CELPIP e IELTS – The Difference Between the Tests

When it is time to demonstrate your language proficiency in English for your permanent residency application to Canada through the Express Entry, you will have two options of tests to take: general CELPIP or general IELTS. Following are the differences between these tests.

Language Proficiency Tests

In the process of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, you will need to provide proof of your proficiency in one of the two official languages of the country, French or English.

For the French language, the tests accepted by theImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are the Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) administered by The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) administered by the Centre international d’études pédagogiques.

For the English language, the test options accepted by the IRCC are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc., a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), administered in conjunction by Cambridge Assessment English, International Development Program (IDP) Australia and British Council.

About the Tests

The CELPIP and IELTS are designed to measure the English language proficiency of applicants, by assessing the skills inListening,Reading), escrita (, Writing,The Speaking. The CELPIP and the IELTS offer different types of tests, therefore it is important to make sure you take the test needed for your application.

In this article, we will focus on the differences between the The IELTS General Training and The CELPIP Generaltests, the ones required by IRCC for immigrations applications. You can also read our article about IELTS for more detailed information. For Canadian immigration processes, the final test score is compared to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLBwhich demonstrates a scale of language ability in English as a Second Language(ESL) from basic to advanced. Below is a chart of scores equivalent to the CLB levels ( source: IRCC website).

CELPIP

The CELPIP was specially designed for Canadian Permanent Resident and Citizenship applications. Nowadays, this test is also accepted by a variety of Canadian permanent residency processes, as well as for professional registrations, and to apply for educational organizations. This test is available in all Canadian provinces, except at Prince Edward Island, and only in the Yukon territory. The CELPIP is also available at major cities in China, Philippines, India, United Arabs Emirates and United States.

There are 2 types of CELPIP available: The CELPIP General and The CELPIP General LS (Listening e Speaking). O The CELPIP Generalis designated mostly for immigration processes and professional designations. The CELPIP General LS is designated for Canadian citizenship applications and some professional designations. Both types are focused in a more functional language, based on everyday situations encountered in North American English-speaking countries. However, American and British spelling and grammar are accepted. The CELPIP General is the test accepted by the IRCC for immigration purposes.

The The CELPIP General is computer-based and is completed over one sitting.All four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) are completed on the same day. Timer, spelling check and word count are available in this test format. The Speaking section is done by recording your voice on the computer. The test is scored on a scale from 1 to 12 in each section, which is in line with the Canadian Language Benchmark. The total test time for all sections is 3 hours, including the transition time between sections.

The price of the The CELPIP General in Canada is CAD$ 280 plus taxes. Test scores are available online in 4-5 calendar days after the test and the Official Score Report can be downloaded as a PDF document. A hardcopy can also be ordered for an extra CAD$20 fee.

IELTS

The IELTS is the most popular and acceptable English language proficiency test in the world. This test is available in more than 140 countries and is accepted for immigration processes, professional registration and educational organizations.

There are 2 types of IELTS available: The IELTS General Training and The IELTS Academic. The The IELTS General Training is for those applying for secondary education, work or immigration processes and emphasizes basic language skills for social, educational and workplace situations. The IELTS Academic test is for those applying for a higher education or professional registration and it is focused on the formal language skills required for academic purposes.

Different English accents such as American, Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand, can be found in the test. However, only American and British spelling and grammar are accepted. The IELTS General Training is the test accepted by the IRCC for immigration purposes.

The The IELTS General Training could be done paper-based ou no computer-based and is completed over two sittings. The Listening, Reading, and , Writing sections are completed in one day. The Speaking section can be completed on a different date, and consists of an interview with the examiner. For the computer-based test, a timer and a word count is available and the Listening section is delivered individually. The test is scored on a scale from 1 to 9 in each section, and whole or half bands can be scored (e.g., 7.0 and 7.5). The total test time for all sections, excluding the transition time between sections, is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The price of the The IELTS General Training paper-based in Canada is CAD$ 319 (tax included), except in Kitchener, Ontario, where the fee is $309. The unofficial test scores are available online on the 13th day after the test. The official scores will be mailed to the applicant on the 13th day after the test.

For the computer-based test, the price is a little more and the result is available in 5-7 days.

Find below a comparison between CELPIP and IELTS test components.

Preparing for the Tests

Since IELTS has been around longer than CELPIP, more resources may be found for that test. However, a variety of preparation materials are available to study and to understand the format of CELPIP. The official websites for CELPIP and IELTS offer free sample tests and other resources, like free videos and workshops. There are also books available for purchase to study at home, as well as paid preparatory courses in specialized schools.

Choosing Which Test to Take

Both tests will equally provide an evaluation of your proficiency in the English language and the level of difficulty are considered similar.

The CELPIP offers a more modern test format and a practical language approach to the test. It could cost a little less than IELTS, it is done in one day and results are delivered faster. Some people may not feel comfortable using a computer or even be pressured by the timer available when taking the test.

On the other hand, IELTS is available in two formats and in more locations outside Canada. It could be a better choice for applicants who prefer a paper-based test and a face-to-face speaking component. The Speaking na presença de um examinador.

At the end, after knowing about each test and how they work, making the choice between the CELPIP and IELTS will be a matter of personal preference.

Following is an overview of both tests.

Note: Some changes have been applied in the test processes due to the COVID-19. Please, refer to the official websites for more updated information about the CELPIP and IELTS para informações mais atualizadas.

By Janayna Sercheli