Overview
CELPIP, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, tests how well you listen, read, write and speak in everyday Canadian English. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designates CELPIP for permanent residence and citizenship applications, and many Canadian colleges, universities, employers and professional licensing bodies accept it too.
CELPIP was developed at the University of British Columbia and is now administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a Prometric company. The test is entirely computer-delivered and is scored against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), the same scale IRCC uses to set English requirements for immigration programs.
Test versions
There are two versions of CELPIP, and which one you need depends on your purpose.
| Version | Skills tested | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| CELPIP General | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | IRCC permanent residence pathways (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Post-Graduation Work Permit support), citizenship, and most employment or professional licensing uses |
| CELPIP General LS | Listening, Speaking | IRCC citizenship applications only |
CELPIP General LS is a shorter option built specifically for citizenship, where IRCC only needs proof of listening and speaking ability. It is not accepted for permanent residence applications.
Exam pattern
Both versions are computer-based, taken in one sitting at a test centre, with no separate day for Speaking.
CELPIP General (about 3 hours total):
| Skill | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 46–55 minutes | 6 parts, covering a problem-solving conversation, a daily life conversation, an information passage, a news item, a discussion and a set of viewpoints |
| Reading | 43–56 minutes | 4 parts: reading correspondence, reading to apply information from a diagram, reading for information, and reading for viewpoints |
| Writing | 53 minutes | 2 tasks: a 150–200 word email about an everyday matter, and a 150–200 word response to a survey question |
| Speaking | about 15 minutes | 8 short spoken tasks: giving advice, describing a personal experience, describing a scene, making predictions, comparing and persuading, handling a difficult situation, giving an opinion, and describing an unusual situation |
CELPIP General LS (about 1 hour):
| Skill | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 46–55 minutes | Same 6-part format as CELPIP General |
| Speaking | about 15 minutes | Same 8-task format as CELPIP General |
Marking and results
CELPIP reports a score of 0 to 12 for each skill tested, and each level is mapped directly to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, so a CELPIP score can be read straight across to the CLB level IRCC asks for. Level 12 is the highest band; levels 0 and 1 mean there was not enough evidence in your answers to place you on the scale.
For CELPIP General, you get one score per skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking); for CELPIP General LS, you get one score each for Listening and Speaking. Scores are usually available online, through your CELPIP account, within 2 to 4 business days of your test date, with an email notice once they are posted — much faster than the IRCC document deadlines it is normally used to meet.
Fees
For 2026, CELPIP test fees in Canada are:
| Test | Fee |
|---|---|
| CELPIP General | CAD 295 + applicable tax |
| CELPIP General LS | CAD 199 + applicable tax |
Transferring to a different test session at least 7 days before your original date costs CAD 50 plus tax (your first transfer is free). Fees outside Canada vary by country. Confirm the current fee for your test centre on the CELPIP test fee page before you pay.
How to apply
Create a CELPIP account at celpip.ca (test centres do not take registrations directly).
Sign in and choose your country, region, city and test centre.
Pick an available test date — in most major cities a date is available within about 2 weeks, and test sittings run frequently, so book early since spots are given out in the order requests are received.
Choose the identification you will bring on test day; for IRCC purposes this must be an acceptable original ID such as a passport, Canadian permanent resident card, or refugee travel document (photocopies, scans and expired documents are not accepted).
Pay online by credit card, or by mail with an alternative payment method.
CELPIP is offered at more than 60 test centres across Canada and at centres in dozens of other countries, so applicants outside Canada can also take it.
Preparation tips
Learn the task types for each skill before you start practising, since CELPIP uses Canadian, everyday scenarios rather than academic ones.
Time yourself on Writing and Speaking tasks individually; both are made up of several short, strictly timed pieces rather than one long one.
Practise typing your Writing answers, since CELPIP Writing is typed, not handwritten.
Record yourself on Speaking tasks and check you can complete each task fully within its short time limit.
What is the difference between CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS?
CELPIP General tests all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and is accepted for permanent residence, citizenship, employment and professional licensing. CELPIP General LS tests only Listening and Speaking, and IRCC accepts it for citizenship applications only.
How is CELPIP scored?
Each skill is scored on a 0 to 12 scale, and each level maps directly to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, so your CELPIP score can be read straight across to the CLB level an immigration program asks for.
How long does it take to get CELPIP results?
Scores are normally posted to your online CELPIP account within 2 to 4 business days of your test date, and you get an email once they are available.
Can I take CELPIP outside Canada?
Yes. CELPIP is offered at test centres across Canada and at centres in many other countries, though availability and fees vary by location.