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CELPIP Vs IELTS: Which Is The Right Choice In 2024?

May 10, 2024 •

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If you’re an international student or professional aiming to study, work or immigrate to Canada, you’ll likely need to prove your English language proficiency. CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are widely accepted. Every year, millions of students across the world appear for these tests. This comprehensive guide will break down the key differences between CELPIP vs IELTS, their test structures and critical features.

What Is IELTS?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is usually taken to evaluate your English skills. It is required for international students aiming to study and work in English-speaking countries like Canada, the United Kingdom or Australia. One major difference between CELPIP and IELTS is that the latter includes four major sections. The key points of the IELTS are mentioned in the table below:

Key Parameters	IELTS Academic	IELTS General Training
Purpose	Higher education, research positions, academic careers	Work, immigration, social settings
Test Structure	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Test Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	2 hours 45 minutes
Validity	2 years	2 years
Minimum Score	Varies by institution, typically 6.0 or above	Varies by requirement, typically 5.5 or above
Test Frequency	Paper-based: 48 times a year, Computer-delivered: 7 days a week, 3 times a day	Paper-based: 48 times a year, Computer-delivered: 7 days a week, 3 times a day

What Is CELPIP?

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme) is an English language test designed for individuals planning to settle in Canada permanently or pursue Canadian citizenship. It is recognised by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is one major distinction between the CELPIP and IELTS as IELTS is majorly for students who want to pursue education in countries abroad. Let us get to know the CELPIP in detail through the table below:

Key Parameters	CELPIP
Test Format	Computer-based
Versions	CELPIP-General, CELPIP-General LS
Purpose	Immigration, Citizenship
Sections	4 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
Listening	7 components, 40-46 questions, 47-55 mins
Reading	4 components, 38-45 questions, 55-60 mins
Writing	2 components (email, survey response), 53-60 mins
Speaking	8 components, 8 questions, 15-20 mins
Scoring	1-12 per section, Canadian Language Benchmark Levels

IELTS Vs CELPIP: Understand The Difference

The CELPIP and IELTS differences majorly remain in their purpose and the scoring patterns. Let us understand their critical distinctions in the table below:

Key Parameters	CELPIP	IELTS
Purpose	Immigration, Citizenship for Canada	Education, Work, Immigration (Global)
Recognition	Accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)	Accepted globally in many countries
Test Format	Computer-based	Paper-based or Computer-delivered
Versions	CELPIP-General, CELPIP-General LS	Academic, General Training
Test Structure	4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Scoring	0-12 scores per section, aligned with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels	0-9 band scores per section, Overall Band Score
Listening	7 components, 40-46 questions, 47-55 mins	4 sections, 40 questions, 30 mins
Reading	4 components, 38-45 questions, 55-60 mins	3 sections, 40 questions, 60 mins
Writing	2 tasks (email, survey response), 53-60 mins	2 tasks (150 & 250 words), 60 mins
Speaking	8 components, 8 questions, 15-20 mins	3 parts, 11-14 mins

Exam Format And Content In CELPIP Vs IELTS

The IELTS and CELPIP test your English skills across four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. However, there are some critical differences in format and content. The IELTS offers a computer-delivered or paper-based test, while the CELPIP is entirely computer-based.

The listening section on the CELPIP is more extended and has more sections than the IELTS. IELTS requires an academic essay in the writing section, whereas the CELPIP asks for a survey response. Finally, the most significant difference is in the speaking section. The CELPIP is conducted on a computer with timed tasks, while the IELTS involves a face-to-face conversation with a human examiner.

Here’s a bulleted list highlighting these key differences:

Test Format: IELTS (computer-delivered or paper-based), CELPIP (computer-based only)
Listening Section: CELPIP (longer, more sections), IELTS (shorter, fewer sections)
Writing Section: IELTS (academic essay), CELPIP (survey response)
Speaking Section: CELPIP (computer-based, timed tasks), IELTS (face-to-face with examiner)

Advantages And Disadvantages Of IELTS

While IELTS is a widely accepted examination required for study abroad, it has advantages and disadvantages, which are highlighted in the table below.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of CELPIP

CELPIP is a test for people wanting to move to Canada or become Canadian citizens. Let us learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this examination:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Focuses on English skills needed in Canada and everyday situations	May not be as well-known globally as some other English tests
Computer-based test with quick results and typing for writing	Fewer preparation resources available compared to other tests
Fast scoring, convenient for immigration or citizenship applications	Different test versions can be confusing to choose the right one
Recognised by Canadian immigration authorities	Limited test centre availability in some areas

IELTS Vs CELPIP. Which Test Is Easier?

The question of whether CELPIP or IELTS is easier remains a common one among test-takers. However, the answer depends on several factors, including your English proficiency level and analytical abilities. Both tests focus mainly on assessing your English language abilities. Whether these tests are easy or difficult depends on individual opinions, strengths, and weaknesses.

How Do I Prepare For IELTS?

As IELTS is one of the most sought-after examinations for studying abroad, staying well-prepared for the test is crucial. Multiple websites, coaching centres, online resources, and agencies can help you get the best possible score on the IELTS exam.

How Do I Prepare For CELPIP?

Individuals aiming to apply for CELPIP can begin their preparation through the available online study materials and resources. Alternatively, many agencies and coaching classes offer assistance with exam prep. There are many offline mock tests that you can take to prepare for the actual test.

Thus, while deciding between CELPIP vs IELTS, evaluating the purpose behind attempting these exams is crucial. CELPIP may be the right choice if you want to settle in Canada. However, if you plan to go to other countries, IELTS may be a better option as it is widely accepted and preferred across nations.