Teal circle with a white clipboard and pencil in the middle of the circle with a checklistPatrick Maccarone, Stakeholder Relations Specialist, Business Development - Prometric

Completing an express entry profile is the first step to applying for immigration to Canada as a skilled worker. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, a complete profile must include your language test results in order to be eligible.

If you are in the process of immigrating to Canada, the odds are that you'll need to complete a language assessment at some point to prove your language ability. There are currently two English language tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to immigrate: CELPIP- general and the IELTS- general training test. Please note that the CELPIP test is designed to assess the skills required for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship specifically. If you need an English language exam for other reasons, this may not be the best option for you. It is always important to research the pros and cons for each language test to determine which is best for your specific situation. However, if you feel more comfortable using a computer, do not have great hand-writing, do not like speaking or interacting with a person, and you like the idea of finishing your language test in one sitting without having to return to finish a component, the CELPIP may be for you.  

Please read on to find out more details about CELPIP, as we have invited Prometric to be our March guest blogger and talk about the language test and share resources with our readers.
 
What is CELPIP?

CELPIP stands for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program and is an English test that allows test takers to demonstrate their ability to function in English.

What to Expect

The CELPIP Test is completely computer delivered at our partner test centres, and takes about 3 hours to complete, and is done in one sitting. The test is divided into 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Unlike other English proficiency tests, the CELPIP Test does not involve talking to a person for the speaking component. Instead, you will reply to on-screen prompts for the speaking portion of the test.
Because the test is completed on a computer, your test results will be delivered within 4 to 5 days of your test date, and your results are delivered to you online.
To learn more about the test day experience, watch our video here about what you can expect on your test day.

Where to Take the Test

With over 80 testing locations in Canada and around the world, the CELPIP Test is available at a location near you. To learn more about our test centre locations, and about available test dates, visit our website.

How to Prepare

With over 10 hours of free webinars, a free sample test, a free practice test when you create a CELPIP Account, and our additional tools, we have a wide range of study materials to help you prepare for your test:
  • Free Sample Test: Available on the CELPIP website, the free sample test includes sample test questions and answers to help test takers understand what to expect on each component of the CELPIP Test.
  • Free Practice Test: Available for free when test takers register for a CELPIP Account, this is a complete practice test, covering each component of the CELPIP Test, including detailed answer keys for each section.
  • Free Webinars and Workshops: Available online, a free CELPIP information session is hosted live each week, giving test takers an overview of the CELPIP Test components, as well as an informal question-and-answer session. Recorded webinars and workshops are also available on the CELPIP YouTube page.
  • CELPIP Podcast: Listen along as our CELPIP experts help you prepare for your CELPIP Test. The Official CELPIP Podcast is a great way to build your study plan for CELPIP success.
  • Paid Study Materials: Available in our online store, we have a range of practice tests, online learning programs, study guides and more available for purchase.
 
For more information about preparing for your CELPIP Test, or to learn about the test itself, visit our website.
 
Build ON is also happy to share that we will be having a live webinar in April with presenters from Prometric. If you have questions about CELPIP, make sure to register to our webinar in April and bring your questions! To register, please visit our Events page.