CELPIP vs IELTS Language Tests: What Indian Students Should Know

Nisha Menon

6 min read

Updated On Jul 18, 2024

CELPIP vs IELTS Language Tests: What Indian Students Should Know

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CELPIP vs. IELTS Language Tests: Key Differences
CELPIP vs IELTS: Which is Easier?
CELPIP vs IELTS Language Test: Which one is Most Accepted?
CELPIP vs IELTS: Score Comparison
CELPIP vs IELTS: Top 10 Accepted Countries List
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When it comes to demonstrating English proficiency, there is a major concern in choosing CELPIP vs IELTS language test for immigration, work, or study purposes. In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison of CELPIP vs IELTS to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and requirements.

CELPIP vs. IELTS Language Tests: Key Differences

CELPIP is computer-based and used mainly for immigration to Canada. While IELTS test is most preferred for wider recognition in countries.

Let's take a look at the other differences between CELPIP vs IELTS language test as it's important to understand that both of these tests serve as proficiency assessments for pursuing immigration.

Difference between CELPIP and IELTS

Alt text: Difference between CELPIP and IELTS

1. CELPIP vs IELTS Test Format

The CELPIP and IELTS test focuses primarily on Canadian English and both of these test consists of 4 components: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Refer to the table below to understand the test format and components

Feature	CELPIP	IELTS
Focus	Canadian English	British English (but also covers global English variations)
Skills Tested	Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing	Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Modules	Single test format	Two modules: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
Test Format	Entirely computerized	Paper-based or computer-based (Listening, Reading, Writing); Face-to-face (Speaking)

2. CELPIP vs IELTS: Scoring

IELTS uses a band scoring system for each section of the test, While CELPIP applies a score for each section of the test and use bands scoring. Here are the brief highlights of CELPIP vs IELTS Score

Feature	CELPIP	IELTS
Scoring Scale & Range	1 to 12 for each component	0 to 9 for each component (band scale)
Overall Score	Average of the four component scores	Average of the four component band scores
Evaluation Criteria	Pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, content	Accuracy, fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, task achievement

3. CELPIP vs IELTS: Test Duration

The CELPIP and IELTS tests have different durations and structures. Below is a detailed comparison of their time allocations.

* The CELPIP-General LS Test, which assesses only Listening and Speaking, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Test Type	Total Duration	Section Duration	Additional Notes
CELPIP-General Test	3 hours and 10 minutes	Listening & Speaking: 47-55 minutes Reading & Writing: 1 hour and 40 minutes	10-minute break between Listening and Speaking
IELTS Test	2 hours and 45 minutes	Listening: 30 minutes, Reading: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, Speaking: 11-14 minutes	Speaking section scheduled separately, up to a week before or after other sections

4. CELPIP vs IELTS: Test Availability

IELTS and CELPIP offers test dates throughout the year, providing candidates with more flexibility in choosing their preferred testing time

Feature	CELPIP	IELTS
Test Center Locations	140 locations across Canada and select international locations	Over 1,600 test locations in more than 140 countries
Acceptance	Widely accepted by Canadian immigration authorities and various Canadian academic institutions	Recognized by many immigration departments, educational institutions, and professional organizations worldwide
Test Dates	Dates available every month	4 monthly test dates and 48 fixed dates annually

5. CELPIP vs IELTS: Test Validity

CELPIP vs IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After 2 years, scores expire, and candidates would need to retake the test to provide up-to-date results.

6. CELPIP vs IELTS: Test Preparation

Feature	CELPIP	IELTS
Official Study Materials	Provides official study materials, including sample tests, online courses, and preparation tips, available for purchase on its website.	Offers official practice materials, including sample tests and preparation books, which can be purchased online (Link to purchase)
Free Resources	Offers free sample tests to give candidates an idea of the test format.	Provides sample questions and practice tests with answer keys in ebooks.

CELPIP vs IELTS: Which is Easier?

The CELPIP test focuses on Canadian topics about everyday life, making it easier for some. In contrast, IELTS covers more international topics. More reasons for this are detailed below.

Feature	CELPIP	IELTS
Recognized	Tailored for Canadian English and everyday communication skills	Globally recognized, accepted by institutions worldwide
Focus	Real-life situations and Canadian context	English usage in academic and general contexts
Content	May be slightly easier for some due to familiar content and accents	Diverse content, covering various topics and vocabulary

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CELPIP vs IELTS Language Test: Which one is Most Accepted?

IELTS language test is most accepted and widely recognized by thousands of universities, colleges, employers, and immigration authorities in over 140 countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The CELPIP test, while gaining recognition, is more prominently accepted in Canada. It is accepted by various Canadian immigration programs, academic institutions, and professional organizations. The test aligns closely with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and is specifically designed to assess language proficiency in Canadian contexts.

CELPIP vs IELTS: Score Comparison

Both CELPIP and IELTS use a scoring system to evaluate the language proficiency of test-takers. The scoring scales for these tests are different, but they aim to measure similar language skills.

The CELPIP test scores candidates on a scale of 1 to 12 for each language skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). The overall score is calculated by averaging the scores of the 4 sections, resulting in a score between 1 and 12. This score is then mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels, which range from 1 to 12 as well.

Here is the CELPIP general test score equivalency chart:

CLB LEVEL	READING	WRITING	LISTENING	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

In IELTS, the scoring system is more diverse. The test provides a band score for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), ranging from 0 to 9. The overall IELTS band score is the average of the 4 section scores, also ranging from 0 to 9. These band scores are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels.

Here is the IELTS general test score equivalency chart:

CLB LEVEL	READING	WRITING	LISTENING	SPEAKING
10	8	7.5	8.5	7.5
9	7	7	8	7
8	6.5	6.5	7.5	6.5
7	6	6	6	6
6	5	5.5	5.5	5.5
5	4	5	5	5
4	3.5	4	4.5	4

CELPIP vs IELTS: Top 10 Accepted Countries List

Both CELPIP and IELTS scores are accepted in various countries. The following list highlights the top 10 countries that recognize these tests for immigration, study, or work purposes:

Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
United States
Ireland
Germany
Singapore
France
Netherlands

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better CELPIP or IELTS?

The choice depends on your preferences and goals. CELPIP focuses on Canadian English, while IELTS is more globally recognized. Consider your specific requirements and research which test aligns best with your needs.

Is the CELPIP score equivalent to IELTS?

No, they are different tests with separate scoring systems. CELPIP scores range from 1 to 12, while IELTS scores range from 1 to 9. However, most institutions accepting one test also accept the other. Check specific score requirements for your application.

Is CELPIP accepted for PR?

Yes, CELPIP is accepted for Permanent Residency applications in Canada. Check IRCC's specific requirements for language proficiency and minimum score criteria.

Is 7 a good score in CELPIP?

Yes, a score of 7 is generally considered good. It represents a high intermediate level of proficiency. Check the score requirements of the institution or program you're applying to for their specific criteria.

Is CELPIP harder than IELTS?

The difficulty is subjective and depends on individual strengths. CELPIP focuses on Canadian English, while IELTS has a broader international context. Familiarize yourself with the test formats and practice sample questions to determine which may be more challenging for you.