The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, or CELPIP, is an English language assessment tool which measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises.,[1] a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Paragon is the only Canadian company delivering Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designated English proficiency tests.[2] The CELPIP test is offered in two versions, CELPIP-General, and CELPIP-General LS.
CELPIP-General is suitable for people who need proof of English-language skills when applying for permanent resident status in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Start-up Visa Program, and various Provincial Nominee Programs, or for employment. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has two approved English language tests: CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training Test: International English Language Testing System.[3] [4]
CELPIP-General LS is suitable for people who need proof of listening and speaking proficiency for Canadian citizenship. The CELPIP-General LS Test is accepted by IRCC as one of only two designated English language for Canadian citizenship.[5]
CELPIP was developed at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has existed since at least 2002.[6] [7]
In June 2015, with the acquisition of the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment, Paragon Testing Enterprises retired the CELPIP-Academic Test.
The CELPIP-General Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The CELPIP-General Test is accepted as proof of English language proficiency for those applying for Canadian Permanent Residency and to the Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS (ASR).
The CELPIP-General LS Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The CELPIP-General LS Test is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a measure of listening and speaking proficiency for those applying for Canadian citizenship.
In June 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented the remaining changes to the Citizenship Act. One important change is that applicants between the ages of 14 and 64 must now meet basic language requirements in listening and speaking in English or French. For minors who are between the ages of 14 and 17, registrations for the CELPIP-General LS Test are accepted.[8]
The test is completely computer-delivered, and consists of four sections: listening, reading, and writing and speaking.[9] The Listening component is composed of eight parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.The unscored items in the Reading and Listening section are used for test development. These unscored items can be found anywhere within the component and the test taker will not know which items will be unscored.[10] The total length of all four sections is 180 minutes.
| Test Component | Time Allotted | Number of Questions | Component Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 47 minutes | 2 | Practice Test |
| 8 | Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving | ||
| 5 | Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | ||
| 6 | Part 3: Listening for Information | ||
| 5 | Part 4: Listening to a News Item | ||
| 8 | Part 5: Listening to a Discussion | ||
| 6 | Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints | ||
| 5–8 | Part 7: Unscored Items | ||
| Reading | 60 minutes | 11 | Part 1: Reading Correspondence |
| 8 | Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram | ||
| 9 | Part 3: Reading for Information | ||
| 10 | Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints | ||
| 8–11 | Part 7: Unscored Items | ||
| Writing | 53 minutes | 1 | Task 1: Writing an Email |
| 1 | Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | ||
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 1 | Practice Task |
| 1 | Task 1: Giving Advice | ||
| 1 | Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience | ||
| 1 | Task 3: Describing a Scene | ||
| 1 | Task 4: Making Predictions | ||
| 1 | Task 5: Comparing and Persuading | ||
| 1 | Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | ||
| 1 | Task 7: Expressing Opinions | ||
| 1 | Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
The test is computer-based, and made up of two sections: listening and speaking.[11] The Listening component is composed of eight Listening parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.
The total length of all two sections is 67 minutes.
| Test Component | Time Allotted | Number of Questions | Component Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 47 minutes | 2 | Part 1: Identifying Similar Meanings |
| 8 | Part 2: Answering Questions | ||
| 5 | Part 3: Listening to Problem Solving | ||
| 6 | Part 4: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation | ||
| 5 | Part 5: Listening for Information | ||
| 8 | Part 6: Listening to a News Item | ||
| 6 | Part 7: Listening to a Discussion | ||
| 5–8 | Part 8: Listening to Viewpoints | ||
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 1 | Task 0: Practice Task |
| 1 | Task 1: Giving Advice | ||
| 1 | Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience | ||
| 1 | Task 3: Describing a Scene | ||
| 1 | Task 4: Making Predictions | ||
| 1 | Task 5: Comparing and Persuading | ||
| 1 | Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | ||
| 1 | Task 7: Expressing Opinions | ||
| 1 | Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation |
Scores are released 8 business days online after the test taker's test date. Two hard copies of the Official CELPIP Score Report are then sent out with Canada Post Regular Mail.
Express Rating scores are released in the test taker's CELPIP account 3 business days after their test date. Express Rating is available, with an extra fee, for the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test. Hardcopies of the CELPIP Official Score Report are sent through Canada Post Express Post.[12]
The format and scoring of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test are referenced to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Below are the proficiency score levels and their CLB equivalents:[13]
| CELPIP Level | CELPIP Descriptor | CLB Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 12 | |
| 11 | Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 11 | |
| 10 | Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 10 | |
| 9 | Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 9 | |
| 8 | Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 8 | |
| 7 | Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 7 | |
| 6 | Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 6 | |
| 5 | Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 5 | |
| 4 | Adequate proficiency for daily life activities | 4 | |
| 3 | Some proficiency in limited contexts | 3 | |
| M | Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess | 0, 1, 2 |
The CELPIP Test is available at over 140 locations across Canada and internationally.[15]
One can prepare for the exam by taking free sample tests available through CELPIP's online portal. Alternatively, Paragon provides an opportunity to take a sample test in a real testing centre environment to all prospective test-takers. Among other resources, Paragon produces a wide selection of study materials for each module of the test and also conducts CELPIP Speaking Pro sessions online.