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Celpip vs IELTS: If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, then you should be aware that English language proficiency is a must and difference between IELTS and CELPIP. People of often ask which one is better Celpip vs IELTS. High you score in language proficiency test, your chances will be higher to immigrate to Canada on a fast track.

You have two options for this language proficiency test, either by taking IELTS i.e International English Language Testing System or CELPIP that means Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. Both of these tests are accepted by Canada for immigration eligibility. Now the question is, which test is best and easy for you?

Below are some of the differences that will help you to make your decision easier to decide if CELPIP vs IELTS suits you better. :

Both of the tests have 4 sections:
1.Speaking
2.Writing
3.Listening
4.Reading

SPEAKING
Now, the biggest difference in these tests is “Speaking Part”, in IELTS you give a test to a “Human Being” sitting in front of you but in CELPIP you give the test to a “Computer”. This difference is a very big difference, some people find easy to interact with human beings and some people find easy to interact with a computer, this depends on your personality.

There are some dynamic differences also like, if you take IELTS, an examiner will notice your eye contact, your facial expression and your posture as your body language also communicates. It is very important to make eye contact with the person you speak to.

But in CELPIP these things (eye contact, facial expressions, and posture) don’t matter, you can look down and can answer the questions because you are giving the test in front of a computer just by speaking into mike.

So when CELPIP people will listen to your answer, they don’t know what’s your body language or what the clothes you wearing at the time of the test. But if you take the IELTS exam, above mentioned three things are very important that you should keep in mind because IELTS examiner will notice every single thing at the time of your test.

– IELTS has 3 speaking tests of 4 minutes each
– CELPIP has 8 speaking tests of 2 minutes each.
IELTS has a longer duration few tests and CELPIP has a number of tests with shorter time duration.

The third difference is that in IELTS your test will be in a conversational form like examiner will ask you a different question and you will give an answer, this conversation goes into some real form, whereas, in CELPIP you are the only one who will read the questions on the computer screen and give the answer.

Next difference is of Topics, IELTS has 3 topics i.e General Topic, Specific Topic and Follow up. In General Topic, an examiner can ask you questions about you, your family, your favorite film or your hobbies. Second is a Specific Topic, a card will be given to you have a specific topic, then you have to speak some lines on that particular topic. Next Topic is Follow Up, in this topic examiner will ask you some questions from the answer that you have given in Task 2 i.e Specific Task, so this task will go like a conversation.

Whereas, CELPIP has total 8 topics i.e Giving Advice, Personal Experience, Describe a Picture, Make Predictions, Compare and Persuade, Difficult situation, Giving Opinion and Describe an Unusual Situation. One thing that you should keep in mind that while giving an answer for Topic 8 which is, Describe an Unusual Situation, it is important to use proper vocabulary.

You have two Tasks in IELTS:
Task 1 – A Letter of 150 words
Task 2 – An essay of 250 words

Similarly, CELPIP also has two Tasks:
Task 1 – Writing an email of 150-200 words
Task 2 – Responding to a survey questions of 150-200 words

LISTENING
IELTS has 4 parts in the Listening test: (Time Duration: 30 Minutes)
– Conversation: This part includes listening to a conversation
– Monologue: Monologue means only one person is speaking
– Conversation: This third part is different from Part 1 Conversation, as this includes the conversation between three or four people in a professional context.
– Monologue: It includes speaking to only one person in a professional context.

CELPIP has 6 parts in the Listening test: (Time Duration: 50 Minutes)
– Listening to Problem Solving
– Listening to a conversation
– Listening for information
– Listening to a news item
– Listening to a discussion
– Listening to viewpoints

Lots of people face difficulty in the last point, that is Listening to viewpoints.

READING:
IELTS has 40 questions
CELPIP has 38 questions
Time Duration for IELTS and CELPIP is 1 hour.

IELTS and CELPIP are both accepted and approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The final score is compared to the CLB i.e Canadian Language Benchmark, which indicates national language standards for recognizing the second language.

Canada utilizes several English proficiency tests for immigration, education, and professional purposes. The primary tests recognized include:

Major English Proficiency Tests in Canada

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

1. 1. • Overview: IELTS is a widely recognized test that offers two versions: Academic and General Training. The General Training version is preferred for immigration purposes.
      • Skills Assessed: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
      • Why Used: It is trusted by over 12,000 organizations globally, including immigration authorities and educational institutions.

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

1. 1. • Overview: CELPIP is designed specifically for Canadian contexts and assesses English proficiency through real-life scenarios.
      • Skills Assessed: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
      • Why Used: It provides quick results (typically within five business days) and is tailored to everyday Canadian interactions, making it suitable for immigration applicants.

• Pearson Test of English (PTE)

1. 1. • Overview: The PTE Core test was recently added to Canada’s approved list as of January 30, 2024. It evaluates English skills using both human and AI scoring.
      • Skills Assessed: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening.
      • Why Used: Known for its rapid result turnaround (usually within two days), it offers a modern testing approach that appeals to many test-takers.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

1. 1. • Overview: While primarily recognized in the U.S., TOEFL scores are accepted by many Canadian universities.
      • Skills Assessed: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
      • Why Used: Its global recognition makes it a viable option for international students seeking admission to Canadian institutions.

• Duolingo English Test

1. • Overview: A newer online option that assesses all four language skills.
   • Why Used: Increasingly accepted by universities due to its accessibility and convenience.

Purpose of These Tests

• Immigration Requirements: The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates proof of language proficiency through these tests for various immigration pathways. Each program has specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements that dictate the minimum scores needed for eligibility.
• Educational Admissions: Many Canadian universities require standardized test scores as part of their admissions process to ensure that students possess the necessary language skills for academic success.
• Professional Certification: Certain professions in Canada may require proof of English proficiency as part of licensing or certification processes.

These tests are essential for assessing language proficiency in various contexts, such as immigration applications, educational admissions, and professional certifications in Canada.

CELPIP and IELTS are two prominent English language proficiency tests widely used in Canada for immigration, education, and professional purposes. Below is a detailed explanation of each test.

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

Overview

The CELPIP test is designed to assess English language proficiency in Canadian contexts. It is recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency applications and is also accepted by various educational institutions and professional organizations.

Test Formats

• CELPIP – General

1. 1. • Components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
      • Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
      • Cost: Around CAD 290 plus taxes.
      • Usage: Primarily for permanent residency applications.

• CELPIP – General LS

1. • Components: Listening and Speaking only.
   • Total Duration: About 1 hour and 10 minutes.
   • Cost: Approximately CAD 195 plus taxes.
   • Usage: Specifically for citizenship applications.

Components Breakdown

• Listening (47-55 minutes):

• • • Includes tasks such as listening to problem-solving scenarios, daily conversations, news items, and discussions.

• Reading (55-60 minutes):

• • • Tasks involve reading correspondence, applying diagrams, finding information, and interpreting viewpoints.

• Writing (53-60 minutes):

• • • Comprises writing an email and responding to survey questions.

• Speaking (15-20 minutes):

• • Involves tasks like giving advice, describing experiences, making predictions, and expressing opinions.

Scoring

CELPIP scores are aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, ranging from 1 (insufficient) to 12 (advanced proficiency).

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Overview

IELTS is one of the most recognized English language tests globally, accepted by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities in Canada and beyond. It has two versions: Academic and General Training.

Test Formats

• IELTS Academic

1. 1. • Intended for those seeking higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.

• IELTS General Training

1. • Suitable for those migrating to English-speaking countries or applying for training programs or work experience.

Components Breakdown

• Listening (30 minutes):

• • • Comprised of four sections with various question types, including multiple-choice, matching, and map labelling.

• Reading (60 minutes):

• • • The academic version includes texts from books, journals, and magazines, while the General Training version includes extracts from everyday sources like advertisements and notices.

• Writing (60 minutes):

• • • Academic tasks include describing visual information and responding to an argument; General Training involves writing letters and essays.

• Speaking (11-14 minutes):

• • A face-to-face interview with an examiner consisting of three parts: introduction and interview, long turn where the candidate speaks on a topic, and a two-way discussion related to the topic.

Scoring

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 bands. Each band corresponds to a specific level of English proficiency.

Both CELPIP and IELTS serve as critical tools for assessing English proficiency in Canada. While CELPIP is explicitly tailored for Canadian contexts and is often preferred for immigration processes, IELTS offers a more globally recognized certification useful in various international settings. Each test has its unique format and scoring system tailored to different needs.

Difference Between IELTS AND CELPIP

The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are widely recognized English proficiency tests but differ significantly in various aspects. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Test Format

CELPIP

• Type: Entirely computer-based.
• Components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• Test Duration: Approximately 3 hours for the CELPIP-General test; about 1 hour for the CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only).
• Focus: Primarily on Canadian English and everyday communication skills.

IELTS

• Type: The Speaking section is conducted face-to-face with an examiner in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
• Components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• Test Duration: About 2 hours and 45 minutes for both Academic and General Training versions.
• Focus: Covers British English as well as global English variations, suitable for academic and general contexts.

Scoring System

CELPIP

• Scoring Scale: Ranges from 1 to 12 for each component.
• Overall Score: Average of the four component scores, mapped to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.

IELTS

• Scoring Scale: Ranges from 0 to 9 bands for each component.
• Overall Score: Average of the four component band scores, rounded to the nearest half band.

Components Breakdown

Feature	CELPIP	IELTS
Listening	47-55 minutes; focuses on Canadian contexts	30 minutes; includes various English accents
Reading	60 minutes; Canadian content	60 minutes; includes academic and general texts
Writing	53-60 minutes; real-life tasks	60 minutes; structured tasks (Academic/General)
Speaking	15-20 minutes; computer-based	11-14 minutes; face-to-face with an examiner

 

Test Environment

CELPIP

• It was conducted in a test center with multiple candidates present, which may be distracting.

IELTS

• The Speaking section takes place in a quiet room with an examiner, allowing for a more personal interaction.

Recognition

CELPIP

• Primarily recognized in Canada by immigration authorities and educational institutions. It is tailored for those planning to live or work in Canada.

IELTS

• Globally recognized by over 11,500 organizations, including universities and immigration authorities across numerous countries. It is accepted for study, work, and migration purposes worldwide.

Content Focus

CELPIP

• Emphasizes real-life situations relevant to Canadian culture and daily life.

IELTS

• Covers a broader range of topics, including academic subjects for the Academic version and everyday scenarios for the General Training version.

Choosing between CELPIP and IELTS largely depends on your specific needs:

• If you are focusing on immigration to Canada or require a test that emphasizes Canadian English, CELPIP may be more suitable.
• If you want global recognition or intend to study or work in multiple countries, IELTS is likely the better choice.

Which Is Better For Canadian Immigration: CELPIP AND IELTS

When considering which English proficiency test is better for Canadian immigration, both CELPIP and IELTS are accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, key differences may influence your choice depending on your specific needs and circumstances.

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

• • Purpose: Specifically designed for individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada or apply for Canadian citizenship. It assesses English language proficiency in a context relevant to Canadian culture and daily life.
  • Format: The format is entirely computer-based, including the Speaking section, which is recorded rather than conducted face-to-face. This can be more comfortable for some test-takers who prefer a digital interface.
  • Components: Includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The CELPIP-General test is typically required for immigration purposes.
  • Scoring: Scores range from 1 to 12, aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. A higher score can earn points in the Express Entry immigration system.
  • Recognition: Primarily recognized in Canada by IRCC and various educational institutions. It is tailored to assess language skills directly applicable to living and working in Canada.

• Advantages:

• • • Faster results (usually within 4-7 days).
    • Focused on Canadian English, which may be beneficial if you have experience living or working in Canada.

• Disadvantages:

• • Limited recognition outside of Canada.
  • Fewer preparation resources are available compared to IELTS.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• • Purpose: An internationally recognized test for immigration, education, and professional purposes across many countries, including Canada.
  • Format: It is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats. The Speaking section is conducted face-to-face with an examiner, allowing for personal interaction.
  • Components: It offers two versions: Academic and General Training. The General Training version is typically required for immigration purposes.
  • Scoring: Scores range from 0 to 9 bands. Each band corresponds to a specific level of English proficiency.
  • Recognition: Accepted by over 11,500 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

• Advantages:

• • • Widely recognized globally, opening up opportunities beyond Canada.
    • Abundant preparation resources are available.

• Disadvantages:

• • Results may take longer (up to 13 days for paper-based tests).
  • The content may include a wider variety of accents and vocabulary that may not be as familiar to candidates focused solely on Canadian English.

Choosing between CELPIP and IELTS largely depends on your immigration goals:

• Choose CELPIP if:

• • • You are specifically targeting Canadian immigration or citizenship.
    • You prefer a fully computer-based test format.
    • You have experience with Canadian culture and language usage.

• Choose IELTS if:

• • You want a test that is widely recognized internationally.
  • You plan to apply for educational opportunities or work in multiple countries.
  • You prefer face-to-face interaction during the Speaking section.

Ultimately, both tests are valid options for Canadian immigration. Your decision should be based on personal comfort with the test format, your familiarity with Canadian English versus global English usage, and your long-term goals regarding education or employment.

Summary:

1. CELPIP and IELTS are both accepted by IRCC for Canadian Immigration.
2. CELPIP is an entirely computer-based test (CBT), while IELTS has CBT and PBT options. 
3. In the CELPIP test, all modules are completed in a single sitting of three hours.
4. In IELTS, the speaking module is done separately with manual instructors. 
5. IELTS has a broader approach, while CELPIP is new and only for Canadian Immigration.

Check out our Web Story at https://celpip.biz/web-stories/celpip-vs-ielts/