EdMIUMAny candidate planning to study, work or migrate to any English-speaking nation has to write a qualifying test. But in order to know which test to take you have to know more about the tests in detail. There are various factors that are similar and different. High-level English proficiency is required to immigrate especially to Canada with a good Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Let’s learn about every bit of CELPIP vs IELTS and decide to take CELPIP or IELTS.
In this article, let us look at:
- About the Tests
- CELPIP Vs IELTS: Test format and Components
- CELPIP Vs IELTS: Which one to take?
- Preparation Materials
- Making Your Choice
1. About the Tests
CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. Both the tests are designed to measure the English language proficiency of the candidates and are accepted by Citizenship and Immigration of Canada (CIC). The test includes four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The difference between CELPIP vs IELTS is noted down:
- CELPIP Test is designed to assess key language skills required for Canadian Permanent residency and citizenship. The test uses Canadian English language. CELPIP is an entirely computer-based test which tests all the four components.
- The IELTS test is designed to assess English language skills used for study, work and immigration. The test recognizes both British and American English and uses a mix of accents from native English speakers. The exam is available in more than 140 countries and is divided into IELTS Academic and IELTS General.
Both the tests are approved and accepted by Canadian Immigration. The test scores are compared to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), which demonstrates national language standards for recognizing a second language. The test scores of IELTS Vs CELPIP scores are compared to CLB scores in the tables.
Here is the CLB to CELPIP Score comparison in the table below.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Here is the CLB to IELTS-General Score comparison in the table below.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
2. CELPIP Vs IELTS: Test format and Components
The difference between CELPIP and IELTS tests are different in various components. The components are mentioned down in the table here:
| Component | CELPIP | IELTS |
| Score Breakdown | A score of 1 to 12 for each section; calculated against Canadian Language Benchmarks | A score of 1 to 9; can be calculated in full(5.0, 6.0) or half(5.5, 6.5) bands |
| Listening | Duration: 47-55 minutesComponents: 4Questions: 38-45 | Duration: 30 minutesComponents: 4Questions: 40 |
| Reading | Duration: 55-60 minutesComponents: 7Questions: 40-46 | Duration: 60 minutesComponents: 4Questions: 40 |
| Writing | Duration: 53-60 minutesComponents: 2Writing an email and answering survey questions | Duration: 60 minutesComponents: 2Letter writing and responding point of view or argument |
| Speaking | Duration: 15-20 minutesComponents: 8Questions: 8 short answer questions | Duration: 11-14 minutesComponents: 3Questions: Introduction, Individual speech, Two way discussion |
| Details | The test time includes the transition times in the components of the test. Computer-based test | The test time excludes the transition times in the components of the test. Computer-based test and Paper Based Test |
3. CELPIP Vs IELTS: Which one to take?
The above mentioned is the difference between CELPIP and IELTS.
The IELTS exam is of two types. Academic- for candidates planning to study abroad; a General Training exam is for candidates planning to migrate to an English speaking country. The UKVI exam is specifically for candidates who need a UK Visa.
In CELPIP, you have to choose between the General Exam where you have to take a test of four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and the LS (Listening and speaking) exam. The general test is for various purposes such as applying for work in Canada whereas the LS test is specifically for Canadian Immigration.
CELPIP Score Vs IELTS score is the main point to think about. The CELPIP test has become popular in recent years. But the test centers are easily accessible across Canada. The presence has grown in major Canada immigration countries too.
To choose CELPIP or IELTS, start by practicing sample tests. You’ll understand the test components and CELPIP Vs IELTS score comparison will be understood. It is always important to know about the score and the components. This helps you to know and choose CELPIP Test vs IELTS.
4. Preparation Materials
CELPIP test and IELTS have different preparation materials available for you to understand the CELPIP vs IELTS Score along with the test style and format. It also has the advantage of learning the CELPIP Vs IELTS difficulty.
CELPIP Test is very much new compared to IELTS. It has various options to prepare for the test. You can take sample tests and practice test programs to get ready for the test.
Vs
IELTS has different practice tests and sample questions online. You can take the test and prepare on your own online.
5. Making Your Choice
There are several factors to keep in your mind while making a decision between CELPIP Vs IELTS General tests. Here are the factors mentioned:
- Location and Availability
Both the exams are available in Canada. CELPIP is offered in 33 locations across Canada, in all provinces except Prince Edward Island. IELTS has 119 locations but only in five Canadian provinces. IELTS is available out of Canada as well.
The availability of test slots is open months in advance. The frequency of the tests depends on the location of the exam.
Note: IELTS Academic is not accepted for Express Entry.
- Price
CELPIP exam price is low compared to IELTS. The cost of CELPIP-General is $265 CAD+tax. The IELTS price in Canada is $309 CAD including tax. The cost of the exam in India is 14,700 INR.
- Duration
CELPIP is a three hour long, computer based test. It is easy to track the time left for the modules. It has longer listening and speaking sections and writing is a slightly shorter section.
IELTS test is not completed in a day. Three sections of the exam (Listening, reading and writing) are conducted on the same day which is approximately 2 hour 45 minutes. Speaking test is conducted a week before or after the three component test.
- Result Time
The IELTS exam takes 13 calendar days for the result.
CELPIP exam takes 10-12 calendar days. It also has an express rating system which is available in three days for an extra $100.
- Difficulty
Both IELTS and CELPIP exams were designed to measure the English language proficiency. Both exams have approximately the same level of difficulty. However the test sections are a bit different in CELPIP and IELTS.
- Preparation
The IELTS test and CELPIP exam have different preparation methods. You can access sample tests and the preparing materials. You can check and practice the sample questions and practice materials.
CELPIP Test and IELTS general are equally important. Both the exams are given the right importance in the process of the immigration. The IELTS exam is a good choice for candidates who prefer paper based exams and a one-on-one conversation in the speaking module. CELPIP is a better choice for students who prefer only computer based tests. Both the exams are equally considered by CIC. Regardless of which exam you choose, you should have great preparation. Prepare well to get the highest marks in whichever the test you are going to give.
