CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. It’s an English language proficiency test using Canadian content and a single North American accent. It is used for immigration to Canada and for some professional designations.

CELPIP is offered in two versions: CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS. CELPIP-General is for those who need proof of their English language skills while applying for permanent residency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has two approved English language tests: CELPIP-General and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test. The CELPIP-General LS test is for people who need proof of listening and speaking proficiency for Canadian citizenship. It is accepted by IRCC as one of only two designated English language tests for Canadian citizenship. To gain citizenship, applicants must meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or higher. Professional designations may require the test taker to obtain a higher CLB level.

Watch this video introducing the CELPIP tests and hear from test takers:

Studying for CELPIP

Both CELPIP tests are administered on a computer. The CELPIP-General test has four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The CELPIP-General LS has two sections: listening and speaking. Applicants can study for the exams using the resources and practice tests on the CELPIP website. The website has many useful free resources including:

• Guidebook for Test Takers
• webinars
• interactive lessons
• study tips videos
• CELPIP Accelerate Starter online course (available when you sign up for an account)
• practice tests (CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS)

A selection of paid resources is also available online.

Additional study resources are the textbooks called CELPIP Focus. They offer an overview of the components of the CELPIP tests, along with practice questions, activities and more. The Decoda Literacy Library has two of the current CELPIP Focus books available to borrow:

• CELPIP focus : listening and speaking – tools and strategies to succeed on the listening and speaking components of the CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS tests.
• CELPIP focus : reading and writing – tools and strategies to succeed on the reading and writing components of the CELPIP-General test.

For more information on the CELPIP tests, check out the resources below.

Resources

• CELPIP vs IELTS: Which is Better for Canada Visa?
• Choose Canada Magazine:
  • 6+5 Tips for the CELPIP Speaking Test
  • 9+ Tips to a 9+ Score on the CELPIP Listening Test
  • Top 10 CELPIP Reading Tips and Practice Tests
  • The Top 10 CELPIP Writing Tips and Practice Tests
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to improve your CELPIP score
• IELTS vs. CELPIP. Which test is easier?
• Take the CELPIP Test in British Columbia (testing dates and locations in BC)