CELPIP Exam - Fees, Dates, Tips, Results & Scores

CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. IRCC accepts this test as an English Language Proficiency exam for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada. However, this is not accepted for SDS applications.

It is a computer-based test consisting of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The primary purpose of this test is to check the English skills of an international person who wants to prove their English skills for permanent residency, a Canadian experience program, a startup visa program, and Academic and Citizenship in Canada. This test has no permanent or temporary syllabus, as all the topics will be posted in the exam based on real-life situations. This test usually took 3 hours, including a break. The result will be released within 4-5 working days from your test date, and the validity of the CELPIP score is 2 years. The regulation body of CELPIP will release your result in a score, starting from 1 to 12.

Acceptability

The CELPIP test is acceptable in Canada only. Countries like the USA, UK, and Australia have not recognized it. In Canada, it is accepted by IRCC for permanent residency and citizenship applications and professional designations only. However, it is unacceptable for Canada Study Visa under the SDS program for International Students.

Eligibility

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the CELPIP test, as you need a valid passport to appear. Being fully prepared for the exam is highly recommended before registering.

Syllabus

Per the CELPIP, there is no fixed syllabus because questions or topics posted in the exam are based on real-life situations. You have to give all the answers within a given period because the total time to complete this test is 3 hours, including a break. It has four modules: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. The listening module runs for about 47-55 minutes, 55-60 minutes for Reading, 53-60 minutes for Writing, and 15-20 minutes for Speaking.

In contrast, the test duration of CELPIP General LS is 1 hour only because there are only two modules in this type of exam: Listening and Reading. In this speaking, the test is 15-20 minutes, and Listening is 47-55 minutes.

Both of them are Computer-based exams.

Exam Pattern

This exam has four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

1. Reading: There are 4 parts and 38 questions, which need to be completed in 55-60 minutes.
   • Part 1: Reading Correspondence - 11
   • Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram - 8
   • Part 3: Reading for Information - 9
   • Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints - 10
2. Listening: There are 38 questions divided among 6 parts, and you will be allocated 47-55 minutes.
   • Part 1: Listening to Problem-Solving - 8
   • Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation - 5
   • Part 3: Listening for Information - 6
   • Part 4: Listening to a News Item - 5
   • Part 5: Listening to a Discussion - 8
   • Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints - 6
3. Writing: It has two tasks and runs for 53-60 minutes
   • Task 1: Writing an Email
   • Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
4. Speaking: It has 8 tasks, and you will get 15-20 minutes to complete them.
   • Task 1: Giving Advice
   • Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
   • Task 3: Describing a Scene
   • Task 4: Making Predictions
   • Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
   • Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
   • Task 7: Expressing Opinions
   • Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Registration & Fees

To register for your CELPIP General Test in India, you have to register online at the CELPIP website and make the payment. The fee for the CELPIP General test in India is Rs 12,797, including the GST. If you want to get the hard Copy of your score report, you must request and pay additional charges, and your score card will be shipped to your address. You can pay the examination fee via online payment methods such as Credit cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, Paytm (wallet), UPI, Rewards, and EMI Pay later. You don't need to worry about International activation as payment will be deducted in INR. However, you may want to attempt the CELPIP General-LS exam for Citizenship application. In that case, you must pay $195 + taxes using Canadian payment methods.

Exam Centers

There are 8 CELPIP General test centers in India, and Indian students can choose any center. You have to bring your original passport and test confirmation on the exam day to check in and attend the test. Every test center has its rules and regulations, but you are recommended to arrive at the test center 45 minutes before the test starts.

Results & Scores

The result is released 4-5 working days after your test date. You will get an Email and SMS when the result is out and available in your CELPIP account. You can also request the hard copy at additional charges depending on your location. The overall and individual module score is given out of 12 points.

CELPIP accepted by IRCC

To be eligible for Study Visa under the SDS category, you must have a minimum Level 7 in the CELPIP exam.

Difference between CELPIP General and General-LS

There are two types of CELPIP tests, the CELPIP General and the CELPIP General LS. Both have their importance and acceptance, like IELTS Academic and IELTS General.

CELPIP General	CELPIP General-LS
It is accepted for University Admission and Permanent Residency applications only	It is accepted for Citizenship application only
Test Duration is 3 hours	Test Duration is 1 hour and 10 mins
It has four modules: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking	It has two modules: Listening and Speaking
Test Fee is $280 + taxes (varies)	Test Fee is $195 + taxes
Test is available across the World	Test is available in Canada only

Acceptance of CELPIP Exam

Here is the list of Immigration programs and authorities where CELPIP General and General-LS exams are accepted.

CELPIP General	CELPIP General-LS
Permanent Resident Status Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Start-up Visa Program Various Provincial Nominee Programs Universities and colleges Professional Designations	Canadian Citizenship Professional Designations