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CELPIP Exam Pattern - Test Format and Scoring

CELPIP Exam Pattern - Test Format and Scoring

Edited By Vadlapudi Kiran Kumar | Updated on Sep 20, 2023 11:12 AM IST

CELPIP Exam Pattern - The CELPIP exam is of two types, the CELPIP General Test for and the CELPIP General LS Test for citizenship, permanent residentship status, and professional development in Canada are two different tests where the CELPIP exam pattern of the CELPIP General LS test is similar to CELPIP General. The CELPIP exam duration differs by 2 hours where the CELPIP general is for three (3) hours and CELPIP general LS is for one(1) hour only. Based on the type of CELPIP test the candidates can check the CELPIP exam pattern 2023 regarding the details like test structure, examination mode, CELPIP syllabus and question types, and other vital details. Understanding the CELPIP test pattern will make the candidate prepare and attempt the CELPIP exam in an effective manner. Go through this article to know more about the CEPLIP exam format.

CELPIP Latest Update - With the latest announcement, International students can attempt the CELPIP exam for expediting their study permits through students direct stream, starting from August 10, 2023.

CELPIP Test Format

As stated earlier the CELPIP Pattern for both the CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS is a bit similar. The listening and speaking sections are the same in both tests. The CELPIP test pattern for the two test types is detailed below.

1. CELPIP General Test Pattern

This CELPIP exam can be done online in one sitting. The CELPIP General test consists of 4 sections in CELPIP speaking listening, reading, and writing. The details question types and CELPIP general test format for each section is discussed below.

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

CELPIP Exam Pattern for Listening Section

The listening section in the CELPIP exam pattern consists of 6 parts of total 38 questions, along with 1 practice task at the start of the section. Although there are different question types, the candidate has to read the answer choices in the listening test section. The skills of the candidate are measured and scored under categories like meaning, vocabulary, task fulfillment, and listening ability. CELPIP test duration for the listening section is 47 - 55 minutes.

Listening section Overview

Number of Questions

Details of Parts

1

Practice task

8

Part 1: Listening to problem-solving questions

5

Part 2: Listening daily life conversations

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

CELPIP Exam Pattern for Reading Section

The Reading section in the CELPIP exam pattern consists of 4 parts of total of 38 questions, along with 1 practice task at the start of the section. Candidates need to read the passages and answer the questions. The time allotted for the reading section is 55-60 minutes.

CELPIP Reading Section Overview

Number of questions

Components Sections

1

Practice task

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

CELPIP Exam Pattern for Writing Section

The writing section in the CELPIP test pattern consists of 2 tasks with only 1 question each. Candidates need to respond to the given questions and write the answers to them. The skills of the candidate in this section are measured and scored under categories like meaning, vocabulary, task fulfillment, and readability. CELPIP exam duration for the writing section is 53-60 minutes.

CELPIP Writing Overview

Number of questions

Components section

1

Task 1: Email Writing

1

Task 2: Responding to survey questions

CELPIP Exam Pattern for Speaking Section

The speaking section in the CELPIP exam pattern consists of 8 tasks and one question for each. Candidates need to reply to the questions appearing on the screen prompt by speaking. The time allotted for the speaking section is 15-20 minutes.

Speaking Section Overview

Number of questions

Components section

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

2. CELPIP Exam Pattern 2023 - CELPIP General LS test

This CELPIP exam can be done online in one sitting. There are two sections of the CELPIP General LS test are namely Listening and Speaking. These two sections in this test are the same as the pattern of CELPIP General and these sections are explained below.

Listening Section

The listening section in the CELPIP exam pattern consists of 6 parts of total 38 questions, along with 1 practice task at the start of the section. Although there are different question types, the candidate has to read the answer choices in the listening test section. The time allotted for the listening section is 47 - 55 minutes.

Listening section Overview

Number of questions

Components section

1

Practice task

8

Part 1: Listening to problem-solving

5

Part 2: Listening to daily life conversations

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 a viewpoint

Speaking Section

The speaking section in the CELPIP exam pattern consists of 8 tasks and one question for each. Candidates need to reply to the questions appearing on the screen prompt by speaking. The time allotted for the speaking section is 15-20 minutes.

Speaking Section Overview

Number of questions

Components section

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

Unscored Items in the CELPIP Exam Pattern

Along with scored sections mentioned above in the CELPIP - General test and General LS test, there is an unscored item in the listening and reading sections of the CELPIP exam pattern. The CELPIP test format of these questions is similar to the scored question format and is asked randomly. These questions are inserted in the test to utilize it for the test development as part of CELPIP test pattern.

CELPIP Scoring Pattern

The CELPIP test scores have been calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. The CELPIP score has a CELPIP level, which describes your level of proficiency in English. There is a level assigned to each component of the CELPIP – General Test score and the CELPIP – General LS Test score. We have here a chart of each CELPIP level and its corresponding description.

Level Description

CELPIP Level

Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts

12

Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts

11

Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts

10

Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts

9

Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts

8

Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts

7

Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts

6

Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts

5

Adequate proficiency for daily life activities

4

Some proficiency in limited contexts

3

Minimal proficiency or insufficient information to assess

M

Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test component

NA

CELPIP Practice test

For a better understanding of the CELPIP pattern and to gain the original examination exposure, the CELPIP practice test which is provided by the CELPIP is available at the CELPIP official website. Candidates can practice these CELPIP mock tests freely and check their score reports for these tests.

CELPIP Study Materials

The CELPIP study materials are available both in paid versions and free resources online which were directly published by the official CELPIP test conducting authority in the CELPIP official website. These study materials are like -

  • General CELPIP practice tests.
  • CELPIP Study guides and Vocabulary skills books in the form of Ebooks and pdf’s.
  • CELPIP General Overview- Live webinars and videos which explain the CELPIP test format and procedure.
  • CELPIP accelerate-Online courses for each section-wise preparation.
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CELPIP full form

The CELPIP full form is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, which is an English language proficiency test attempted by both citizens and foreign people worldwide for permanent residency, citizenship, and professional nominations. This test will certify your usage of the English language in daily activities like interacting with your peers at your workplace, with your friends, and with neighbors or people in your locality.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Is CELPIP or IELTS easy?

The difficulty level of both CELPIP and IELTS is the same. 

2. What is the minimum score to pass CELPIP?

The minimum score to pass the CELPIP test is 67 out of 100. 

3. Is there any negative marking in CELPIP test?

No, there is no negative marking in the CELPIP test, so candidates can attempt every question up to their best performance.

4. What is the cost of CELPIP in India?

In India, the CELPIP exam fee is INR 10845.00/- + Taxes

5. How long is the CELPIP test?

CELPIP test total time 3 hours and happens in one sitting with no separate speaking session.

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