CELPIP vs IELTS: Which English Test Should You Take?
Both CELPIP and IELTS are accepted for Canadian immigration, citizenship, and Express Entry. CELPIP is now also accepted by Australia's DHA for visa applications. This guide compares them in detail so you can choose the right test for your goals, save money, and maximize your score.
What Are CELPIP and IELTS?
CELPIP
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is a fully computer-based English language test developed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Originally designed for Canada, CELPIP is now also accepted by Australia's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for visa applications. IRCC accepts it for permanent residency, citizenship, and professional designation applications. There are two versions: CELPIP-General (all 4 skills, for immigration) and CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only, for Canadian citizenship).
IELTS
International English Language Testing System is a globally recognized English test managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. It has been around since 1989 and is accepted by over 12,000 organizations in 140+ countries.
There are two versions: IELTS Academic (for university admissions) and IELTS General Training (for immigration and work). For Canadian immigration, only the General Training version is accepted by IRCC.
Both tests assess the same four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your results are converted to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) levels, which IRCC uses to evaluate your language ability.
CELPIP vs IELTS: Side-by-Side Comparison
A complete breakdown of how CELPIP and IELTS differ across format, scoring, cost, availability, and more.
| Feature | CELPIP | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program | International English Language Testing System |
| Developed By | Paragon Testing Enterprises (UBC) | British Council, IDP, and Cambridge |
| Test Format | 100% computer-based | Paper-based or computer-based |
| Total Duration | ~3 hours (one sitting) | 2h 45min + separate Speaking appointment |
| Speaking Format | Record responses on a computer (private) | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
| Writing Tasks | Email + Survey Response (150-200 words each) | Letter (150 words) + Essay (250 words) |
| Listening Accents | Canadian English only | British, Australian, American, and other accents |
| Question Types | ~3 types (mostly multiple choice) | 10+ types (fill-in, matching, short answer, etc.) |
| Score Scale | 1-12 (maps directly to CLB) | Band 0-9 (with half bands) |
| Results Time | 4-5 business days | 3-5 days (computer) or 13 days (paper) |
| Test Fee (Canada) | ~CAD $290 + tax | ~CAD $322-$410 |
| Retake Wait Time | 4 days minimum | No wait required |
| Canada PR (Express Entry) | Yes (IRCC approved) | Yes (General Training only) |
| Canadian Citizenship | Yes | Yes |
| Australian Visa | Yes (DHA accepted) | Yes |
| Test Centers in Canada | 70+ | 100+ |
| Global Availability | Canada, Australia, India, Philippines, UAE, and more | 140+ countries worldwide |
CELPIP vs IELTS: Section-by-Section Comparison
How each section of the CELPIP and IELTS tests differs in format, timing, and question style.
Listening
You listen to Canadian English audio clips and answer questions after. Topics include everyday conversations, news, workplace discussions, and viewpoints. Questions appear after the audio plays.
You hear a mix of British, Australian, American, and other English accents. Recordings include conversations and monologues. You read questions before and during the audio.
Reading
Reading materials are based on Canadian life: emails, news articles, workplace memos, and diagrams. All questions are multiple choice, so spelling is not tested.
Passages come from books, magazines, newspapers, and notices. Question types include fill-in-the-blank, matching, true/false/not given, short answer, and more.
Writing
Task 1: Write an email (150-200 words) in a practical scenario. Task 2: Respond to a survey question (150-200 words) with your opinion. Both tasks reflect real Canadian situations.
Task 1: Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) of at least 150 words. Task 2: Write an essay of at least 250 words on a given topic. More academic in style.
Speaking
You record your responses on a computer. Tasks include giving advice, describing a scene, making predictions, comparing options, and expressing opinions. No human interaction during the test.
You speak face-to-face with an examiner. Part 1: Introduction and interview. Part 2: Long turn on a topic card. Part 3: Discussion. The examiner can ask follow-up questions.
CELPIP and IELTS Score to CLB Conversion Table
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) scale is what IRCC uses to evaluate your language proficiency. CELPIP scores map directly to CLB levels. IELTS scores require conversion, and each skill has a different threshold.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
| CLB Level | CELPIP Score | IELTS General Training | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | ||
| 10 | 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Key takeaway: With CELPIP, your score is your CLB level. A CELPIP 9 = CLB 9 across all skills. With IELTS, reaching CLB 9 means you need different scores in each skill (Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Listening 8.0, Speaking 7.0). Notice how IELTS Listening requires 8.0 for CLB 9 while other skills need 7.0, which catches many test takers off guard.
How Language Scores Affect Your Express Entry CRS Points
Language proficiency is the single biggest factor in your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Whether you take CELPIP or IELTS, your CRS points depend on your CLB level, not the test itself. Here is how many points you get per skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
| CLB Level (per skill) | Points (with spouse) | Points (without spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 8 | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 16 | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 22 | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 29 | 31 |
| CLB 10 or more | 32 | 34 |
Example (without spouse): Going from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all 4 skills increases your CRS by (31 - 17) × 4 = 56 points. That is a massive boost that could make the difference between receiving an invitation or not.
Maximum language points: Up to 136 points (without spouse) or 128 points (with spouse) for first official language across all 4 skills. This does not include bonus points for a second official language.
CELPIP vs IELTS: Cost Comparison in Canada
How much each test costs in Canada, including additional fees you should know about.
CELPIP Cost
- CELPIP-General (all 4 skills)~CAD $290 + tax
- CELPIP-General LS (Listening & Speaking)~CAD $195 + tax
- Additional Score ReportCAD $20 each
- Transfer FeeCAD $50 + tax
IELTS Cost
- IELTS General Training~CAD $322-$410
- Additional Score ReportCAD $25 each (5 free)
- Late RegistrationVaries by center
- Remark (Enquiry on Results)~CAD $200
Prices as of 2025. Fees may vary by province (tax rates differ) and test center location. Check the official CELPIP and IELTS websites for the most current pricing.
CELPIP vs IELTS: Which Test Is Easier?
Neither test is officially easier. Both are designed to assess the same level of English proficiency. However, your personal experience may vary depending on these factors:
CELPIP May Feel Easier If You...
- Are comfortable with computers and typing
- Prefer Canadian English accents over British or Australian
- Like multiple choice (no spelling required in Listening & Reading)
- Feel nervous speaking to a real person and prefer recording privately
- Want a simpler test format with fewer question types to learn
- Are already living in Canada and familiar with Canadian scenarios
IELTS May Feel Easier If You...
- Are used to British English from school or work
- Prefer a variety of question types (matching, true/false, short answer)
- Feel more comfortable speaking with a real person than a microphone
- Want to read questions before listening to the audio
- Are experienced with essay writing and longer writing tasks
- Have been preparing with IELTS materials for a long time already
The best way to find out which test suits you is to try practice tests for both. Try free CELPIP practice questions and compare how you feel with the format.
8 Reasons to Choose CELPIP for Canadian Immigration
If Canada is your destination, CELPIP was built specifically for your journey.
One Sitting, No Scheduling Hassles
With CELPIP, you complete all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) in a single 3-hour session. IELTS may require you to come back on a different day for the Speaking test.
Private, Stress-Free Speaking Test
CELPIP lets you record your Speaking responses on a computer in a private setting. Many test takers find this less intimidating than speaking face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.
Scores Map Directly to CLB
Your CELPIP score is your CLB level. A CELPIP 9 equals CLB 9. With IELTS, you need to convert band scores for each skill separately, and the math is not always intuitive.
Faster Results for Tight Deadlines
CELPIP results come in 4-5 business days. If you took the paper-based IELTS, you would wait up to 13 days. Computer-based IELTS is faster (3-5 days), but availability varies.
Canadian English Only
You only hear Canadian English accents in CELPIP. No guessing through unfamiliar British, Australian, or other accents that appear in IELTS Listening recordings.
Real Canadian Scenarios
CELPIP questions are built around life in Canada: workplace emails, community conversations, Canadian news. The content feels relevant to what you will actually experience after immigration.
Fewer Question Types to Learn
CELPIP uses about 3 question types (mainly multiple choice and drop-downs). IELTS has over 10 different question formats, so there is more test strategy to learn.
No Spelling Penalties in Listening & Reading
CELPIP Listening and Reading sections are entirely multiple choice. You select your answer from a list. IELTS requires you to spell answers correctly in fill-in-the-blank questions.
When Should You Choose IELTS Instead?
IELTS may be a better fit if:
- You are applying to a country other than Canada or Australia. IELTS is accepted in 140+ countries and by over 12,000 organizations worldwide. (Note: CELPIP is now DHA-accepted for Australian visas too.)
- You need an Academic module for university admission. Many universities require IELTS Academic specifically, not General Training or CELPIP.
- CELPIP test centers are not available in your country. IELTS has a much wider global presence with test centers worldwide.
- You prefer speaking with a real person. Some people perform better in a face-to-face conversation than recording into a microphone.
- You want a paper-based option. CELPIP is computer-only. IELTS still offers paper-based testing in many locations.
If Canada is your destination, CELPIP is the most focused choice. Want to prepare for IELTS instead? Visit ielts-prep.ai for dedicated IELTS practice.
How to Prepare for CELPIP and Get a High Score
A proven study plan that works whether you have 2 weeks or 2 months before your test.
Take a Mock Exam First
Start with a full-length mock exam to see where you stand. This reveals your baseline CLB level and shows exactly which skills need the most work.
Try a Mock Exam →Focus on Weak Areas
If your Speaking or Writing is weak, spend more time there since they have the most room for quick improvement with the right feedback.
Practice Questions →Use AI Feedback Daily
Submit Speaking and Writing responses and get instant AI scoring. Learn from the detailed feedback and sample answers at every CLB level.
Try AI Scoring →Simulate Test Day
Take 2-3 full mock exams under real conditions. No breaks, strict timing. This builds your stamina and eliminates test-day surprises.
Full Mock Exams →