CELPIP-General: the complete test outline

What CELPIP-General measures

CELPIP-General measures the English used in Canadian workplace, community, and everyday situations. It covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking and is designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence applications.

The entire test is delivered on a computer at a test centre. Listening and Reading are answered on screen, Writing is typed, and Speaking is recorded through a headset microphone. There is no separate speaking interview and no second appointment.

Format, order, and timing

The components appear in this order: Listening, Reading, Writing, then Speaking. Each component has its own clock. The full sitting takes under three hours.

Listening, Reading, and Speaking begin with an unscored practice task. The practice task lets you learn the screen and response controls before scored work begins.

Listening: six parts, 38 scored questions

Listening starts with one unscored practice question, followed by six parts. You listen to conversations, reports, discussions, and viewpoints, then read the on-screen answer choices and select the best response.

The important shift across the component is perspective. Early parts ask you to track a practical problem or conversation. Later parts require you to separate speakers, positions, supporting reasons, and implied attitudes.

Reading: four parts, 38 scored questions

Reading also begins with one unscored practice question. Its four parts move from a personal message to mixed text-and-visual information, a longer informational text, and contrasting viewpoints.

Reading to Apply a Diagram combines written information with a schedule, brochure, notice, or other visual source. Reading for Viewpoints asks you to distinguish claims, reasons, tone, and the relationships between opinions.

Writing: two responses in 53 minutes

Writing contains two tasks. Task 1 gives you 27 minutes to write an email about an everyday matter. Task 2 gives you 26 minutes to choose one of two survey options and explain why your choice is better. Each response should contain 150–200 words.

The writing screen includes a word counter, spellcheck, and basic editing tools. Both responses are judged on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment. A complete answer must address the exact situation, use a suitable tone, organize its ideas, and stay readable under time pressure.

Speaking: eight recorded tasks in 15 minutes

Speaking begins with a recording check and an unscored practice task. The eight scored prompts then run on automatic preparation and recording timers. You read each prompt on screen, organize your response during the preparation period, and speak when recording begins.

The task changes, but the scoring dimensions stay consistent: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, and Task Fulfillment. Listenability covers grammar, fluency, rhythm, pronunciation, and intonation. Task Fulfillment covers whether the response follows the instructions, fits the audience, and achieves its purpose.

How unscored items work

Listening and Reading may contain unscored content used to develop future tests. These items can appear anywhere in either component and use the same format as scored questions. The interface does not identify them.

The time for unscored content is already included in the component clock. Treat every Listening and Reading question as scored and use the same decision process throughout.

How CELPIP scoring works

You receive a separate CELPIP Level for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Listening and Reading are computer-rated from correct answers. Writing and Speaking are assessed by qualified raters against the published performance dimensions.

CELPIP Levels run from 0 to 12. Levels 3 through 12 align directly with the same Canadian Language Benchmark number. Level 2 covers CLB 1–2. Levels 0 and 1 indicate insufficient information to assess the skill at a higher benchmark.

Scores are posted online in the CELPIP account in 2–4 business days. The official score report is available as a PDF, and CELPIP scores remain valid for two years from the score report date.

What test day feels like

Arrive 45 minutes before the scheduled test and bring the original, valid identification used for registration. Check-in closes 15 minutes before the start time. Your identification is the only personal belonging allowed in the test room; electronic devices and other belongings are stored outside the room.

At the workstation, you receive a standard QWERTY English keyboard, a pen, and notepaper. Other test takers will type and record Speaking responses in the same room, so hearing voices and keyboard noise is normal. The test clock keeps running during a washroom break.

The full flow

1. Check in, store belongings, complete identity and security procedures.
2. Take Listening and Reading with their practice questions and scored parts.
3. Type both Writing responses using the on-screen word counter and timer.
4. Check the recording device, complete the Speaking practice task, and record all eight responses.
5. Submit the test and leave all supplied notepaper at the centre.