The CELPIP test measures how well you can listen, read, write, and speak English in everyday situations. Many organizations and institutions use CELPIP scores to evaluate your English language ability. But one common question is: How long is the CELPIP score valid?
Your CELPIP test results are valid for two years from the date you take the test. After two years, the scores are no longer accepted for official or immigration-related purposes. This means if you want to:
Move to another country
Apply for citizenship
Apply for a job requiring English proficiency
Your CELPIP results must be less than two years old.
CELPIP for Canadian Immigration and Citizenship
CELPIP scores stay valid for two years when applying for Canadian immigration or citizenship. This is very important if you want to move to Canada or apply for Canadian citizenship.
If you are applying under Express Entry programs such as:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
your CELPIP results must be valid at the time of submitting your application. The IRCC only accepts results that are under two years old.
Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), especially in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, also require valid CELPIP scores. If your score expires, you must retake the test.
For Canadian citizenship applications, if you are between 18 and 54 years old, your CELPIP result must also be valid during application submission.
CELPIP for Work and Business
Many Canadian employers and licensing bodies require proof of English proficiency. CELPIP is widely accepted for professional and business purposes.
Employers may require CELPIP results, especially for jobs where communication skills matter. In such cases:
Your CELPIP score must not be more than two years old.
If expired, you may need to retake the test to meet job requirements.
Licensing Boards in sectors like healthcare, engineering, or finance may also accept CELPIP results, but only for two years. After this period, you might have to retake the test to maintain certification or licensing eligibility.
CELPIP for College and University Admission
Some Canadian colleges and universities accept CELPIP scores as proof of language proficiency.
For college or university admission:
CELPIP results must be valid within the last two years.
Requirements may vary by institution, so always check their policies.
Graduate and professional programs—such as law, business, or engineering—may also accept CELPIP. However, the two-year validity still applies, so expired scores cannot be used.
CELPIP for Travel, Visas, and Other Purposes
CELPIP results may also be used for travel, visa applications, or personal goals. For most visa types, CELPIP results that are not older than two years are generally acceptable.
For family sponsorship and other immigration streams, CELPIP results must be valid at the time of application. Submitting expired scores can delay or even cancel your application.
Why is CELPIP Valid for Only Two Years?
Language skills can change over time. People may improve their English through regular practice, or their skills may weaken if they don’t use the language often. Because of this, CELPIP scores remain valid only for two years to accurately reflect your current ability.
What Happens if Your CELPIP Score Expires?
If your CELPIP score is older than two years, you must take the test again for official use. This rule is similar to other English tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
If your score expires:
Retake the test: You can easily register for a new test date on the official CELPIP website.
Plan ahead: Avoid last-minute stress by scheduling your test before your score expires, especially if you have upcoming deadlines.
Key Points About CELPIP Score Validity
Here are the most important details to remember:
CELPIP test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Immigration applications—Express Entry, PNP, citizenship—require valid CELPIP results.
Employers may ask for CELPIP, but scores must still be within the two-year period.
Colleges and universities accept CELPIP for admission, but only if the scores are valid.
Visa applications and family sponsorship also require CELPIP scores that are less than two years old.
Conclusion
CELPIP test scores remain valid for two years, and this timeframe applies across immigration, employment, academic, and visa-related purposes. After the two-year period, your CELPIP result becomes invalid for official use, and you will need to retake the exam.
To avoid delays in your plans whether moving to Canada, applying for a job, or starting a university program—it’s important to plan ahead and ensure your CELPIP results are valid when you submit your application.
