CELPIP vs IELTS: Both CELPIP and IELTS are English Language proficiency tests known globally. CELPIP is an exclusive test conducted by Paragon Testing Enterprises to determine eligibility for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship, whereas IELTS is a general ELP test conducted to study, live and work in English speaking countries. IELTS is jointly conducted by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press and Assessment. However, both tests can be taken by international students who are applying for PR in Canada. According to Canada Language Benchmarks (CLB), a candidate needs to have attained a minimum CLB level of 6-7 to get PR in Canada. Let’s look at CELPIP vs IELTS, CELPIP vs IELTS score comparison and other details through this article and learn which test is the most suitable.
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Particulars | CELPIP | IELTS |
Full Form | Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program | International English Language Testing System |
Type of Test | Computer Based | Both Computer Based and Paper Based Test |
Variants | CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS | IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training |
Fees | $265 plus tax | $309 plus tax (In Canada) INR 16,250 in India |
Scores | Score from 1-12 for each section; calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels | A score of 1 to 9 for each section; can score whole (e.g., 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 6.5, 7.5) bands |
Number of Times can be taken | Once in 4 consecutive calendar days | No Limit |
Annual Frequency of the test | 48 | 12 |
Score Validity | Variable according to accepting institution | 2 Years |
Transition times | Transition times between the test components are included in the test duration | Transition times between the test components are not counted |
CELPIP vs IELTS is relevant to international students or skilled workers seeking to migrate to Canada permanently. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) approves both exams as a test of English language proficiency. However, scores obtained in both tests are assigned a CLB score following the CELPIP vs IELTS score chart. The final CLB is used to determine eligibility of an individual to get permanent residency in Canada or Canadian Citizenship. Both exams contain four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
CELPIP is exclusively designed to test a candidate’s eligibility when they apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada. While CELPIP uses Canadian English, both British and American spellings are accepted in all its components. CELPIP general training is the test accepted for Express Entry of PR in Canada.
IELTS is required for study, work or migration to Canada. There are IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests and the test is available in more than 140 countries. IELTS academic is for educational purposes and IELTS general training is taken for migration purposes.
Both CELPIP and IELTS have the same number of sections in them. While the CELPIP exam pattern for the speaking section happens through a microphone recorder, the IELTS exam pattern for the speaking section involves speaking with an IELTS examiner.
Section | CELPIP | IELTS |
Listening | 7 components with a total of 40-46 questions (40 scored) 47-55 minutes of duration | 4 components with a total of 40 questions 30 minutes Duration |
Reading | 4 components with 38-45 questions (38 scored) 55-60 minutes duration. | 3 components with 40 questions 60 minutes duration |
Writing | 2 components: Writing an Email and Responding to Survey Questions 53-60 minutes duration | 2 components: Writing a Letter and Responding to a Point of View, Argument or Problem 60 minutes Duration |
Speaking | 8 components with a total of 8 short-answer questions 15-20 minutes duration | 3 components: Introduction, Individual Speech and Two-Way Discussion 11-14 minutes duration |
Prospective students applying to PR in Canada must know CELPIP vs IELTS score comparison and equivalent Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) scores. The eligibility for PR in Canada is determined by considering CLB rather than test scores of CELPIP vs IELTS. Use the following CELPIP vs IELTS score calculator to know the final CLB scores.
CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | ||||
CELPIP | IELTS | CELPIP | IELTS | CELPIP | IELTS | CELPIP | IELTS | |
10 | 10 | 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7.5 | 10 | 7.5 |
9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
8 | 8 | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | 8 | 6.5 | 8 | 6.5 |
7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
6 | 6 | 5.5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 | 6 | 5.5 |
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
CELPIP is cheaper than IELTS in almost all countries if we make a CELPIP vs IELTS cost comparison. CELPIP is available in around 20 countries outside Canada, while IELTS is available in more than 140 countries worldwide. Refer to the below table to understand costs.
Country | CELPIP (Approx) | IELTS (Approx) |
India | INR 10845 | INR 16,250 |
China | INR 20,632+ | INR 24,697 |
UK | INR 17,395+ | INR 17,902– INR 19,948 |
USA | 17,540+ | INR 20,350–INR 21,180 |
Both CELPIP and IELTS have difficult parts and easy parts in different sections. Generally, the following observations can be made about both CELPIP and IELTS.
Difficulty levels in CELPIP vs IELTS are more when it comes to the listening section. The listening section of CELPIP involves a recording of 1 minute duration to which candidates have to pay utmost attention unlike that of IELTS. Questions that will be asked require remembering every minute detail from the recording.
The IELTS speaking section is easier among the speaking sections of CELPIP vs IELTS. CELPIP involves speaking to a recorder instead of face-to-face conversation. Any technical problems or problems in voice recording may affect final scoring.
CELPIP vs IELTS reddit reviews say that speaking in CELPIP is more tricky but the writing section is much easier. While ielts writing is harder but speaking is easier.
The number of accents used in CELPIP English is very limited. Whereas the IELTS accepts English accents from all English speaking countries in its testing.
Exam format of CELPIP vs IELTS is such that revision of answers is allowed in CELPIP but not in IELTS.
In CELPIP vs IELTS, CELPIP is found easier by candidates who are used to computers more than pen and paper examinations.
Many CELPIP vs IELTS reddit discussions also say that CELPIP is a more straightforward ELP exam that offers good experience to test takers if the goal is to get PR in Canada.
Consider the following factors when determining suitability of CELPIP vs IELTS when applying for PR in Canada.
Price of CELPIP vs IELTS: Cost of CELPIP vs IELTS has a considerable gap. While CELPIP costs
Availability of CELPIP vs IELTS: IELTS test is available in more than 140 countries across the world, while CELPIP is available in only 20 countries outside Canada. In Canada, CELPIP is available in all provinces with 33 locations. IELTS is available only in five provinces with 119 locations in Canada.
Test Duration of CELPIP vs IELTS: Duration of both the exams is approximately 3 hours. However, CELPIP is conducted in one sitting, whereas IELTS is not. Three sections of the IELTS are completed once with the Speaking section that can be taken on a different day, time as well as location.
Result times of CELPIP vs IELTS: CELPIP results are released within 10-12 days and IELTS results take up to 13 days. CELPIP has an express rating system on payment of $100 through which results are available within three days of taking the test.
Comfort of CELPIP vs IELTS: CELPIP is a totally computer based test for all its sections whereas IELTS requires pen and paper for the writing section.
Study Material for CELPIP vs IELTS: The number of free resources available for CELPIP are very limited compared to that of IELTS. Buying CELPIP materials is also costly compared to IELTS.
There are two variants of IELTS: IELTS Academic and IELTS General training. For permanent migration purposes, candidates must take the IELTS General training exam. However, to a PR in Canada, both CELPIP and IELTS General are accepted ELP tests. IELTS Academic is required as a proof of English proficiency to universities in English speaking countries and for professional recognition.
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