Guidebook
for Test Takers
CELPIP is the leading English pro ciency
test for immigration to Canada
Why take CAEL
CAEL CE is the leading academic
English prociency test for study in Canada
Test Features
Test Format
Accepting Institutions
99%
81%
English-speaking
Universities Canada institutions
that accept international students
English-speaking
CiCan institutions
that accept international students
The CAEL test evaluates how well students combine their English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills to perform academic tasks
that they would encounter at a Canadian university or college. Sign up for our newsletter and receive free preparation materials, news
about CAEL, and more: cael.ca/cee2018.
CAEL total test time is 3h30m and is done in one sitting
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
Integrated Reading
Read passages and reply to
questions
Integrated Listening
Listen to passages and reply
to questions
7-10 minutes
35-50 minutes
25-35 minutes
Academic Unit A
Answer comprehension
questions and write a reply
60-70 minutes
Academic Unit B
Answer comprehension
questions and write a reply
40-45 minutes
What I liked most about the CAEL CE was that you can do the test
on the computer, it uses Canadian English, and the results are
released quickly!
- Alinsson, CAEL CE Test Taker
I appreciated the availability of test dates for CAEL, and found
it convenient and inexpensive compared to other English
proficiency tests.
- Aashima, CAEL CE Test Taker
“ “
” ”
Convenient Study Materials
Free sample tests, pretest
sittings, webinars, prep
programs & online courses
Computer Delivered Test
Includes features such
as a personal timer &
word counter
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business
days, sent to 5 institutions
at no extra cost
Acceptance Across Canada
Accepted by over 180 Canadian
universities and colleges, including UofT,
UBC, McGill, and more
for Test Takers
Same CELPIP,
Faster Scores!
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers2
Why Choose CELPIP
The CELPIP Tests are Canada’s leading English language profi ciency tests. Since all components are completely
computer-delivered in just one sitting, it offers a unique testing experience that requires no additional appointments.
The computer-delivered Speaking component allows test takers to demonstrate their English profi ciency without the
possible confounding effects associated with human interaction, as used in other testing systems.
Test Features
The CELPIP Test is available in two versions: the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test. The
CELPIP-General Test has four components—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking,—and the CELPIP-General LS
Test has two components—Listening and Speaking.
Single North American Accent
Easy-to-understand English and vocabulary
taken from everyday situations
Single Test Sitting
Taken in a single 3-hour sitting with no
separate Speaking test
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
Computer Delivered Test
Includes features such as a personal
timer, word counter, and spell-check
Accessible Study Materials
Sample tests, videos, online information
sessions, and online preparation courses
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days, or 3
business days with express rating
I am very happy that the CELPIP Test is now available
internationally. I took it in May and I really like the fact that it is
a computerized test where I can complete the test at my own
pace. Moreover, the time allotted per task is enough.
- Mary V., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Online Identification System
Test-taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
Test Format
CELPIP-General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Why take
CELPIP-General
CELPIP-General is Canada’s leading
English prociency test for immigration to Canada
Test Features
CELPIP - LS Test Format
CELPIP - LS total test time is about 1h10m and is done in one sitting
CELPIP - General and CELPIP - LS are Canada's leading English tests
for immigration and professional designation
Test Features
Why choose CELPIP
The CELPIP - General evaluates test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills and is used for permanent residence
applications and professional designations. The CELPIP - LS evaluates test taker’s English speaking, and listening skills and is used for
citizenship applications and professional designations. Find out more at celpip.ca
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
47–55 minutes
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
15–20 minutes
I have found Paragon to be an efficient company to deal with.
Email responses are prompt and informative, and on test day
the process was clear, concise and well organised. This helps
with test day nerves!
- Melissa M., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Free Study Materials
Free sample tests, videos, online
information sessions, preparation
courses, and webinars
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days,
or 3 business days with express rating
Robust Test Security
Protected by leading-edge test security,
including a scores and identity
verification system
Online Identification System
Test taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
CELPIP - General Test Format
CELPIP - General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
$280
CELPIP - General Test
Evaluates test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing
skills and is used for permanent residence applications and
professional designations.
+ Taxes
$ 195
+ Taxes
CELPIP - LS Test
Evaluates test taker’s English speaking, and listening skills and is used
for citizenship applications and professional designations.
Single North American Accent
Easy-to-understand English and vocabulary
taken from everyday situations
Single Test Sitting
Taken in a single 3-hour sitting with no
separate Speaking test
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
Computer Delivered Test
Includes features such as a personal
timer, word counter, and spell-check
Accessible Study Materials
Sample tests, videos, online information
sessions, and online preparation courses
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days, or 3
business days with express rating
I am very happy that the CELPIP Test is now available
internationally. I took it in May and I really like the fact that it is
a computerized test where I can complete the test at my own
pace. Moreover, the time allotted per task is enough.
- Mary V., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Online Identification System
Test-taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
Test Format
CELPIP-General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Why take
CELPIP-General
CELPIP-General is Canada’s leading
English prociency test for immigration to Canada
Test Features
CELPIP-General Test Format & Price
Single North American Accent
Easy-to-understand English and vocabulary
taken from everyday situations
Single Test Sitting
Taken in a single 3-hour sitting with no
separate Speaking test
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
Computer Delivered Test
Includes features such as a personal
timer, word counter, and spell-check
Accessible Study Materials
Sample tests, videos, online information
sessions, and online preparation courses
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days, or 3
business days with express rating
I am very happy that the CELPIP Test is now available
internationally. I took it in May and I really like the fact that it is
a computerized test where I can complete the test at my own
pace. Moreover, the time allotted per task is enough.
- Mary V., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Online Identification System
Test-taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
Test Format
CELPIP-General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Why take
CELPIP-General
CELPIP-General is Canada’s leading
English prociency test for immigration to Canada
Test Features
Single North American Accent
Easy-to-understand English and vocabulary
taken from everyday situations
Single Test Sitting
Taken in a single 3-hour sitting with no
separate Speaking test
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
Computer Delivered Test
Includes features such as a personal
timer, word counter, and spell-check
Accessible Study Materials
Sample tests, videos, online information
sessions, and online preparation courses
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days, or 3
business days with express rating
I am very happy that the CELPIP Test is now available
internationally. I took it in May and I really like the fact that it is
a computerized test where I can complete the test at my own
pace. Moreover, the time allotted per task is enough.
- Mary V., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Online Identification System
Test-taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
Test Format
CELPIP-General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Why take
CELPIP-General
CELPIP-General is Canada’s leading
English prociency test for immigration to Canada
Test Features
$280
+ Taxes
Total test time is
about 3 hours, and is
done in one sitting.
CELPIP-General LS Test Format & Price
$ 195
+ Taxes
Total test time is
about 1 hour, and is
done in one sitting.
CELPIP - LS Test Format
CELPIP - LS total test time is about 1h10m and is done in one sitting
CELPIP - General and CELPIP - LS are Canada's leading English tests
for immigration and professional designation
Test Features
Why choose CELPIP
The CELPIP - General evaluates test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills and is used for permanent residence
applications and professional designations. The CELPIP - LS evaluates test taker’s English speaking, and listening skills and is used for
citizenship applications and professional designations. Find out more at celpip.ca
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
47–55 minutes
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
15–20 minutes
I have found Paragon to be an efficient company to deal with.
Email responses are prompt and informative, and on test day
the process was clear, concise and well organised. This helps
with test day nerves!
- Melissa M., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Free Study Materials
Free sample tests, videos, online
information sessions, preparation
courses, and webinars
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days,
or 3 business days with express rating
Robust Test Security
Protected by leading-edge test security,
including a scores and identity
verification system
Online Identification System
Test taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
CELPIP - General Test Format
CELPIP - General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
$280
CELPIP - General Test
Evaluates test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing
skills and is used for permanent residence applications and
professional designations.
+ Taxes
$ 195
+ Taxes
CELPIP - LS Test
Evaluates test taker’s English speaking, and listening skills and is used
for citizenship applications and professional designations.
Updates via SMS
Test takers can select to receive
SMS updates when their CELPIP
scores are available
Quick Online Results
Available to test takers online in
just 4 to 5 calendar days
Computer-delivered Test
Done in just one sitting and includes
features such as a personal timer,
word counter, and spell-check
Single North American Accent
Easy-to-understand English and vocabulary
taken from everyday situations
Listening
Listen to passages and answer
questions
Reading
Read passages and answer
questions
Writing
Respond to questions with written
answers
Speaking
Reply to on-screen prompts
verbally
47–55 minutes
55–60 minutes 53–60 minutes 15–20 minutes
Online Identification System
Test-taker identity verification
system that allows you to directly
validate identity and scores
Computer-delivered Test
Increased availability, security, fraud
protection, and test results turnaround
Free Study Materials
Sample tests, videos, online information
sessions, and online preparation courses
Quick Online Results
Available online in 8 business days, or 3
business days with express rating
I have found Paragon to be an efficient company to deal with.
Email responses are prompt and informative, and on test day
the process was clear, concise and well organised. This helps
with test day nerves!
- Melissa M., a CELPIP test taker
In my experience, Paragon Testing Enterprises has been been
prompt and informative in their communications and email
responses. On the day of my CELPIP Test, the test procedures were
clear, concise, and well organized, and overall, this helped to
settle my test day nerves.
- Eric G., a CELPIP test taker
“ “
”
”
Single Test Sitting
Taken in a single 3-hour sitting with no
separate Speaking test
Test Format
CELPIP-General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting
Why choose
CELPIP-General
CELPIP-General is Canada’s leading
English prociency test for immigration to Canada
Test Features
Test Format
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers 3
CELPIP Components
Speaking
Reading
Practice Task
1
Component Sections
Number of
Questions
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 Diffi cult Situation
Task 7: Expressing Opinions
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Practice Task
1
Component Sections
Number of
Questions
Part 1: Reading Correspondence
Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram
Part 3: Reading for Information
Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints
11
8
9
10
Listening
Practice Task1
Component Sections
Number of
Questions
Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
Part 3: Listening for Information
Part 4: Listening to a News Item
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
8
5
6
5
8
6
Task 1: Writing an Email
1
Component Sections
Number of
Questions
Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions1
Writing
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers4
Each component of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test is given a CELPIP level. Below is a chart
of each CELPIP level and its corresponding description. Since the CELPIP test scores have been calibrated against the
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, we have included the CLB level equivalencies for your information.
CELPIP Band Scores
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts12
CELPIP Score Descriptor
CELPIP Score
11
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts
10
Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community
contexts
9
8
7
6
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts
CLB Level
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
M
NA
5
4
3
0, 1, 2
/
Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities
Some proficiency in limited contexts
Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess
Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test component
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers 5
How to Register for the
CELPIP Test Online
Registering for CELPIP online is fast and easy:
Create a CELPIP Account
Visit celpip.ca and click on the “Sign In” link at the top of the page. This will take test
takers to the account page, where they can create a CELPIP account.
Sign into a CELPIP Account
After creating a new CELPIP account or signing into an existing account, test takers
can register for a test.
Register for CELPIP
During registration test takers select the country, region, and city in which they will take
the CELPIP Test. After reviewing the available test dates, test takers can register for a
convenient test centre and testing date.
Choose the identifi cation to bring
Test takers can choose the type of personal identifi cation that they will provide on test
day from a list of acceptable identifi cation choices.
Confi rm information and payment option
Test takers can pay via credit card online, or submit a paper test registration form
through the mail with an alternative form of payment.
1
2
3
4
5
Receive Test Confi rmation Email
Once payment has been processed, test takers will receive their test confi rmation
email, which will detail when and where they will take the CELPIP Test. This must be
taken, along with identifi cation, to their CELPIP Test sitting.
For test takers that need to cancel or reschedule their test sitting, review the transfer
and cancellation policy here: celpip.ca/transfer-cancellation-retake-policies
6
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers6
Preparing for CELPIP
CELPIP Speaking Pro:
Target 5
CELPIP Speaking Pro:
Target 9+
CELPIP Speaking Pro
CELPIP Writing Pro:
Target 9+
Online
Practice Test
Online
Online
Practice Test
Practice Test
CELPIP: Get the Facts
Online Sample Test
Additional CELPIP
Study Materials
Get a good night’s
rest!
TEST
DAY
GETTING
STARTED
CELPIP Path to Success
Visit celpip.ca/path to register for an online course or view recordings of each session.
9+
5
To help each you prepare for your CELPIP test, we’ve created over 10 hours of free online webinars, as well as free
practice tests, and created a learning path to help you identify which test components to focus on. For more
information about our learning path, and to see our checklist, visit celpip.ca
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers 7
There are many ways to prepare for the CELPIP Tests. Chart your own path to success!
CELPIP Preparation
Checklist
Learning about the test
Available Webinar:
Additional Materials:
Visit celpip.ca to view the complete list of available free and paid study materials
CELPIP: Get The Facts
This webinar is offered live every
week, and as a recorded session
on our YouTube channel.
CELPIP Practice Tests
These free practice tests are
available on our website and will
help you determine which test
components you most need to
prepare for.
CELPIP Focus
These CELPIP textbooks offer an
overview of the component of the
CELPIP tests, along with practice
questions, activities, and more.
CELPIP Study Guides
These study guides provide
detailed explanations of scoring,
test components, timing, sample
questions with guided
explanations, and more.
Preparing for the test
Available Webinars:
Speaking Pro
This webinar is offered live every month, and as
a recorded session on our YouTube channel.
Speaking Pro: Target 5
This webinar is designed to help you achieve
a speaking score of 5.
Speaking Pro: Target 9+
This webinar is designed to help you
achieve a speaking score of 9 and higher.
Writing Pro: Target 9+
This webinar is designed to help you
achieve a writing score of 9 and higher.
Additional Materials:
CELPIP Accelerate
This online learning program provides test
takers with interactive quizzes, videos, and
more to help them prepare for the CELPIP Test.
CELPIP Practice and Analysis
This online learning program provides in-depth
analyses and practice for each of the task
types used in the CELPIP Test.
Study Tips from CELPIP Experts
These free study tips cover each component of
the CELPIP test, and provide helpful strategies.
CELPIP Preparation Program
Offered by our partner test centres, the CELPIP
Preparation Program is a class-based course
that gives test takers the most in-depth
instruction on preparing for the CELPIP Test.
9+
5
CELPIP Guidebook for Test Takers8
Contact Us
Follow @CELPIPTest on social media
Visit celpip.ca to learn more about Canada’s leading English profi ciency test for immigration, citizenship, and
professional certifi cation. For customer service enquiries, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone (Vancouver Offi ce): 1-(778) 327-6854
Phone (Toronto Offi ce): 1-(647) 793-8279
Toll-free (within North America): 1-800-958-5186
