~6 minutes | Facts and details |
| 4 | Listening to a News Item | ~5 minutes | News comprehension |
| 5 | Listening to a Discussion | 8–9 minutes | Group conversations |
| 6 | Listening to Viewpoints | 6–8 minutes | Opinions and perspectives |
You hear each audio clip only once, so careful attention is essential.
Types of Listening Questions
The CELPIP Listening Test includes three main question types:
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Main Idea Questions
Identify the overall topic or purpose of the conversation. -
Detail-Based Questions
Focus on specific facts such as names, dates, places, or actions. -
Inference Questions
Understand implied meaning, tone, opinions, or future outcomes.
How CELPIP Listening Is Scored
Raw Scoring
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1 point for each correct answer
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38 total scored questions
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No penalty for wrong answers
Important Notes
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Some questions may be unscored for test research
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Candidates are not told which questions are unscored
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All questions should be answered seriously
Score Calculation
CELPIP uses computer-based scoring and score equating, which means:
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Harder questions may be worth more
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Two candidates with the same raw score may receive different CELPIP levels
CELPIP Listening Score Chart (Raw Score to Level)
| CELPIP Level | Approx. Raw Score |
|---|---|
| 10–12 | 35–38 |
| 9 | 33–35 |
| 8 | 30–33 |
| 7 | 27–31 |
| 6 | 22–28 |
| 5 | 17–23 |
| 4 | 11–18 |
| 3 | 7–12 |
| M–2 | 0–7 |
Higher levels are often achieved by answering more difficult questions correctly, especially in Parts 4, 5, and 6.
CELPIP Listening Score Comparison with Other Tests
The CELPIP Listening Score Chart allows easy comparison with IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and CLB.
Score Equivalency Table
| CELPIP Level | IELTS Listening | TOEFL iBT Listening | CLB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–12 | 8.5–9.0 | 28–30 | 10–12 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 26–27 | 9 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 24–25 | 8 |
| 7 | 6.0–7.0 | 20–23 | 7 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 17–19 | 6 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 14–16 | 5 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 11–13 | 4 |
| 3 | 4.0 | 7–10 | 3 |
| M–2 | Below 4.0 | Below 7 | 0–2 |
How to Read the CELPIP Listening Score Chart
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Count how many of the 38 questions you answered correctly
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Match your raw score to the CELPIP Listening Level
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Use the level to meet immigration, work, or study requirements
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Convert the score if needed for IELTS, TOEFL, or CLB equivalency
Tips to Score Well on CELPIP Listening
Before the Test
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Practice listening to real Canadian English
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Use podcasts, news, TV shows, and movies
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Familiarize yourself with the test format
During the Test
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Listen carefully audio plays only once
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Take short, clear notes
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Focus on meaning, not individual words
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Manage time wisely
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Answer every question (no negative marking)
Smart Listening Strategies
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Pay attention to tone and intention
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Look for synonyms and paraphrasing
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Identify opinions vs facts
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Stay calm even if you miss some details
Final Thoughts
The CELPIP Listening Score Chart is a powerful tool that helps candidates:
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Understand their listening ability
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Compare scores with IELTS and TOEFL
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Meet Canadian immigration and work requirements
With proper practice, strong note-taking, and time management, you can significantly improve your CELPIP Listening score.
Quick Summary
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38 scored listening questions across 6 sections
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No negative marking
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Scores range from M–2 to Level 12
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Comparable to IELTS, TOEFL, and CLB
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Focus on attention, inference, and time management
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the CELPIP Listening Test?
46–55 minutes.
How many listening sections are there?
Six sections plus one practice task.
How many points per question?
One point for each correct answer.
Is guessing allowed?
Yes, there is no penalty for wrong answers.
Are different accents used?
Yes, to reflect real-life English.
What CELPIP level equals IELTS 8.0?
CELPIP Level 9.
