Paragon Testing Enterprises
CELPIP
CELPIP is a fully computer-delivered Canadian English test from Paragon Testing Enterprises, accepted by IRCC for permanent residence and citizenship. Its levels map directly to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
What it is
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a Canadian English test from Paragon Testing Enterprises, accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence and for citizenship. The main version is CELPIP-General, which tests all four skills; CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only) is used for citizenship.
Fully computer-delivered
Unlike IELTS, CELPIP is entirely computer-based and done in one sitting of about three hours. Speaking is recorded through a headset and microphone - there is no face-to-face examiner - and Writing is typed. Results are usually available within about three to four business days.
Test structure
- Listening - about 47 to 55 minutes, several parts (problem solving, daily-life conversations, information, news and viewpoints).
- Reading - about 55 to 60 minutes, four parts (correspondence, a diagram, information and viewpoints).
- Writing - about 53 to 60 minutes, two tasks: an email and a response to a survey or issue.
- Speaking - about 15 to 20 minutes, eight recorded tasks.
Scoring and CLB
Each skill is scored on a CELPIP level from M and 1 to 12. CELPIP levels map directly to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): a CELPIP level equals the same CLB level. For Express Entry, for example, CLB 9 means a CELPIP 9 in each skill.
For teachers
CELPIP rewards clear, natural Canadian-context English produced under time pressure at a keyboard. Build timed, typed practice for the Writing email and survey tasks, and recorded practice for the eight Speaking tasks. Connect every target score to the learner's CLB goal for their immigration or citizenship program.
Resources for teaching CELPIP
Browse all →Lesson plans
CELPIP Listening: Strategy Guide
A teacher guide to the CELPIP Listening section: the parts, the computer-delivered format and strategy.
CELPIP Reading: Strategy Guide
A teacher guide to the CELPIP Reading section: the four parts, question types and timing.
CELPIP Writing: Email & Survey Tasks
A teacher guide to the CELPIP Writing section: Task 1 (email) and Task 2 (survey response), typed to time.
CELPIP Speaking: The Eight Tasks
A teacher guide to the CELPIP Speaking section: the eight recorded tasks, timing and strategy.
Worksheets
CELPIP Levels & CLB Explained
How CELPIP levels work and how they map directly to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
CELPIP Writing: Practice Worksheet
A practice worksheet for both CELPIP Writing tasks: an email and a survey response.
CELPIP Test-Day & Overview Checklist
A short checklist of the CELPIP computer-delivered format and what to do before and on test day.
Sources