CELPIP Test Format
CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. The CELPIP-General test has four sections, taken on a computer in about three hours.
Reviewed against the official CELPIP test format.
The four sections at a glance
| Section | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 6 parts, 38 questions | 46–55 min |
| Reading | 4 parts, 38 questions | 43–56 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks, 150–200 words each | 53 min |
| Speaking | 8 tasks, recorded answers | About 15 min |
Listening and Reading include some unscored questions used to develop future tests. They look like the others, so give every question your best effort.
Listening
You hear each recording once, then answer its questions.
- Part 1: Problem Solving8 questions
- Part 2: Daily Life Conversation5 questions
- Part 3: Listening for Information6 questions
- Part 4: News Item5 questions
- Part 5: Discussion8 questions
- Part 6: Viewpoints6 questions
Reading
Each part has its own time limit.
- Part 1: Correspondence11 questions · 11 min
- Part 2: Apply a Diagram8 questions · 9 min
- Part 3: Reading for Information9 questions · 10 min
- Part 4: Viewpoints10 questions · 13 min
Writing
You type both responses on the computer.
- Task 1: Email27 min · 150–200 words
- Task 2: Survey Response26 min · 150–200 words
Speaking
You speak into a microphone, and each task is timed.
- Task 1: Giving Advice30 s to prepare · 90 s to speak
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience30 s to prepare · 60 s to speak
- Task 3: Describing a Scene30 s to prepare · 60 s to speak
- Task 4: Making Predictions30 s to prepare · 60 s to speak
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading60 s to choose · 60 s to prepare · 60 s to speak
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation60 s to prepare · 60 s to speak
- Task 7: Expressing Opinions30 s to prepare · 90 s to speak
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation30 s to prepare · 60 s to speak
How CELPIP is scored
- Each skill gets its own CELPIP level, and levels 3 to 12 equal CLB levels 3 to 12.
- Listening and Reading are scored by computer from your correct answers. The CELPIP score chart shows roughly how many answers each level takes.
- Writing and Speaking are rated by trained raters on content, vocabulary, readability or listenability, and task fulfillment.
- Results are usually online in 2 to 4 business days and are valid for two years from the date the score report is issued (CELPIP results).
The level you need depends on your goal: CELPIP score requirements by goal.