An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is an English language assessment tool which measures listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC). The test is offered in two versions, CELPIP-General and CELPIP-Academic:
- CELPIP-General is suitable for people who need proof of English-language skills for immigration to Canada under the Skilled Workers and Professionals Class or for employment.
- CELPIP-Academic is suitable for members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), Immigration Practitioner Students, and candidates applying to programs at UBC.
CELPIP test format
CELPIP-General
The CELPIP-General Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The test is computer-based, and made up of three sections: listening, speaking, and reading and writing.
Listening
The listening section measures an individual's level of understanding spoken English in everyday situations. It includes the following parts:
- Matching statements to pictures
- Answering questions
- Identifying similar meanings
- Comprehending dialogues
- Listening to conversations
Speaking
The speaking section measures an individual's ability to communicate orally in English. It includes the following parts:
- Answering general questions
- Interpreting graphic and/or tabular materials
- Telephone role-play, conversation and news items
- Oral response to a topic
General reading and writing
The reading and writing section assesses an individual's general reading comprehension and composition skills. It includes the following parts:
- Reading and responding to a letter
- Reading diagrams and tables
- Completing a paragraph
- Reading passages and answering questions
- Writing guided compositions
Test length
The total length for all three sections is 180 minutes:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Speaking: 30 minutes
- Reading and writing: 120 minutes
CELPIP-Academic
The CELPIP-Academic Test assesses a higher level of English-language proficiency. It is fully delivered by computer and uses Canadian English and accents.
Listening
The listening section measures an individual's level of understanding spoken English in everyday situations, and has the same parts as the General test.
Speaking
The speaking section measures an individual's ability to communicate orally in English, and has the same parts as the General test.
Academic reading and writing
The academic reading and writing section assesses an individual's proficiency in basic college- or university-level reading and writing. It includes the following parts:
- Sentence structure
- English usage
- Reading comprehension
- Essay writing
Test length
The total length for all three sections is 210 minutes:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Speaking: 30 minutes
- Academic reading and writing: 150 minutes
CELPIP and CIC
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has approved the CELPIP-General Test as a measure of English-language proficiency for the Skilled Workers and Professionals Class and various Provincial Nominee Programs. CIC awards immigration points based on CELPIP-G test scores. Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors for immigrants to Canada. Immigrants may be awarded points for basic, moderate, or high abilities in English and French. They receive points based on their ability to listen, speak, read and write. The CELPIP-General Test is also used by professional associations and employers requiring proof of English language proficiency of their members or prospective employees.
Scoring
The format and scoring of the CELPIP-General Test are referenced to the Canadian language benchmarks (CLB). Below are the proficiency score levels and their CLB equivalents:
| Proficiency Score | CLB Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Level 5 (effective proficiency) | CLB 9 and 10 |
| Level 4H (adequate proficiency) | CLB 8 |
| Level 4L (adequate proficiency) | CLB 7 |
| Level 3H (developing proficiency) | CLB 6 |
| Level 3L (developing proficiency) | CLB 5 |
| Level 2H (minimal proficiency) | CLB 4 |
| Level 2L (minimal proficiency) | CLB 3 |
| Level 1 (no proficiency) | CLB 1 and 2 |
| Level 0 | Did not attempt, or insufficient information to assess |
Test Centre Locations
- Vancouver
- Surrey
- Edmonton
- Calgary
- Winnipeg
- Downtown Toronto
- Metro Toronto
- Kitchener