Understanding the differences between CELPIP vs OET is more important today than ever. As someone who has spent over 15 years teaching test-takers across CELPIP, OET, IELTS, and TOEFL, I have seen how these exams evolve to meet changing immigration rules and professional standards. In 2025, with stricter requirements and more emphasis on communication skills, choosing the right test matters greatly—especially for healthcare professionals and new immigrants.
A Look at CELPIP
The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme) test is managed by the University of British Columbia. It is one of the most trusted exams for proving English proficiency in Canada.
Key features of CELPIP include:
Target Audience: Individuals applying for Canadian immigration (Express Entry, PNPs) and certain professional certifications.
Test Versions:
CELPIP-General: Tests Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
CELPIP-General LS: Only Listening and Speaking, used mainly for Canadian citizenship.
Language Focus:
Strong focus on Canadian English, including accents, day-to-day expressions, and communication used in real Canadian environments.
Global Availability:
Offered in 20+ countries, with newer test centres in Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
Accessibility:
Designed for immigrants and professionals who want to quickly adapt to Canadian communication styles.
Example:
A software developer from India used CELPIP for his Permanent Residency (PR) application. Because he was familiar with technical English, he easily achieved CLB 9, which boosted his Express Entry score.
An Overview of OET
The OET (Occupational English Test) is jointly owned by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment. Unlike CELPIP, it is specifically tailored for medical professionals.
Important features of OET include:
Target Audience:
Healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists.
Required for registration with bodies like the UK’s NMC and Australia’s AHPRA.Test Format:
Uses real-life medical scenarios: patient interactions, referral letters, case notes, and healthcare teamwork.
Test Modes:
Available on paper, on computer, and at home through OET@Home.
Flexibility:
From 2025, additional test days—Wednesdays and Thursdays—have been introduced.
Faster processing in countries like India, with some results available within 5 days.
Example:
A nurse from India chose OET for New Zealand registration. The role-play format matched her real hospital duties, helping her perform confidently during the speaking test.
Purpose and Target Audience Differences
CELPIP and OET have clear differences in their purpose and who they are meant for.
CELPIP:
Best for immigration to Canada.
Suitable for skilled workers, students, and families.
Tests general Canadian English used in daily life, workplaces, and social situations.
OET:
Best for healthcare professionals wanting to register in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
Evaluates medical English, including patient communication and healthcare terminology.
Focuses on real clinical tasks, not general English.
Main Differences Between CELPIP and OET
Here is a quick comparison:
| Aspect | CELPIP | OET |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Immigrants, skilled workers, students | Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, pharmacists) |
| Test Focus | Canadian English and everyday communication | Medical English and clinical communication |
| Versions | CELPIP-General, CELPIP-General LS | One version (Healthcare-specific) |
| Global Availability | 20+ countries | Limited to healthcare-focused countries |
| Flexibility | Many centres in Canada + international options | Extra test days; faster results in some regions |
Which Test Should You Choose?
Your career goals and immigration plans determine the right test.
Choose CELPIP if:
You are planning to immigrate to Canada.
You need to demonstrate everyday Canadian English skills.
You want to prepare for Express Entry or PNPs.
You aim to live, study, or work in Canada long-term.
Choose OET if:
You are a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
You want to register in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
You need to show proficiency in medical English.
You are applying for a healthcare work visa.
Structure of the CELPIP vs OET Test
Both CELPIP and OET assess the four main language skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, the structure, delivery, and difficulty level of each test are very different.
CELPIP-General Structure
The CELPIP-General test is fully computer-based and takes around 3 hours to finish. It is designed to check everyday Canadian English skills.
CELPIP Format Overview
Time: About 3 hours
Mode: Fully computer-based
Suitable For: Canadian immigration and PR pathways
Test Sections
Listening (47–55 minutes, 38–39 questions):
Audio clips with Canadian accents
Everyday situations, news items, and short conversations
All questions are multiple-choice
Reading (55–60 minutes, 38–39 questions):
Emails, diagrams, informational texts
Includes multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blanks
Writing (53–60 minutes, 2 tasks):
Task 1: Write an email
Task 2: Write a survey response
Focuses on grammar, tone, coherence, and vocabulary
Speaking (15–20 minutes, 8 tasks):
Recorded responses
Topics include advice, describing images, expressing opinions, and more
2025 Update
No major structural change
Improved user interface to make navigation easier
OET Structure
The Occupational English Test is designed specifically for healthcare professionals. It can be taken on paper, computer, or as OET@Home. Speaking is always conducted live with an interlocutor.
OET Format Overview
Length: Around 2 hours 45 minutes
Mode: Paper-based or computer-based
Speaking: Live role-plays (in person or online)
Test Sections
Listening (40–45 minutes, 42 questions):
Extracts from healthcare consultations, lectures, and patient interactions
Includes different question types
Reading (60 minutes, 42 questions):
Skimming and scanning
Healthcare-related texts like charts, guidelines, and policy documents
Writing (45 minutes, 1 task):
Write a profession-specific letter, usually a referral or discharge letter
Based on provided case notes
Speaking (20 minutes, 2 role-plays):
Interaction with a trained interlocutor
Simulates real-life clinical scenarios
2025 Update
Format unchanged
Midweek test dates added for more flexibility
Example:
A doctor I coached shared that OET’s role-play format helped him practice empathy during patient conversations—something CELPIP’s recorded speaking cannot provide.
Results and Scoring
CELPIP and OET use completely different scoring systems, each aligned to their purpose.
CELPIP Scores
Scale: 1 to 12 per skill
Aligned to: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
Results: 3–4 business days
No pass/fail, but certain immigration programs require a minimum CLB level
Example: CLB 7 for Express Entry
OET Scores
Scale: 0 to 500 per skill
Grades: A (450–500), B (350–440), C+, C, D, E
New 2025 Update: An overall score added to support easier evaluation
Results: Around 12 days (faster in some countries like India)
Key difference:
CELPIP scores help with immigration, while OET scores help with professional licensing.
Acceptance and Recognition
Recognition differs widely because each test serves a different purpose.
CELPIP Acceptance
Accepted by IRCC for PR and citizenship
Recognized by some Canadian professional bodies
2025 Update: Recognized for certain Australian visas, increasing its global value
Also accepted for PGWP purposes in Canada
OET Acceptance
Accepted by healthcare regulators in:
UK, USA, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and more
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs re-recognized OET for visas
Preferred by nursing and medical councils worldwide
Example:
A pharmacist switched from CELPIP to OET when applying for UK GMC registration because CELPIP is not accepted there.
Preparation Strategies
Both tests require different approaches since the content and format vary.
How to Prepare for CELPIP
Use official CELPIP YouTube videos (20+ hours of content)
Practice with Practice Set 13
Listen to Canadian podcasts (CBC, Canadian news)
Record speaking responses for self-analysis
Do timed mock tests to manage pacing, especially in the Reading section
How to Prepare for OET
Follow official OET sample tests
Use profession-specific study guides
Improve medical vocabulary through healthcare podcasts
Role-play with friends or colleagues
Use platforms like oetpro for targeted writing and speaking drills
Key takeaway:
CELPIP requires general English adaptability.
OET requires medical-domain knowledge.
Price and Availability
CELPIP Costs
General Test: ~CAD 280
LS Test: ~CAD 195
Available in 20+ countries, including new centres in Australia and Japan
OET Costs
Around AUD 587
Monthly test dates, plus new midweek options
Available globally + OET@Home
CELPIP is cheaper, making it better for budget-conscious immigrants.
OET is more expensive due to specialization.
Pros and Cons Summary
CELPIP Pros
Fully digital
Quick results
Designed for Canadian life and immigration
User-friendly interface
CELPIP Cons
Recorded speaking feels less personal
Limited global recognition outside Canada
OET Pros
Real-life clinical scenarios
Live interaction for speaking
Globally recognized in healthcare
Profession-specific tasks
OET Cons
Expensive
Requires strong medical knowledge
Slightly longer result times
Example:
An anxious nurse performed much better in OET’s interactive speaking after failing CELPIP’s recorded speaking, because she preferred real conversations.
Comparison Table (Updated for 2025)
Quick Overview
CELPIP:
Best for Canadian immigration, digital-first, cost-effectiveOET:
Best for healthcare licensing, highly authentic, globally accepted
Aspect-by-Aspect Comparison
Goal
CELPIP: Canadian immigration
OET: Healthcare registration and visas
Audience
CELPIP: Immigrants, students, general workers
OET: Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, other medical professionals
Format
CELPIP: Fully computer-based
OET: Paper/computer + live speaking
Length
CELPIP: 3 hours
OET: 2h45m + 20-minute speaking
Content Type
CELPIP: General Canadian English
OET: Medical English
Scoring
CELPIP: 1–12 per skill (CLB)
OET: 0–500 per skill (+ new overall score in 2025)
Results
CELPIP: 3–4 business days
OET: ~12 days (faster in some countries)
Recognition
CELPIP: IRCC + some Australian visas (2025 update)
OET: UK, USA, Australia, NZ, etc.
Price
CELPIP: CAD 280
OET: AUD 587
Availability
CELPIP: Widespread, expanding globally
OET: Monthly + midweek + @Home
Which Test Should You Take?
Choose CELPIP if:
You aim for Canadian PR
You prefer fully computer-based tests
You want a budget-friendly option
Choose OET if:
You are a healthcare professional
You need a license in the UK, Australia, USA, NZ, etc.
You prefer real clinical interactions and role-plays
Key Points
CELPIP = general English + Canadian immigration
OET = medical English + global healthcare registration
CELPIP is cheaper, OET is more specialized
2025 updates:
CELPIP now recognized for Australian visas
OET adds overall score + more test dates
Using official materials, role-plays, and platforms like oetpro can significantly improve results
