Written by Gabriela Estrada

The Celpip (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a Canada-specific test designed to assess the ability of foreigners who speak English but do not have English as their native language and must use it to communicate in this country in everyday situations. This test is widely recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and by many academic institutions and employers in the region, however, not many foreigners who want to live in Canada are familiar with it.

Since our inception as an immigration language school for Canada, we have worked with a large number of foreigners from all over the world in their English and French language training process, as well as in their preparation for international language exams. Many come to our academy to level up and are frustrated for not having been able to pass the IELTS exam for Express Entry, for example, others have chosen the Celpip and it has worked very well for them, of course, after receiving strategic preparation, because that is the key. This article from Planeta Immiland, our English and French language academy, guides you to succeed in your Celpip exam. Join me to learn more about this important test.

What is so special about Celpip?

Unlike other English language tests, such as the IELTS, the Celpip focuses on the practical use of the language in specific everyday and professional situations in Canada, and takes into account expressions, words, accents, etc., typical of the native Canadian.

The accent used in this exam is American, therefore, Hispanics are more accustomed to its style and it could be said that it is the Hollywood type of English, that of the movies and songs we commonly listen to, etc., so it is easier to understand what the interviewer says during the process and speak to him/her more fluently. 

In fact, it is only available in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, Nike, Nigeria, Australia and the United Kingdom, England, the Republic of Korea, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, India, China, the United States and Canada.

This test evaluates skills in four basic areas, which are:

• Listening comprehension (listening): includes listening to everyday conversations, news, discussions and more.
• Reading comprehension (reading): deals with informative texts, e-mails, letters and other materials.
• Written expression (writing): requires writing an e-mail and answering a survey, among others.
• Oral expression (speaking): involves answering questions, describing situations and giving opinions.

Who should present the Celpip?

If you want to move to Canada, the Celpip is an excellent option to demonstrate your English proficiency. This test has both LS and General versions, and you should take it:

• Applicants for Canadian citizenship: the Celpip-General LS tests only listening comprehension and speaking, making it ideal for applying for citizenship in Canada.
• Professionals seeking designation: if you need to accredit your level of English for employment purposes, the Celpip General is a valid alternative. This test assesses speaking, reading, listening and writing skills.

• Applicants for permanent residence: they can also opt for the General Celpip.

Strategies for passing the Celpip

The key to passing the Celpip is preparation. Knowing the format of the exam, the type of questions, the duration and way to evaluate, among other aspects, are crucial to obtain a good grade. Here are some strategies to pass the exam:

1. Start by familiarizing yourself with the exam format, sections and question types. There are many examples available on the web.
2. Practice with official materials from study guides and exercise tests.
3. Develop your language skills by listening to podcasts, reading, writing and speaking English several hours a day.
4. Take preparation courses, you can self-study with applications and videos, however, it is best to consider enrolling in online or in-person classes that are specific to the Celpip.
5. Manage your time while answering questions within limited periods, remember that it is not a race against time but to develop the ability to read, interpret and answer each question in an agile and accurate manner. This test has a duration of 3 hours, so time management is key.

If you are in Canada and want to successfully apply for the immigration assessment test, rely on the Celpip. It seems simple and elementary to summarize the success of this exam in 5 strategies, but the fact of knowing what you are going to face the day of the presentation is what has helped thousands of users from other latitudes to pass it. It is a job that requires months of work, interest and commitment, but the result is worth it because the Celpip is the test for potential foreign citizens of Canada. 

Our language school offers the Celpip Prep Programa three-month course that contains simulations of official tests to ensure maximum confidence, one-on-one lectures with feedback from a Celpip expert, reading, writing and listening comprehension training based on the test questions and much more. For more information, contact us at and we will be happy to help you with whatever you need.

Good preparation!

With love,

Planet Immiland