Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program 2022

• Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of The University of British Columbia (UBC), was created in 2009 to commercialize the university’s English language proficiency tests.
• Paragon’s mission is to make its English language proficiency tests the tests of choice for those wishing to immigrate to Canada, become Canadian citizens, or study in Canada at all levels.
• Paragon administers Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Test although it focuses on the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test and the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) Test as well.
• The CELPIP Tests are Canada`s leading general English tests for immigration, citizenship, and professional designation.
• The CELPIP Tests are officially accepted by several governments, professional organizations, colleges, universities, and employers.
• The CELPIP Test allows test takers to demonstrate their ability to function in English.
• The test clearly, accurately, and precisely assesses a test taker’s English abilities in a variety of situations, such as communicating with co-workers and superiors in the workplace, interacting with friends, understanding newscasts, and interpreting and responding to written materials.
• Each component of the test is given a CELPIP Level and there is no pass or fail in the test.
• The score validity period of CELPIP is 2 years from the date of the test.

Types of CELPIP

• There are two types of CELPIP tests to choose from.
• Test takers must confirm which version of the test they are required to take.

CELPIP General Test:

• The CELPIP - General test is the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved test which evaluates test taker’s English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• It is officially designated for permanent residence applications and also accepted for professional designations.

CELPIP-General LS Test:

• The CELPIP - General LS is the IRCC approved test which evaluates test takers English listening and speaking skills.
• It is officially designated for citizenship applications and also accepted for professional designations.

Exam Highlights

CELPIP General Test:

• General total test time is about 3 hours and is done in one sitting.
• The CELPIP - General Test has four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• Unscored Items: The Listening and Reading Tests contain unscored items used for test development.
• These unscored items can be found anywhere within the Listening and Reading Tests and will have the same format as the scored items.
• Candidates will not be able to tell scored items from unscored items, so they need to apply their best effort to the entire test.

1. Listening:

• • Time: 47-55minutes
  • of Questions: 39 multiple choice questions
  • Test takers will be required to read answer choices in the Listening Test.
  • The Listening paper is divided into 7 components:
    • Practice Task
    • Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
    • Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
    • Part 3: Listening for Information
    • Part 4: Listening to a News Item
    • Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
    • Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints

2. Reading:

• • Time: 55-60minutes
  • of Questions: 39 multiple choice questions
  • The Reading paper is divided into 5 components:
    • Practice Task
    • Part 1: Reading Correspondence
    • Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram
    • Part 3: Reading for Information
    • Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

3. Writing:

• • Time: 53-60minutes
  • of Questions: 2
  • The Reading paper is divided into 2 tasks:
    • Task 1: Writing an Email
    • Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

4. Speaking:

• • Time: 15-20minutes
  • of Questions: 9 multiple choice questions
  • Test takers will be required to read answer choices in the Speaking Test.
  • The Reading paper is divided into 9 tasks:
    • Practice Task
    • Task 1: Giving Advice
    • Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
    • Task 3: Describing a Scene
    • Task 4: Making Predictions
    • Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
    • Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
    • Task 7: Expressing Opinions
    • Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP General LS Test:

• CELPIP - General LS total test time is about 1 hour 10 minutes and is done in one sitting.
• The CELPIP - General LS Test has two components: Listening and Speaking.
• Unscored Items: The Listening Test contains unscored items used for test development.
• These unscored items can be found anywhere within the Listening Test and will have the same format as the scored items.
• Candidates will not be able to tell scored items from unscored items, so they need to apply their best effort to the entire test.

1. Listening:

• • Time: 47-55minutes
  • of Questions: 39 multiple choice questions
  • Test takers will be required to read answer choices in the Listening Test.
  • The Listening paper is divided into 7 components:
    • Practice Task
    • Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
    • Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
    • Part 3: Listening for Information
    • Part 4: Listening to a News Item
    • Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
    • Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints

2. Speaking:

• • Time: 15-20minutes
  • of Questions: 9 multiple choice questions
  • Test takers will be required to read answer choices in the Speaking Test.
  • The Reading paper is divided into 9 tasks:
    • Practice Task
    • Task 1: Giving Advice
    • Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
    • Task 3: Describing a Scene
    • Task 4: Making Predictions
    • Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
    • Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
    • Task 7: Expressing Opinions
    • Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

How do I register for a test?

• Online (Recommended)
• By mail (For registrations in Canada only)
  • Download a CELPIP Registration Form.
  • Complete and submit the CELPIP Registration Form by mail.
• In person at the CELPIP Head Office in Vancouver, British Columbia, or at the Paragon Office in Toronto, Ontario
• Test takers may note that CELPIP Test Centres do not process any registration applications. 
• All registrations are completed through Paragon’s CELPIP Office by any of the methods listed above.

Important Note

• No walk-in registration for the CELPIP Test.
• It is recommended that test takers have to register well in advance because test centres have limited capacity and registration requests are processed in the order in which they are received.
• To take the CELPIP Test, test takers must be familiar with using a computer mouse and keyboard.
• If test takers are under 18, they may fill out the CELPIP Registration Form for Minors.
• To register at one of the head offices, test takers are required to present acceptable, original and valid (unexpired) identification. 

Fee Structure

CELPIP General: CAD$280+ Taxes

CELPIP General LS: CAD$195+ Taxes

• The exam authority accept the following forms of payment:
  • Online: VISA®, MasterCard®, American Express®,  PayPal®
  • By Mail: Money Orders
  • If test takers do not have a credit card for online payment, the exam authority recommend prepaid credit cards such as Mastercard® Prepaid Cards or Visa® Gift Cards. Full payment must be made with one card only.
  • Test takers can register and pay in person at either of our head offices which are located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario.

Experts belong to Edunews have spared time on the question paper of CELPIP (both tests), studied it carefully, keeping in view its notification which consists of pattern. The experts have offered comments mainly to motivate test takers to appear for the test with confidence. The paper on Listening and Speaking are common in both the tests.

Listening: As notified in the pattern, Listening has a practice task in which test takers have to listen to the recording and indicate the closest meaning of such recorded statement. As per the pattern, test takers can find 6 different parts in the question paper; a brief observation is given-

Part 1: It contains a conversation which is divided into 3 sections, each section having 2 or 3 questions. The examiner testifies the problem solving skill of the test takers, therefore they have to listen to the conversation within the time and answer the close meaning of it given under multiple choices.

Part 2: It contains a daily life conversation among workers. Test takers have to listen to such conversation and answer 5 questions given at the end; of course they can comprehend the multiple choice questions carefully and select the best.

Part 3: It contains listening for information which is by way of interviewing. Test takers have to listen to such interview carefully and answer six questions diligently. Here also test takers can view multiple choice answers and write the best.

Part 4: It contains listening to news items. Test Takers have to listen to the recording and complete the statement. They can find 5 questions under this part, after listening, the can identify the best out of multiple choices and fill in the blanks.

Part 5: It contains an exercise on discussion, which can be viewed by the test takers through a video. After watching the video, they have to answer 8 questions, for which they can view the multiple choice answers and select the best to complete the statement.

Part 6: It contains listening to viewpoints in which test takers can observe the report within the time and answer six questions. They can view the multiple choices carefully and choose the best to complete the sentence.

The level of questions in Listening is apparently moderate for the candidates who are in constant touch with the task.

Reading: Test takers find one practice task and 4 different parts under reading. In case of the practice task, they find a passage and they are expected to complete the sentence given at the end of the task based on the options. For this purpose, they have to be diligent in selecting the right option.

Part 1: It contains an email message under which test takers find 11 questions. They have to complete the sentence with the support of drop down options.

Part 2: It contains a pictorial diagram, in which candidates have to email message and make an effort to fill in the blanks. They find 8 questions relating to the diagram and give answers both by filling the blank and complete the sentence with appropriate answer.

Part 3: It contains a passage which is depicted in 4 paragraphs (A-D) and E is not connected to any of the paragraphs. Candidates find 9 questions and they have to answer the questions using A, B, C, D or E whichever is applicable.

Part 4: It contains the viewpoint of a website with 10 questions. Test takers have to view it very carefully and identify the appropriate answers so as to complete the sentence or fill in the blanks.

The level of questions in Reading is apparently moderate for the candidates who are in constant touch with the task.

Writing: There are 2 tasks in writing –

Task 1: In this case, test takers find a passage, based on which they have to develop an email highlighting the problems to be resolved in 150-200 words.

Task 2: It contains a situational passage with 2 options. The test takers have to read the situational passage carefully and select any one of them by giving proper justification stating very clearly why they preferred a particular option.

The level of questions is bit tricky, since many of the test takers might not give proper justification. The level is therefore bit challenging.

Speaking: In case of Speaking, test takers can find one practice task and 8 tasks on which they are expected to speak. In practice task, test takers have to speak about on a topic given in the question paper which they have to perform judiciously in one minute.

          Task 1: Test takers have to advice based on the given situation.

Task 2: Test takers have to come out with the personal experience on the basis of a situation.

Task 3: Test takers have to describe a particular scene on the basis of a picture given.

Task 4: They have to proper predictions highlighting the prospective and the consequences based on the picture given in task 3.

Task 5: They have to compare the options given and persuade others justifying why the option selected is the best.

Task 6: It has a difficult situation with two different options by which test takers have to select the best to address the problem is such situations.

Task 7: It provides an opportunity for the test takers to express their opinion by giving proper justification.

Task 8: Test takers have to describe a problem emanated in an unusual situation based on the picture. They can solicit the views of others by which they can take appropriate decision to resolve the problem.

The level of questions under speaking is blended with moderate to challenging, the experts therefore advice the test takers to practice the previous question paper, gain confidence and appear for the test without any hassle.

• CELPIP calendar is notified for the year 2022.
• Registration for a test sitting will close either one business day before the test or once the sitting has reached maximum capacity.
• CELPIP is held multiple times every month in various slots.
• CELPIP is conducted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday based on the requisition of the test takers.
• Candidates are advised to visit the official website of CELPIP to have proper information about the date and day of their exam.

• CELPIP-General is suitable for people who need proof of English-language skills when applying for permanent resident status in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Start-up Visa Program, and various Provincial Nominee Programs, or for employment.
• CELPIP-General LS is suitable for people who need proof of listening and speaking proficiency for Canadian citizenship. 

• Each component of the CELPIP-General Test and the CELPIP-General LS Test is given a CELPIP level.
• Below is a chart of each CELPIP level and its corresponding description.
• Since the CELPIP test scores have been calibrated against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, the exam authority has included the CLB level equivalencies for information of the test takers.

Speaking Performance Standards:

• The speaking components of the CELPIP-General Test are scored by qualified raters trained to apply consistent criteria to assess test taker performances based on standard scoring rubrics.
• Raters receive ongoing training and regular monitoring.
• Paragon uses rater agreement statistics to determine the quality of ratings

Writing Performance Standards:

• The writing components of the CELPIP-General Test are scored by qualified raters trained to apply consistent criteria to assess test taker performances based on standard scoring rubrics.
• Raters receive ongoing training and regular monitoring.
• Paragon uses rater agreement statistics to determine the quality of ratings.

ListeningApproximate Scores and Levels:

• All the answers to CELPIP Listening questions are scored dichotomously: a response is either correct or incorrect.
• Questions that are left blank are scored as incorrect. All the scoring is done by computer.
• This example chart shows how scores in the Listening Test approximately correspond to CELPIP Levels.
• Since questions may have different levels of difficulty and may therefore be equated differently, the raw score required for a certain level may vary slightly from one test to another.

Reading Approximate Scores and Levels:

• All the answers to CELPIP Reading questions are scored dichotomously: a response is either correct or incorrect.
• This example chart shows how scores in the Reading Test approximately correspond to CELPIP Levels.
• Since questions may have different levels of difficulty and may therefore be equated differently, the raw score required for a certain level may vary slightly from one test to another.

• CELPIP exams are conducted in six countries namely UAE, Philippines, USA, India, China and Canada.
• The centers in the above countries have also been identified.
• CELPIP exam authority may hold the exam in other countries also on the basis of the requisition of the concerned countries.
• Candidates are advised to visit the official website of CELPIP to get the location of the centers in which they intend to appear for the exam.

• CELPIP Test scores are available online through test taker’s CELPIP Account in 4-5 calendar days after their test date.
• Two print copies of CELPIP Official Score Report will be mailed to test taker’s registered address via Canada Post
• They will receive an email notification once their scores are available.
• CELPIP Test scores can be accessed and viewed online in CELPIP Account for a period of 2 years from test date.

Regular Rating

• Regular Rating is included in test fees, and is the default way to receive scores.
• Estimated delivery time for print copies of score reports is 4-10 business days after scores are made available online.

Additional Score Reports and Priority Shipping 

• Test takers may pay a fee of $20.00 CAD eachto order for additional CELPIP Official Score Reports.
• Priority Shipping is available for an additional fee and a tracking number will be provided.
• Additional score reports are only available for tests that have been taken within the last 2 years.
• The length of time that the scores are considered valid by various institutions, however, is determined by their individual policies.
• Test takers can obtain this information from these institutions.

Re-evaluation Request

• Test takers can apply for a re-evaluation of some or all components of their CELPIP-General Test within six months of the test date.
• Interested test takers must pay a re-evaluation fee at the time of their application that depends on which components of the test they would like re-evaluated.
• If the CELPIP-General level changes for any component that has been re-evaluated, the re-evaluation fee for this component will be refunded.
• Test takers may note that there is a limit of one re-evaluation for any particular component of the test.
• Re-evaluation requests are final and cannot be cancelled once the request has been submitted.
• Test takers who apply for a re-evaluation of their test results will be notified of the results of the re-evaluation in approximately one to two weeks of submission of their application and payment of the re-evaluation fee.
• They may note that requesting a re-evaluation of the Listening and Reading components is unlikely to result in a change in their scores as they are computer rated.

Rating Procedure

• All tests are randomly assigned to raters by an online system.
• Test taker anonymity is maintained at all times.
• Each test taker’s performance, i.e. a test taker’s responses to all tasks in the component, is assessed by multiple raters.
• Each CELPIP speaking performance is rated by a minimum of three speaking raters, and each CELPIP writing performance is rated by a minimum of four writing raters.
• Raters work independently of one another, and have no knowledge of the ratings assigned by other raters.

Rating criteria:

• The rating dimensions that have been developed for the writing and speaking component are listed in the Performance Standards section.
• Each dimension is divided into five performance levels. Performance descriptors are provided for each level in each dimension.
• Raters assign a level in each dimension by identifying tangible evidence in the test taker’s performance that matches the descriptors in the rating scale.

Benchmarking:

• When the ratings of a test taker’s performance are complete, they are inspected for agreement.
• If the ratings are in disagreement, a benchmark rate is automatically assigned to assess the performance.

Determination of the final score:

• The Speaking and Writing component scores are derived from the dimensional ratings assigned by the raters.
• These scores are then transformed into a CELPIP level.
• The transformation rules have been established by English language experts who participated in a standard setting exercise.
• Standard setting is an extensive, research-based process.
• The experts then analyze the test in detail and determine what level of performance a test taker needs to demonstrate for each CELPIP level.
• This process has established a defensible link between each Speaking and Writing component score and its corresponding CELPIP level.

• Once registered, test takers will be emailed a test confirmation email.
• They must make sure to bring a digital or print copy of the email.
• The test confirmation email will include the following information:
  • Registration Number
  • Name: Test takers have to make sure that it is spelled exactly the same as on their identification.
  • Sitting Information:Test takers must carefully check the address of the testing centre, and the date and time of the test.
  • Identification Requirements: Information about what identification documents they are required to bring on test day.

Exam day Guidelines:

What to Bring on Test Day?

1. Valid Photo Identification

• On test day, test takers must bring the original, valid identification that they used to register for the test, and they must present this identification at check-in.
• If the identification document that they bring with them on test day does not meet the following requirements, they will not be allowed to take the test, and they will not be able to transfer their test or receive a refund.
• Expired identification documents will not be accepted.
• If identification document is set to expire before the test, test takers must renew it before registering.
• Test takers are required to bring any one of the following kinds of photo identification for the CELPIP Tests. Other documents will not be accepted under any circumstances.

*Expired refugee protection claimant documents must be pre-approved by the office of the exam authority every time test takers register for a test. For approval, they may send a scan or picture of their expired Refugee protection claimant document by email to [email protected]. Expired refugee protection claimant documents that are not pre-approved by the office of the exam authoritymay not be accepted on test day. No refunds or transfers will be given for refused entries.

**A Travel Document refers to the following documents specifically:

• Refugee Travel Document
• Certificate of Identity

The following documents are not Travel Documents and are not accepted for the CELPIP Test:

• NEXUS Card
• Work Permit
• Record of Landing
• Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility

If test takers have any questions about acceptable identification, they may contact the exam conducting authority or email them at [email protected].

2. Test Confirmation Email

Test Day Procedures

Check-in:

• Test takers must arrive 45 MINUTESprior to the test. Latecomers will be denied entrance to the test and will NOT be eligible for a refund or transfer.
• Test takers must bring the original, valid identification that they used to register for the test. If they do not have valid identification, they will not be allowed to take the test.
• It is recommended that they use the washroom before checking in.
• Test taker’s original, valid photo identification will be scanned.
• Their identification is the only personal belonging allowed in the test room.
• All other belongings are considered prohibited materials in the test room and must be stored in a personal belongings bag or locker at the test centre.
• All electronic devices must be switched off before being stored. Test takers are advised not to bring any valuables on test day. Neither Paragon Testing Enterprises nor the test centre is liable for lost or stolen items.
• Test takers will be asked for their signature.
• Test center take test taker’s picture. Test taker’s face must be fully visible. They will be asked to remove anything on their head unless worn for religious or medical purposes. If they refuse, they may be denied entrance to the test and will not be eligible for a refund or transfer. The picture will be printed on their score report.
• After they have checked in, they will be seated in the test room.
• Once they are in the test room, they may not leave their seat unescorted.

During the test

• Test takers may be able to hear other test takers speaking or typing.
• The sound of other test takers submitting their responses is a standard test room condition.
• They will be provided with a pen and notepaper, which must be returned at the end of the test.
• Their workstation will have a standard QWERTY English keyboard.
• Cellphones and other prohibited materials are not permitted in the test room.
• If they need anything during the test, such as extra notepaper or a washroom break, raise your hand. They are not to communicate with other test takers in the test room or leave their seat unescorted. Their test time does not stop for any reason, including washroom breaks.
• If they need a special accommodation for their test—including accessibility equipment, beverages, or snacks in the test room—they must submit a Special Accommodations Request Form, which can be found on the Request Forms page.
• All special accommodations must be preapproved by Paragon Testing Enterprises.

After the test

• Test takers are to report any issues that occur during their test to the test centre personnel immediately.
• If there is an issue that may have affected their results, they must report it to Paragon Testing Enterprises within 48 hours of their test.
• Test centre personnel will provide a contact card upon request. No corrective action will be taken for problems that are reported after scores have been released or more than 48 hours after the test sitting, whichever comes first.

Prohibited Materials

• Test takers will be asked during check-in to store all personal belongings in a personal property bag or locker.
• The only item they can bring into the test room is their identification document.
• The following items are not allowed in the test room.
• If test takers are found to have any of these items with them during the test, they may be removed from the test room, and their scores may be cancelled by Paragon Testing Enterprises:
  • Cellphones, mobile devices, or any electronic devices
  • Fitness tracking devices
  • Watches of any kind, including smartwatches
  • Test preparation materials
  • Study notes or paper of any kind
  • Pens, pencils, or other writing instruments
  • Dictionaries
  • Large, bulky jewellery
  • Heavy coats, jackets, or sweaters
  • Clothing accessories, such as hats, hoods, scarves, gloves, etc., unless worn for religious or medical purposes
  • Dangerous or illegal materials
  • Firearms or weapons
• The proper authorities will be notified if test takers are found in possession of dangerous or illegal materials.

Prohibited Behaviour

• The following behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the removal of the test taker from the test room or test centre:
  • Removing, or attempting to remove, test materials from the test room
  • Behaving in a disruptive, aggressive, or violent manner
  • Attempting to communicate in any way with another test taker
  • Using prohibited materials during the test
  • Failing to follow the test day procedures set out by the test centre personnel
  • Eating or drinking in the test room, including chewing gum
  • Consuming any form of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs

Additional notes

• The sequence of test day procedures may vary between test centres.
• If a test is cancelled or refunded, Paragon Testing Enterprises is not responsible for any expenses incurred for travel or accommodation.

Important Warning about Cheating

• Cheating on the CELPIP Test may cancel their test results.
• Paragon considers cheating to include any action (i.e., memorizing test answers based on questions from previous CELPIP Tests, or submitting a false score report to a government agency or other organization) that will help them gain an unfair advantage on the CELPIP Test.
• These actions may result in severe consequences.
• Paragon reserves the right to report a suspected cheater to a government agency (i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) or other organization that the test taker is applying to for investigation and enforcement.

Vancouver:

Address:

110-2925 Virtual Way, Vancouver, BC V5M 4X5, Canada

Office Hours:

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT