CELPIP-General LS is suitable for people who need proof of listening and speaking proficiency for Canadian citizenship. The CELPIP-General LS Test is accepted by IRCC as one of only two designated English language for Canadian citizenship.[5]
History
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2023)
CELPIP was developed at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has existed since at least 2002.[6][7]
In June 2015, with the acquisition of the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment, Paragon Testing Enterprises retired the CELPIP-Academic Test.
The CELPIP-General LS Test assesses a general level of English-language proficiency. The CELPIP-General LS Test is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a measure of listening and speaking proficiency for those applying for Canadian citizenship.
In June 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented the remaining changes to the Citizenship Act. One important change is that applicants between the ages of 14 and 64 must now meet basic language requirements in listening and speaking in English or French. For minors who are between the ages of 14 and 17, registrations for the CELPIP-General LS Test are accepted.[8]
Test format
CELPIP-General
The test is completely computer-delivered, and consists of four sections: listening, reading, and writing and speaking.[9] The Listening component is composed of eight parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.The unscored items in the Reading and Listening section are used for test development. These unscored items can be found anywhere within the component and the test taker will not know which items will be unscored.[10] The total length of all four sections is 180 minutes.
Test Component
Time Allotted
Number
of Questions
Component Sections
Listening
47 minutes
2
Practice Test
8
Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
5
Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
6
Part 3: Listening for Information
5
Part 4: Listening to a News Item
8
Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
6
Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
5–8
Part 7: Unscored Items
Reading
60 minutes
11
Part 1: Reading Correspondence
8
Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram
9
Part 3: Reading for Information
10
Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints
8–11
Part 7: Unscored Items
Writing
53 minutes
1
Task 1: Writing an Email
1
Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
Speaking
20 minutes
1
Practice Task
1
Task 1: Giving Advice
1
Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
1
Task 3: Describing a Scene
1
Task 4: Making Predictions
1
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
1
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
1
Task 7: Expressing Opinions
1
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
CELPIP-General LS
The test is computer-based, and made up of two sections: listening and speaking.[11] The Listening component is composed of eight Listening parts, but only seven parts will be given during the test. The test taker will not be informed which part is to be omitted.
The total length of all two sections is 67 minutes.
Test Component
Time Allotted
Number
of Questions
Component Sections
Listening
47 minutes
2
Part 1: Identifying Similar Meanings
8
Part 2: Answering Questions
5
Part 3: Listening to Problem Solving
6
Part 4: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
5
Part 5: Listening for Information
8
Part 6: Listening to a News Item
6
Part 7: Listening to a Discussion
5–8
Part 8: Listening to Viewpoints
Speaking
20 minutes
1
Task 0: Practice Task
1
Task 1: Giving Advice
1
Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
1
Task 3: Describing a Scene
1
Task 4: Making Predictions
1
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
1
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
1
Task 7: Expressing Opinions
1
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Scoring
Scores are released 8 business days online after the test taker's test date. Two hard copies of the Official CELPIP Score Report are then sent out with Canada Post Regular Mail.
Express Rating scores are released in the test taker's CELPIP account 3 business days after their test date. Express Rating is available, with an extra fee, for the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test. Hardcopies of the CELPIP Official Score Report are sent through Canada Post Express Post.[12]
The format and scoring of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test are referenced to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Below are the proficiency score levels and their CLB equivalents:[13]
CELPIP Level
CELPIP Descriptor
CLB Level
12
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts
12
11
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts
11
10
Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts
10
9
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts
9
8
Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts
8
7
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts
7
6
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts
6
5
Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts
5
4
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities
4
3
Some proficiency in limited contexts
3
M
Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess
0, 1, 2
Unlike on the IELTS, there are no half-band scores allotted.[14] Band scores are only reported in increments of 1.
Testing locations
The CELPIP Test is available at over 140 locations across Canada and internationally.[15]
Exam preparation resources
One can prepare for the exam by taking free sample tests available through CELPIP's online portal. Alternatively, Paragon provides an opportunity to take a sample test in a real testing centre environment to all prospective test-takers. Among other resources, Paragon produces a wide selection of study materials for each module of the test and also conducts CELPIP Speaking Pro sessions online.